PUNE: Close to 20% applicants, who have given the online test and got their learner’s licence, never apply or attempt to get a permanent licence, according to deputy RTO Sanjay Sasane.
Data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) from April to November this year indicates that while every month saw a large number of people getting their learner’s licence, the number of those given permanent licences was very few.
In June, while 1,093 learner’s licences were issued by the Pune RTO, the number of permanent licences given stood at 619.
Similarly, in July, while the RTO issued 4,459 learner’s licences, just 2,755 permanent licences were issued. In August, September, October and November, the numbers were much higher.
As many as 10,847, 25,230, 25,523 and 24,570 learner’s licences were issued in these four months, respectively. But permanent licences handed out were 3,924, 7,371, 6,685 and 6,864, respectively.
One reason for people not opting for a permanent licence is that they are prospective vehicle buyers. There are cases when a person decides to buy a vehicle and gets a learner’s licence. However, the person cancels the plan to buy a vehicle and he/she doesn’t find the need to go for a permanent licence, an RTO official said.
“There are others who are not confident about passing the driving test as they could not practice enough and they drop the idea. Another reason is that there is one vehicle in the family, but more members are using it. Being diffident about a driving test, and the knowledge that a learner’s licence can be procured for any number of times at six months’ intervals, are basic reasons for not seeking a permanent licence,” the official added.
The RTO holds tests for permanent licences at its Alandi Road facility and the Institute of Driving, Training and Research in Kasarwadi. The tests for a learner’s licence is held at the Pune RTO’s main office, near the Sangam bridge.
Aundh resident Arun Bhede, 23, who got his learner’s licence 10 months ago, said he was not yet ready for the final test.
“I was learning to drive and the classes were going on fine until the lockdown hit and everything shut down for months’ together. Now, even though the driving schools have opened up, I will wait for some more time and then start training again. I don’t want to rush into things as the risk of getting infected with Covid-19 is high. Meanwhile, I have applied for an appointment to get a fresh learner’s licence,” Bhede said.
Another RTO official said driving with a learner’s licence is permitted. “It is a legal document. However, the person driving has to ensure that the letter ‘L’ (learning) is visible on their vehicles. Regulations say that while driving a four-wheeler with a learner’s licence, a person who is a permanent licence holder has to be present in the vehicle. However, many do not follow the regulations. The police can take action against a learner’s licence holder if the letter ‘L’ is not visible on the vehicle. The offender will not come under ‘not carrying a licence’ category,” the official told TOI.