According to the department of transport, while only 20 to 25 percent of the trial takers made it through in the beginning, the rate slightly improved to 35 percent after a few weeks. [break]
In contrast, over 80 percent of people got through the test before the new trial was introduced in April this year. Getting license has indeed become harder, thanks to the tougher test and strict monitoring against any foul play during the trial. "The harder test will show good results though it will take some time for the change to be visible," according to the Technical Director of the department Sharad Adhikari.
“Though it was late in coming, the new trial system will ensure that the new generation of riders would drive more safely as they are issued license only after passing the scientific and internationally accepted test,” he said. “There will definitely be fewer accidents that can be linked to the negligence of motorcyclists and motorists. At present, the new trial system is applied only in the Bagmati Zone. It will go national soon.”
Fully agrees DSP Pawan Giri, spokesperson of the Metropolitan Traffic Division. “The new trial tests presence of mind and sensitivity of the license-seekers. Test takers go through six stages of tests, which fully ascertains their skills and sense of responsibility,” Giri said.
Earlier, two-wheelers would have to pass through poles kept a few feet apart and four-wheelers had to make a T formation to pass the test. Now both are required 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-wheelers 10.
“The trial meets the international standard,” Adhikary says. Bikash Rana from Anamnagar, who failed the trial on Monday, however, does not agree that all the provisions related to the trial are scientific. According to the student at Tri-Chandra College, is it very impractical that someone who has failed the trial has to wait for 3 months for another attempt. “It is such a waste of time. Why should we wait for so long?” he said. Rana is also not happy that the trial is too lengthy and strict. “There are so many stages in the trail. They do not relent even in case of slight error. I had passed all the steps, but they failed me because my motorcycle moved an inch ahead of the line at the slope.”
Sthaneshwor Dhungana, who is among the transport department staff overseeing the trial since a month, sympathizes with Rana.
“Actually, many feel that way,” says Dhungana, who is also a very well known cyclist and environmentalist. According to him, even seemingly good motorists have been unsuccessful.
“The test standard is high and people hardly have objection to it. The new generation has no problem with the trial. But they are disappointed when even very minor mistake is not considered,” Dhungana said. “The number of trail passers is gradually rising.”
The credit also goes to driving schools that have developed their own practice spots simulating the real trial venue, claims Dambar Thapa of DB Motor Training Center in Maharajgunj.
Hundreds have taken driving lessons from his one-and-a-half decade old driving school.
Thapa said he was nervous when the new trial method was announced. “We were not against it; however, we were worried about immediately constructing a practice area for learners. It would not bode well for our business if those who take lessons with us fail their tests as they pay us good training fee,” says Thapa. He added that his driving school lost no time in building a suitable practice site after learning about the change.
“There was a huge flow of students coming to our driving school as we were offering best facility for practicing to get through the new trial. Yet, it is still much challenging for girls and women as they are more fragile biologically and get more affected while repeatedly practicing to make an 8.”
Adhikari, however, argued that the trail is internationally practiced and the women and girls in other countries take the same test. "If they can do it, why not the women in Nepal?" says Adhikari.
“Moreover, results show that girls and women are equally comfortable during the test.”
"Around 350 people are getting driving license in a week from Bagmati Zone, among them 40 percent are women," informs Adhikari.
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