Hyderabad: The Transport Department has introduced new measures at driving test tracks and transport offices to improve transparency and curb irregularities.
The action follows scrutiny of alleged corruption in transport offices.
Officials also reviewed reports that some employees used coded signals to alert colleagues about vigilance inspections.
Transport Department Vigilance Joint Transport Commissioner M. Chandrasekhar Goud issued the directions on Monday.
Applicants must personally attend driving tests on the scheduled date.
Motor Vehicle Inspectors must verify each applicant’s identity before conducting the test.
Officials can use Aadhaar or other government-issued documents for verification.
Driving test tracks and transport offices face stricter monitoring
The department directed all centres to display boards prohibiting the entry of private agents.
Officials also instructed examiners to conduct detailed driving assessments.
Applicants must demonstrate vehicle control and reversing skills.
They must also follow lane discipline and traffic rules during the test.
Further, every CCTV camera at testing tracks and transport offices must remain functional.
Authorities warned that officials would face action if agents entered restricted areas.
They also warned against tampering with surveillance systems.
The department prohibited brokers, agents and driving school representatives from entering testing tracks and office premises.
Meanwhile, Chandrasekhar Goud warned of immediate suspension for employees found accepting bribes.
The warning also applies to staff who assist agents in any manner.
He directed employees not to use codes, signals or number sequences during inspections.
Such alerts must not be used to inform colleagues about visits by ACB teams or senior officials.
The Joint Transport Commissioner said local officers would bear responsibility for enforcing the new rules.
He also directed all offices to submit monthly compliance reports by the 15th of every month.