Rs 93 million driving test complex to be ready by year’s end

The new location for driving licence tests at an estimated cost of Rs 93 million, will be ready in Werahera before the end of the year, said Motor Traffic Dept ( MTD)- Commissioner Gen- eral, A.H.K. Jagath Chandrasiri.

The testing track proposed under the 100- Day programme is being built on a three- and- a- half acre plot in three separate stages.

Nine more acres situated close to this site, owned by the MTD, but currently with the Defence Ministry, is also required to expand the proposed project.

Mr. Chandrasiri said the advantage of these testing lanes is that they will feature all types of roads which the drivers will experience wherever they drive. “This means there will be slopes and curves, so that prospective drivers would have been exposed to all kinds of conditions when they get the licence”, he added.

However, as these test lanes would be devoid of traffic, applicants will also be required to drive on normal roads, to test their skills in driving in traffic.

Mr Chandrasiri said that individuals will be able to train on these tracks as well, but would need to make a prior request.

“We hope to set up similar tracks in Kalutara and Kandy. Suitable land has been identified for these projects,” he added.

He added that some of the trainers conduct very basic training, and sometimes even do not take them through signal lights. Hence, this type of test will help ascertain whether applicants for licences possess the basic knowledge and skills required.

He said CCTV cameras too would be installed to ensure that proper tests are conducted.

Currently about 1,500 persons are tested for driving and riding licences, and this adds to the traffic on the Horana-Colombo main road.