Bihar’s Goal of Opening 74 Motor Driving Training Schools Falls Short

KKN Gurugram Desk | The Bihar government’s ambitious plan to establish 74 Motor Driving Training Schools (MDTS) across the state has seen less than 50% implementation, with only 34 schools operational as of mid-2025. These schools were envisioned to address the growing demand for formally trained drivers, improve road safety, and create employment opportunities in the transport sector under the broader Skill India initiative.

Launched under the Department of Transport, Bihar, the program was meant to ensure every district has access to certified driving instruction, reduce untrained driving incidents, and improve standards in commercial and private vehicle operations.

However, delays in funding, infrastructure issues, and bureaucratic bottlenecks have hampered progress.

The Original Plan: 74 Driving Schools Across Bihar

The goal, set in 2021, was to make Bihar a hub for transport skill development by opening motor driving training schools in all key districts, especially those with high traffic volume and road accident rates.

The objectives included:

• Training for Light and Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers

• Enhancing employability of youth in logistics and transportation

• Reducing accidents through certified training

• Standardizing driving license acquisition procedures

• Supporting women drivers and commercial license seekers

Status as of 2025: Progress Stagnant in Many Districts

According to official sources and RTI responses from the Bihar Transport Department:

• Out of 74 planned institutions, only 34 schools are currently operational

• At least 20 districts still lack any functional training center

• Several completed buildings remain unfurnished or understaffed

• Some schools exist only on paper, with zero training output in past two years

The gap between intent and implementation reflects a deeper governance issue, where infrastructure has been created but execution has faltered.

Why Motor Driving Training Schools Matter for Bihar

Bihar has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in India. According to NCRB data:

• In 2024, Bihar recorded over 9,000 road accident deaths

• A majority of these involved two-wheelers and untrained drivers

• Most fatalities occurred in semi-urban and rural areas, where training access is limited

Certified driver training can significantly reduce such incidents. Moreover, the growing demand for commercial drivers in e-commerce, logistics, and public transport makes these schools critical for economic and social development.

Ground Reality: Where the Project Is Failing

1. Infrastructure Issues

• Several school buildings are unfinished due to halted construction contracts.

• Equipment for simulation, mechanical workshops, and classrooms is missing or outdated.

2. Staffing Gaps

• Many centers do not have qualified instructors, particularly for heavy motor vehicle training.

• Recruitment delays and low pay scales have deterred skilled trainers.

3. Lack of Awareness

• In many rural areas, youth are unaware of these schools or how to enroll.

• Promotional campaigns have been limited or absent.

4. Administrative Delays

• Delays in approvals from local authorities and transport department inaction have slowed operations.

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Voices from the Ground: Aspirants and Instructors Speak

 Rajeev Kumar, 22, Begusarai:

“I had to travel to Patna and spend ₹15,000 at a private driving school. My district training center is still not functional.”

 Manju Devi, aspiring female driver in Gaya:

“I heard the government was encouraging women drivers. But there is no women-focused center here. We still depend on male-dominated private setups.”

 Vishal Tiwari, instructor, Muzaffarpur:

“We have no vehicle for practical training. Students are taught on blackboard only. This is not training—this is theory class.”

How This Impacts Job Creation in Bihar

Driving is not just a life skill—it’s an employment gateway. Across India:

• Over 50 lakh commercial drivers are needed in logistics and e-commerce

• Many states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are scaling training centers rapidly

• Bihar risks being left behind in the transport workforce race

Without proper training schools:

• Youth lose access to licenses and formal employment

• Bihar’s unemployment rate continues to stay above national average

• Migration of labor to other states increases

Comparison with Other States: Where Bihar Stands

The target was already modest, and the current functional ratio is alarmingly low.

Government Response and Possible Way Forward

Sources within the Bihar Transport Department have acknowledged the delay and cite budgetary constraints and local coordination issues.

A senior official, on condition of anonymity, stated:

“We are re-evaluating vendor contracts, instructor hiring, and awareness campaigns. A revival plan will be presented in the next cabinet meeting.”

Experts recommend:

1. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to expedite development

2. Mobile training units for remote areas

3. Subsidized training for women and SC/ST youth

4. Use of CSR funds from logistics companies and automobile firms

Technology Integration: A Missed Opportunity

In an era of digital learning, Bihar’s training schools still follow manual record-keeping, no simulator-based teaching, and have zero integration with platforms like:

• e-Vahan portal

• Parivahan Sewa

• Digital licensing dashboards

States like Karnataka and Telangana are already piloting AI-based driver evaluation tools, while Bihar is yet to modernize.

Bihar’s plan to set up 74 motor driving training schools was a visionary step toward building a safer, skilled, and employable youth population. However, with less than 50% of the centers functional, the initiative now stands as a warning against poor execution.

The state must act swiftly to reinvigorate the program, address ground-level failures, and align with national road safety and employment goals. Otherwise, Bihar risks missing the bus on a major opportunity to empower its next generation through practical skills and sustainable jobs.