A computerised centre with special tracks to test the driving skills of those applying for a licence is set to get operational on an eight-acre plot close to Behala Flying Club.

Bengal government officials said a pre-Puja deadline has been set for the inauguration of the centre, which is coming up on a 7.6-acre plot adjoining the public vehicles department’s office in Behala’s Parnasree.

The state government and the Union ministry of road transport and highways are jointly funding the project, which includes a driver training centre.

The Inspection and Certification Centre will have special tracks to test the driving skills of those applying for licence to drive all types of vehicles.

The tracks have been built following the recommendations of the Pune-based Central Institute of Road Transport, whose officials visited the Behala facility recently. They were accompanied by officials from the state transport department and the PWD.

Officials said the visit was the final inspection before the pre-Puja launch.

At the Inspection and Certification Centre, an H-shaped track for four-wheelers and an 8-shaped one for two-wheelers will test the applicants’ driving skills. The tracks are fitted with sensors which will send information on the driving skills of the candidates to a server.

Applicants will first be briefed about what is expected of them before they hit the testing tracks. A senior official will answer all queries of those taking the tests. The candidates will have to book their slots and timings online.

An applicant will be asked to drive through the “H” or “8”, depending on the type of licence she or he has applied for. Anyone hitting the sides of the tracks or struggling to navigate the bends during the test will be first warned. A repeat will disqualify the applicant for the time being.

“All tests on the tracks will be videographed and recorded. Those who fail to clear will be asked to take lessons at a driver training centre and appear for the test again,” said a senior official of the transport department.

“We want to start tests on the two-wheeler track by the Puja. The training centre, too, would be functional by them.”

Anyone applying for a driving licence would need to reverse, park, drive up an elevation and move straight. A test will continue for at least 20 minutes, officials said.

Officials in the state finance department said the Inspection and Certification Centre is coming up at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore. The Union minister is paying around ₹10 crore and the rest is being borne by the Bengal government.

“The driver training centre, too, is coming up with contributions from the state and the Centre,” an official said.

“Experts from the technical education department and automobile engineering departments of a few institutes will train drivers at the centre,” the official said. “The training will cover all categories of vehicles.”

Operator unions of buses, trucks, pool cars and taxis have been told that once the driver training centre is ready, they will have to send candidates for a regular round
of training before renewing licences.