National Vigilance Center Advocates for Personal Vehicle Use in Driver's License Trial Exam

In a notable policy shift aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing potential exploitation, the National Vigilance Center of Nepal has issued directives to allow individuals taking the driver's license practical examination (trial) the option to use their personal vehicles. This decision, announced on January 19, 2024, is expected to address the long-standing grievances of applicants over the arbitrary charges and conditions imposed by training centers.

Empowering Applicants with Choice

The directive, emerging from a secretary-level meeting held on January 25, 2024, mandates provincial offices of the Chief Ministers and Councils of Ministers to facilitate this change, enabling test-takers to voluntarily choose their vehicles for the practical test. This move is seen as a significant step towards making the licensing process more applicant-friendly and transparent.

Addressing Training Center Monopolies

For years, applicants were compelled to use vehicles provided by training centers, often facing arbitrary and inflated charges. The lack of a legal mandate for such a requirement in Nepalese law, including the Exam Conducting Procedures Guide, 2077 BS, has paved the way for this reform. The National Vigilance Center's directive aims to dismantle the monopoly of training centers, offering a fair and equitable testing environment for all.

Implementation and Provincial Response

The implementation of this directive has already seen positive reception in some provinces, such as Lumbini, where Industry and Transport Minister Saroj Thapa (Rose Rana) has endorsed the use of personal vehicles for license trials. This approach not only reflects a commitment to reform but also encourages other provinces to consider similar measures to counteract the undue influence of training centers.

However, during a recent meeting convened by the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, and attended by transport ministers from various provinces, challenges in enforcing this new rule were discussed. While concrete decisions were pending, the consensus leaned towards eradicating the dominance of training centers in the licensing process.

Further Proposals and Legal Framework

In addition to allowing personal vehicles for trials, Minister Jwala proposed that a training certificate from a driving school should be a prerequisite for taking the trial. This proposal aims to ensure that all applicants possess the necessary skills and knowledge before undergoing the practical test, further enhancing road safety and compliance.

The National Vigilance Center's instructions are grounded in section 38(g) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059, which supports the absence of a legal requirement for candidates to use training center vehicles. This legal perspective reinforces the Center's stance on promoting fairness and eliminating corruption in the driver's licensing process.