Refresher Training Compulsory For Drivers
The State Home Department has issued an order making one-day refresher training compulsory for heavy vehicle drivers turning for renewal or endorsement in their driving licences. It will be effective from October 1, 2008. The Home Department in its GO MS No 604 dated May 26 quoting the proposal of the Transport Commissioner, C.P. Singh, pointed out that during 2007 alone as many as 10,036 people had lost their lives in 59,140 road accidents. Mr. Singh in his proposal had also pointed out that with 99.89 lakh vehicles, Tamil Nadu is second in vehicular population in the country. The vehicular population in the State was increasing by 10 per cent to 11 per cent annually, the GO added.The GO quoting the proposals of the Transport Commissioner pointed out that 96 per cent of the accidents were because of errors by drivers of heavy vehicles. At present, heavy vehicle drivers were being subjected to tests to check their ability and efficiency only at the time of issuance of licence. The development of driving skills through one-day refresher trainings could be imparted to the heavy vehicle drivers when they turn up either for renewal of licence or an endorsement in their licence.
Such training could be imparted through recognised driving schools, the Transport Commissioner had suggested. Those applying for renewal of licence or endorsement should have undergone the training within the last six months of applying. The Road Transport Institute, Taramani, Chennai, will design the course curriculum and institutes recognised by the Transport Commissioner alone would impart the training and give certificates.
