Kerala Drives Change: What’s New in India’s First Comprehensive Driving Licence Reform

Kerala is set to become the first Indian state to implement a sweeping set of reforms for its driving licence process. From October 1, 2025, the state is raising the bar, tougher tests, stricter rules, and newer evaluation methods, all aimed at improving road safety. 

What are the major changes in Kerala’s driving licence tests?How has the learner’s test been made more difficult?

  • The number of questions has increased from 20 to 30, and now candidates must correctly answer at least 18 to meet the 60% pass mark. 
  • The time allowed per question is doubled: 30 seconds per question vs. the former 15 seconds. 
  • Negative marking is now introduced. Wrong answers cost 0.25 points. There’s a “skip” option to leave questions unanswered without penalty. 
  • There is a proposal to raise the passing requirement further to 25 correct answers (i.e. ~83 %), which would make it among the toughest in the world. 

What is the ‘hazard perception’ test and how does it work?

  • The test is simulation-based: you face real-time scenarios on screen, like obstacles, construction zones, narrow roads, etc. 
  • Candidates are evaluated both for reaction speed (how fast they hit the brake etc.) and accuracy. There are 10 scenarios, and you need to score 30 out of 50 to pass. 

What has changed about the practical driving test?

  • The exam now includes angular & parallel parking, gradient driving, zig-zag manoeuvres, all on specially designed tracks mimicking real-world conditions. 
  • Perhaps more significantly, part of the driving test is now on public roads in real traffic, instead of only closed/off-road tracks. This change aims to better reflect actual driving capability. 

What are the new compliance and technology rules?

  • Vehicles used in tests must have dashboard cameras and GPS devices that record performance objectively. Recordings are kept for up to three months for review and appeal. 
  • Driving schools must follow stricter rules: e.g. cars aged more than 15 years are no longer allowed for tests. They must also upgrade to required tech (cameras, tracking etc.) which raises their compliance costs. 

What problem does the new licensing rules solve?

  • Road safety is a big concern: in 2024, Kerala recorded over 44,000 accidents and 3,700 deaths in traffic incidents. 
  • The reforms are meant to ensure that licences are issued only to people who are properly trained, aware of hazards, and capable of handling real traffic situations. It addresses criticisms that older tests were too easy, or didn’t reflect actual driving ability. 

What are the drawbacks or challenges of the reforms?

Because of the more rigorous testing, limits on how many tests an inspector can conduct per day, waiting times for learners licences and driving tests have increased, with some applicants waiting up to four months. 

Are driving schools prepared for Kerala’s stricter licence rules?

  • Driving schools are protesting, particularly about the cost of vehicle replacement, installing tech (cameras, GPS), and maintaining compliance. 
  • Some legal challenges have been filed, but so far courts have dismissed them.

How might this affect other states in India?

  • There is concern over “license shopping”,  people applying in nearby states with less stringent systems to avoid the tougher tests in Kerala. 
  • The reforms may act as a model or benchmarking point. Other states might follow suit, pushing for national uniform standards for driving tests. 

How Technology Can Ease Long Wait Times

While Kerala’s new rules raise the standard of driving tests, they have also led to longer queues and delays, with some applicants waiting up to four months for their test slots. This is where technology has to step in.

Software’s like Pedal Mobility can help the Government of Kerala bring efficiency to the process by:

  • Centralised Scheduling: Pedal’s system can automatically assign test slots across centres based on real-time availability, reducing bottlenecks and making the process faster for learners.
  • Digital Queue Management: Instead of manual allocation, candidates can track progress online and get updates instantly, cutting down unnecessary visits and confusion.
  • Smart Capacity Utilisation: By analysing examiner availability, vehicle usage, and track capacity, Pedal ensures that every centre runs at optimal efficiency — fewer idle resources, more tests conducted per day.
  • End-to-End Transparency: Governments can monitor performance, wait times, and resource allocation live, ensuring accountability while reducing delays.

By integrating such a system, Kerala could uphold its tougher licensing standards while also ensuring that citizens don’t face frustrating wait periods.

Is this a step in the right direction?

While there are growing pains, longer waits, increased costs, resistance, the reforms in Kerala seem designed to address the root causes of road accidents: inadequate testing, insufficient hazard awareness, and unrealistic practical assessments. These changes in licence tests in Kerala could lead to safer interactions between vehicles and non-motorised road users, fewer collisions, and a more responsible culture of driving.

If other states follow Kerala’s lead, we might see a significant shift in India’s road safety landscape.

FAQs

Q: Will this make it harder to get a licence in Kerala?

Yes. The exams (both theory and practical) are tougher, more demanding, more realistic, and the bar for passing has been raised significantly.

Q: Are these changes only for cars or for two-wheelers too?

The reports focus on the driving licence process generally, which includes learner’s license tests and practical driving tests. Two-wheeler licensing processes may also be affected insofar as theory and hazard perception apply.

Q: When do these changes take effect?

From October 1, 2025 onwards. 

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