Hyderabad, 31 July
Mandatory Road Safety Course for Driving Licence Applicants in Telangana Before Driving Test
In a major move to improve road safety, the Telangana government has introduced a mandatory road safety course for driving licence applicants in Telangana. Under the new rule, applicants who obtain a learner’s licence must complete a 2.5-hour online road safety course before they can book a driving licence test.
The initiative, introduced by the Telangana Transport Department, is aimed at creating responsible drivers and reducing road accidents caused by human error.
Driving Test Booking Linked to Course Completion
According to the new guidelines, learner’s licence holders will only be allowed to schedule a driving test after successfully completing the online training programme.
The mandatory road safety course for driving licence applicants in Telangana consists of six modules, each lasting around 25 minutes. Participants must complete all modules and pass quizzes conducted at the end of every section to qualify for the driving licence test.
What the Road Safety Course Covers
The training programme includes 64 important road safety rules and over 120 instructional videos. It teaches applicants both traffic regulations and practical driving skills.
The course covers:
- Traffic rules and road signs
- Starting and handling a vehicle safely
- Proper use of handbrakes
- Correct mirror adjustment
- Wearing seatbelts
- Proper use of vehicle lights
- Safe travel practices for children and women
Officials believe the mandatory road safety course for driving licence applicants in Telangana will help first-time drivers understand safe driving practices before they hit the road.
Available in Four Languages
The online course is offered free of cost in:
- Telugu
- Hindi
- English
- Urdu
Applicants can complete the training using a mobile phone, laptop, or desktop equipped with a camera, as face registration is required during the programme.
The system also allows learners to pause the course and continue later without losing their progress.
Pilot Project Shows Positive Response
The Transport Department first tested the programme at the Kukatpally Regional Transport Office (RTO). During the pilot phase, 1,070 applicants enrolled, and 890 successfully completed the course.
Following its success, authorities now plan to implement the mandatory road safety course for driving licence applicants in Telangana across the entire state.
Based on Supreme Court Recommendations
The initiative was introduced following recommendations made by the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety. Telangana Transport Commissioner Ilyambarthi designed the programme after studying driver training systems followed in several countries.
Officials said the primary objective is to reduce road accidents by improving awareness of traffic laws and promoting responsible driving habits among new licence applicants.
Around 60% of the content development cost was funded by UNICEF, helping the department create high-quality educational material.
Driver Training Abroad Is More Comprehensive
Officials noted that many countries have stricter driver education systems. In Australia, drivers below 25 years must complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving. In the United Kingdom, learners undergo 45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of supervised practice. In the United States, applicants must complete classroom education along with practical driving training before receiving a licence.
The Telangana government hopes the mandatory road safety course for driving licence applicants in Telangana will encourage safer driving habits and significantly reduce road accidents in the state.