New Delhi: Want to get a permanent SIM? You might have to wait for two weeks to more than two and a half months for a slot, depending on where you live in Delhi.
The Delhi government now plans to conduct a driving test at night to shorten the waiting time.
While the Regional Transportation Office (RTO) is on its way with the Delhi government which offers ‘faceless services’ for all transport related transactions, applicants still need to visit automatic driving test tracks to get permanent SIM.
To curb the spread of Covid-19, the Delhi government transportation department has reduced the number of slots offered on the test path to ensure social distance.
However, this has produced a long wait period to appear for driving tests in most busy zones.
If someone fails a tight test on the automatic track, it means a longer waiting period.
As on Saturday, August 14, someone can get a slot for driving tests on August 28 on the nearby line Sarai Kale Khan (South) and Surajmal Vihar (Timur II) RTOS.
Slots at Mall Road (North) and Sarai Kale Khan (center) were available on 9 and 22 September.
However, in most other busy RTOS, the latest slots are available from October 1 to 10 at Rajouri Garden (West II), Mayur Vihar (East), Rohini (North West II) and Vasant Vihar (South West) and until October 27 at Loni Road (Northeast).
“The idea has been in the pipe for some time now and many discussions have occurred in the department.
The first time needed to make an automatic operational driving test track at night is a high pole lamp,” said a senior transportation department official.
“Apart from the sensor on the ground, the camera on a high pole also captures driving tests.
Both are needed for computerized analysis and then find if the applicant has cleared the test or not,” the official said.
“Very strong lights are needed in the centers to ensure that the camera can capture images as efficiently as they do during the day.
After a high pole lamp is installed, the assessment can be made from the feasibility of doing a driving test at night,” he added.
At present, the driving test starts between 8 and 8.30 in the morning on the test track and continue until around 2pm, until all applicants for that day have given their tests.
“There will be a separate shift in the near future to meet more requests while ensuring no crowding in the test center.
Initially, the test time would increase to 8 nights and if possible, even up to 10 nights in the next phase,” he said.