The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Institute of Driver Training set up

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 10, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Institute of Driver Training set up

Special Correspondent

“Our aim is to train the unorganised sector drivers and upgrade their driving skills”

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Van Owners’ Association (TNVOA) has set up Institute of Driver Training (IDT) in Chennai. Around Rs. 5 lakh has been invested in the modern institute located near the Vadapalani bus depot.

Latest equipment

It has the latest teaching and training and eye-testing equipment. The IDT will offer two-day basic training in driving light and heavy vehicles of the latest type. It can train up to 25 people in a batch.

“Our aim is to train the unorganised sector drivers, upgrade their driving skills, make them aware of rules and regulations, provide tips on fuel saving and to transport hazardous goods. These measures are being taken in the interest of road safety and to reduce economic and social loss to the nation and society,” IDT director Pallom Baalaiah told The Hindu on Sunday.

Land sought

The IDT has requested the State Government to allot 10 acres of land near Poonamallee for construction of driving range for heavy vehicles. On an average 10,000 drivers are getting trained at Namakkal and 5,000 at Coimbatore every year. Apart from the induction programme, the IDT would like to give hands-on training to freshers for one month and three months in light and heavy vehicles respectively. They would be taught how to drive the vehicle in school and resident zones, how to reverse the vehicle and how to park it.

“Today, there is a great demand for skilled drivers in the country. Unfortunately, there are not many institutes to train them in road safety. We are trying to bridge the gap by setting up this institute in the city. In the coming months, we will have this type of institutes in every region. Today, the experienced drivers prefer to work for call centres owing to high remuneration,” he said.

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