The Transport Department on Saturday directed Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to conduct stricter driving licence tests and sought speedy clearance of pending applications on the VAHAN portal on priority, including vehicle registrations.

The move came after Joint Transport Commissioner (Vigilance & Enforcement) M Chandrasekhar Goud reviewed the conduct of driving licence tests. He instructed officials to adopt more comprehensive testing standards to ensure that licences are issued only to competent drivers.

Mr. Goud interacted with applicants visiting the RTOs to obtain feedback on citizen services, including waiting time, staff behaviour and the availability of online services.

Keeping in line with the government’s plan to discourage middlemen and agents, Mr. Goud directed that unauthorised persons should not be allowed inside the RTO premises, and warned officers of disciplinary action if such persons were found on premises.