Mangaluru: Obtaining a driving licence in Mangaluru has become more rigorous with the launch of a state-of-the-art computerised vehicle driving test track at Kambalapadavu near Mudipu. The new facility, which came into full operation on September 1, replaces the earlier manual testing system at Vamanjoor under the Mangaluru Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Constructed at a cost of Rs 7 crore, the track is designed to ensure transparency, accuracy, and stricter assessment of driving skills. Officials say the new process is expected to improve road safety by producing better-trained drivers.

How the computerised test works

The 10-acre centre includes a four-acre electronic test track equipped with over 50 sensor poles on either side. Each pole is fitted with lights that turn red and trigger alerts if touched by a vehicle, ensuring error-free, automated evaluation.

Earlier, RTO inspectors supervised the test manually. Under the new system, a computer records and verifies the applicant’s photo, and the evaluation is carried out digitally. Results are generated instantly after the test. Successful candidates receive their smart card driving licence by post within a few days.

Application process explained

Applicants must first secure a learner’s licence (LLR), hold it for a month, and then apply online for a permanent driving licence. Once a slot is booked, candidates must appear at the Kambalapadavu centre on the scheduled date.

  • Two-wheeler test: Candidates who hit the sensor poles more than eight times are declared failed. They can reappear after seven days by paying a Rs 300 fee.

  • Four-wheeler test: Apart from completing the track, candidates must reverse in an ‘S’ pattern and park in a designated slot without touching poles. Strict adherence to these rules is mandatory.

    • Senior RTO officer Sridhar Mallad noted that the system ensures only skilled drivers qualify. “With better driving skills, accidents will come down,” he said.

    Capacity and maintenance

    The test track is maintained by Cascade Pvt Ltd, which has deployed 17 staff members to manage daily operations alongside RTO inspectors. Currently, around 100 candidates appear daily, though the system can handle up to 200 candidates per day.

    Applicants for heavy vehicle licences will undergo a one-day training session by KSRTC before attempting the test.

    The facility also houses administrative offices, seating arrangements, toilets, and drinking water facilities to ensure public convenience.

    No more mobile test camps

    Previously, weekly mobile test camps were held in Mulki and Moodbidri. These have now been discontinued, with all applicants from Mulki, Moodbidri, Ullal, and Mangaluru city required to appear at the Kambalapadavu centre for their driving tests.

    Among seven such centres in Karnataka

    The Mangaluru test track is one of seven electronic driving test centres in Karnataka, reflecting the state’s push towards digitisation and stricter road safety enforcement.

    Conclusion

    The launch of the computerised driving test track at Kambalapadavu represents a significant shift in how driving skills are evaluated in Mangaluru. With its automated, transparent system, authorities hope to ensure that only skilled drivers are granted licences, ultimately contributing to reduced road accidents in the region.