Andheri RTO cracks whip on driving schools

Increasing malpractices by driving schools in the western suburbs have forced officials from the Andheri regional transport office (RTO) to get tougher in enforcing rules and procedures. 
In a recent drive, a special committee formed to check the problem conducted raids on over a hundred schools.

RTO officials told DNA that the driving schools are less about schooling interested candidates in the nitty-gritty of driving and traffic rules and more about getting the driving licence. The driving schools have become shops from where licenses could be purchased by paying obscene amounts.  

The Andheri RTO has registered about 350 driving schools. However, only a little over 200 of them are functional. And among the functional ones, very few have the proper infrastructure to teach driving.

Deputy regional transport officer Bharat Kalaskar informed that out of the 124 driving schools which were raided, documents and physical verification of close to 25 has been completed. Six have been found as irregular and they have been served notices.

“We have asked them why their licenses should not be cancelled after listing the various irregularities that have been found. We will give them a hearing and then make a final decision. Strictest action against those violating rules will be taken and there will be no leniency shown towards anyone,” he said. 

The action against driving schools is likely to get stricter with more raids.