Chennai: Applicants who got driving licence in Tamilnadu dropped to 22 lakh in 2018-19 from 30 lakh in 2017-18 due to the tough tests and digitalised tracks introduced in the State.
According to sources, the new digitalised tracks and clubbing of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) are the reasons for the 26 per cent decline in the number of driving licences being issued.
To curb corruption and middlemen in RTOs, the Government of Tamilnadu introduced online application for driving licence and standardised tracks.
When the State government first introduced digital tracks with sensors on a pilot basis in Karur district by curbing RTOs’ authority to issue new licence and renew licences, there is significant drop in driving licence applicants and increase in failure during driving tests.
Government statistics show that in 2018, 63,920 accidents due to various reasons were reported in Tamilnadu, in which 12,216 people were killed.
Tamilnadu is one of the leading States in the country with fatal accidents.