Mysore/Mysuru: Unauthorised driving schools have proliferated across Mysuru like unchecked weeds, training thousands of new motorists every year with virtually no oversight.

Despite these illegal training vehicles operating brazenly on city roads, the Mysuru Regional Transport Office (RTO) continues to maintain a studied silence, allowing the unsafe practice to flourish.

Mysuru had 8.5 lakh registered vehicles in 2016-17. Today, that number has crossed nearly 20 lakh. With hundreds of new vehicles purchased daily — from cars to two-wheelers — the demand for driving lessons has shot up. Nearly 80 percent of new vehicle buyers undergo training at a driving school before taking the wheel.

Driving schools typically offer a 15-day training package, including assistance in obtaining a driving licence. As per law, no driving school can operate without a licence from the Regional Transport Authority.

But obtaining this licence involves strict compliance with infrastructure norms and considerable expense. To avoid these costs, a growing number of driving schools have chosen to bypass the law entirely. The result: unlicensed, unsafe driving schools operating openly in every corner of Mysuru.

The vehicles used by these illegal schools are often old, poorly maintained and mechanically unsound. In a recent tragic incident, a trainee lost his life during a session conducted by one such school. Shockingly, the car involved had no valid insurance.

Authorised driving schools are required to provide proper instruction in traffic rules, install display boards with signage, maintain demo vehicles at their offices and employ qualified instructors with valid licences.

Unauthorised schools follow none of these rules — no structured training, no safety checks and absolutely no accountability. Despite the rampant violations, the RTO has reportedly not taken action so far, enabling these operators to continue unchecked.

‘Survey will be conducted’

All authorised driving schools are strictly monitored. A survey will immediately be carried out to identify unauthorised driving schools and strict action will be taken. In Mysuru, 128 driving schools have been issued licences. Our officers visit these schools regularly for inspection. We will take action against any driving school operating without authorisation. There is absolutely no question of compromise in this matter. — C.N. Ramachandra, RTO, Mysuru West