The test takers will need to spend much more time for the test compared to those in the past. The reason: the Department of Transport Management has introduced international level driving test both for two and four wheelers. [break]
While in the past two-wheelers snaked through poles kept a few feet apart and four-wheelers made a T formation to pass the test, now both would have to drive on a 8-shaped path that would be followed by five more tests to prove that they are fit to get the license.
The trial for license begins with moving the vehicle on the 8-shaped path without touching the outlines. After that, the test takers need to move towards a zebra crossing where they will stop or move ahead depending on the traffic lights. The test is followed by a plank test where the vehicle should move smoothly and safely.
While attempting all this, the test takers should not forget to use their sidelights at each turns.
Next, there is a rump test in which the license seekers are supposed to stop at two points making sure that their vehicles does not move backward or forward more than 6 inches. The rump test is followed by a bump test, where one should drive on smoothly.
In order to complete all this, two-wheelers are given 5 minutes, and four-wheeler 10.
The trial meets the international standard, say DoTM officials. “It tests not only the skills but also the presence of mind of license seekers. Passing the test means one is really fit to get a license,” said technical director of the department, Sharad Adhikari.
In the words of Adhikari, the trial process of the past was designed locally, whereas the new one has been "imported."
“We studied the system followed by others abroad and in SAARC countries and modified the process for the better,” Adhikari said.
“The trial is not that tough. It is just that people will have to spend some more time practicing for the test,” he added.
Sabitri Thapa, a driving teacher for 23 year disagrees. She has found that girls have serious problem with such kinds of test.
“The girls feel giddy while practicing to make an eight. They have to do it again and again to become perfect and it is really difficult. Even I felt dizzy while trying it,” Thapa said. At present, she is coaching 25 girls to ride scooter at her D B motor training center in Maharajgunj.
“In case of girls, they are likely to feel very low during their menstruation period, and even otherwise, girls often have weaker health. I feel trial for them should be easier,” she said.
Adhikari however maintains that there is no separate rule for girls anywhere in the world. “If girls can do it in other parts of the world, why can´t they do it here? It is not a big deal. Why the driving institutes are dissatisfied is because fewer will pass the trial now which may hamper their business. But we are sure that the new rule will make drivers more disciplined.”
Metropolitan Traffic Police Division spokesperson Pawan Giri stressed that the new rule would bring about good results and that it should have been introduced much earlier. “Around 86 percent of accidents are caused by negligence and ignorance of drivers. Our sole aim is to make the drivers more careful, more knowledgeable and responsible so that they drive more safely,” he said. “Now we are going to be stricter against those who violate rules. You know, our traffic system is the weakest in entire South Asia, though it has improved a bit of late. We should raise the bar now.”
According to Giri, the trial test would be introduced in other regions of the country in a month or two.
New rules through be for good
Sunil Lama, Armed Police Force I have been practicing here since yesterday. I have not yet sat for written examination, but hope to get through all this within a month. I had seen this sort of trial when I was in Liberia. Though it looks harder at first, it is not so. I tried it for a few times and now I am comfortable with the rules. But the problem with this system is that such infrastructure may not be available for everyone nearby their locality to practice it. Earlier you could practice for the trail even with help of few bricks or sticks. Now one needs to cross several stages. It would be better if people get to practice under similar conditions.
Rajkumar Parajuli, Student I have heard that the new trail is quite hard. But I think it is all for good. Some of my friends are trying to get license from Chitwan and other districts as they think the new rules would be enforced there in future. In fact, in Chitwan "buying" license is easy. I am confident that I can pass the test here only. When there is a new rule it should obviously be for good. But until and unless the traffic is strict and honest, the rule alone cannot do anything. Monitoring is very necessary as wrongdoers always manage to find ways to circumvent rules.
Dambar Thapa, driving instructor It has been more than two decades that I am in this field. According to me, the new trial is not good for girls. For boys, it is ok. Another thing is that there is shortage of traffic police in the Valley. So the problems will remain no matter how hard they try. The traffic police have failed to deter young boys from rough riding or removing silencer that causes noise pollution. On the other hand, the microbus drivers seem to be too young. How did they get the license at such a young age? They drive dangerously. Only making trial stricter is not going to change things.
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