Gorakhpur DTI To Launch Online Driving Test For Permanent Licences From December 20

The Shaheed Bandhu Singh Driver Training Institute (DTI) in Chargawan, Gorakhpur, will begin online (computerised) driving tests for permanent licences from December 20. Candidates will now give their tests on a modern, fully CCTV-monitored track where every movement will be digitally recorded. Even minor errors will be detected automatically. If a signal turns red, the candidate will fail instantly; only those who cross on a green signal will be declared successful. With this, the manual testing system will be completely discontinued.

Officials said the new process will ensure that driving licences are issued only to skilled and trained drivers, making the system more transparent and eliminating the influence of touts. A Lucknow-based agency has been appointed to operate the online testing system, and its staff will supervise the procedure. A Divisional Inspector will oversee the entire process, including the issuance of licences after training.

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To support the new digital system, dozens of CCTV cameras and signal units have been installed on 40 towers across the driving track. The executing company, Maruti, has already handed over the installed equipment to the Transport Department.

The Transport Department has shifted most of its services, including learning licences and 56 other vehicle-related functions, to a fully digital platform, reducing the need for people to visit the RTO office. However, despite having the infrastructure in place for years, the DTI had not been able to start online testing. 

A full-fledged driving school will also start at the Chargawan DTI from the new year. Trainees will receive hands-on practice on the driving track, as well as training on a simulator. The ground floor will include a laboratory and two computer rooms for light and heavy vehicle training. The first floor will house the centre head’s office, a surveillance room, a seminar hall, classrooms, and a 100-seat auditorium. Hostel facilities will be available for outstation candidates, with a minimum fee for accommodation and meals.

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The training duration has been fixed at one month, during which candidates will also be taught traffic rules in detail.

Built at Rs 489.56 lakh, the driver training centre aims to skill Purvanchal’s youth and reduce road accidents. The centre was completed on 15 October 2020, and driving licence-related work has been ongoing since July 2021. Every day, 50-60 candidates appear for the permanent licence test.

Work is now underway to fully operationalise both the online testing system and the training centre.

“The testing process will become simpler and more transparent. The training centre will also open soon,” said Rambriksh Sonkar, Regional Transport Officer, Gorakhpur.