Licence Story 1 - Getting a Driving Licence in India

Post-retirement, arriving in Doha, I began an effort to obtain a Qatari driving licence. Not an easy task. 

I recall those driving schools found in every small township of Keralam or India. With a small office space, and one or two vehicles, usually old and not otherwise usable.  I remember, the Malayalam movie character of actor Innocent as a driving school 'proprietor' (that used to be the term used for the owner cum trainer of a typical driving school) in Chennai in the popular movie 'yaathrakkarute sraddhakku'. 

I never went to any such school to obtain my licence(s).  As a seminarian, I sought permission from our Provincial, Rev. Fr. Mathias of happy memory to get a driving licence, and he readily gave consent.  It never occurred to me that I should try to get some training or should get a four wheeler (LMV) licence as well. With the initial introduction to riding a two wheeler by Rev. Fr. Zacharias CMI in Kalagarh, Bijnor district, I decided to go after getting that precious entitlement.  I was placed with him for a kind of a 'correctional home' sentence by our then regional superior, Rev. Fr. Mathew.  But he was really happy with me, and when it was time for the 'correctional term' to be shifted to Keralam, he insisted that I accept some present from him - a present of my choice. On being insisted upon, I asked an unexpected gift from him, that I be given some basic training in riding a scootter.  He obliged and I had gained some idea as to how to ride a scooter in the open space of  the sleepy Kalagarh township, at the foothills of Himalayas. But didn't have any proper training, nor confidence.  At Kalamassery, where I spent the rest of the year of the 'correctional term' whenever possible, I made use of the opportunity to help the school headmaster (Rev. Jose Kariamadam, a good senior friend in the congregation) to get his scootter 'refuelled' as a means to enhance my driving skills. Initially, I was not able to kick-start the bajaj scooter properly; I used to ride it down the steep slope, and shift it into the gear to have it started. 

I went to the district collectorate (Kakkanadu) and went through some process through which I was given a learner's licence (for a period of 6 months). I think there was some sort of a test or interview. I vaguely recall a crudely printed pamphlet with some rules and signals on it.  The good part of all this was this: with that in hand, you could really drive around, if you got a vehicle - yes, the rule stipulated that you should have an 'L' board, and also someone with proper licence accompanying you.   But this was hardly ever adhered to in those days. 

This was in the year 1989. The new road regulations applicable all over the country had been just introduced. There was change in the style of numbering. Hand Signals were drastically altered.  Almost like performing some sacred rituals, but evidently aimed at greater safety on the roads. Things were being made more systematic and standardised. The licence of any state would be valid for riding anywhere in India. 

I had to go back to Najibabad, UP and the validity period of my learner's licence was nearing the end.  It was not a great concern for me.  However, it so happened then that I got the invite to attend my brother's wedding.  Usually, we are not permitted to attend such functions.  I do not know why and how, but the new superior, Rev. Fr Augustine was gracious enough to permit me to attend the function.  I was more thrilled at the prospects of attending a driving test within the validity period, as the wedding day and the date of expiry of learner's licence apparently coincided.  I reached a day or two ahead of the wedding, and sought the source from which I could get a two wheeler for the test.  Somehow, I came to know Rev. Fr. Kuriedath, whom I had known as a school boy, and who was now a faculty member at Sacred Heart College, had a scooter under his custody, and I took the courage to ask him the favour of using it for the test.  And he agreed readily. So, on the day before the wedding (I guess so), I collected the scootter and went to Eroor, near Thrippunithura, where an open space (most likely, a purampokku) was being used by the Vehicle Inspector for the test.  Prior to that, in the morning, I had made some trials of negotiating an '8' with the scootter.  I felt okay.  I could do it. 

There were quite a few and we had to register there for the test. No prior appointment was required in those days, only that you had to have a valid learner's licence (LL). I was tipped-off by an onlooker (or a local person) that I was supposed to have a helmet on, while undergoing test. Those days, it was hardly fashionable or mandatory to have a helmet.  So most of the people had come without it, unless instructed by a trainer.  Then the 'friendly neighbour' volunteered to help me with a helmet from somebody, who was willing to spare the same for a 'token amount' of Rs. 100.00.  (it was indeed a big amount for those times.  One litre petrol cost just about Rs 6). I agreed.  It was also fortunate that since I was travelling, I had some money.  Otherwise, to have Rs 100 readily with oneself was less likely, especially for a seminarian.  I didn't even have a wallet, the money if any, was kept in the pocket of shirt or trousers. 

Then came the test - I think there were more than 10 candidates.  The main items of the test were (i) signals while riding and (ii) the fatal 8 ride.  Some sticks are kept as boundaries of the track of 8, and you were supposed to do the ride without stopping and without having any of those sticks hit. Even a light brushing against it, would bring the stick down, which implies failure. I rode very slowly carefully and managed to scrape through.  I noticed that just 2 of us managed to do that. The test was cleared! (Here is the crucial role of driving schools, where the candidates get through even without 8 - thus I am told! The fee includes amount for greasing the palms of the vehicle inspectors as well!)

I have forgotten when and how I got that small pocket book called licence! I think someone received it on my behalf or it came by registered post!! Any how, I was a licence holder by 1990 September and without having to undergo a driving school training, nor having to bribe anyone. I thought it was no mean achievement. 

On arriving back in Najibabad, and finding my juniors trained in a mission seminary all equipped with driving license, and being placed with the Bishop's house as in-charge of a library cum cultural centre, I felt it would be good to upgrade myself with the skill of driving a four wheeler. The beloved bishop Gratian had no hesitation in granting the permission, while reminding that possession of a licence doesn't mean that you would become dependent on having a four wheeler - this has stayed with me till now.  The process repeated - an interview for LL with the RTO, just across the boundary of the bishop's house. My trainer was Mr. Blassius, our domestic support staff turned into driver. I was teaching him Hindi alphabets, and he was teaching me driving.  I remember his tips regarding release of clutch, night riding ettiquetts.  It was a 3-gear Mahindra jeep.  I went for the test, fearing likelihood of a coercion for bribe. I went equipped with a pocket tape recorder.  The RTO who had, by now become familiar to me, and who knew our institution very well, got into the front seat - asked me to drive.  I drove.  We drove along the high way, and he asked me stop at an incline as were climbing.  I stopped, and with the technique taught by Mr. Blassius of managing brake and accelerator simultaneously, I managed that without the vehicle slipping back.  That was it.  I had cleared the crucial test!

The RTO asked me to give a donation to the cause of their association.  Though it was coercion, I felt this was comparatively a better bargain, and in the strict sense, not a bribe - a good will gesture (under constraints).  I think I paid Rs. 100 or 200. Got a receipt for the same.  Something was recorded - it was not very clear and the issue was not that grievous as to warrant an action. 

The formalities took almost 3 months or more.  A memo was sent to Ernakulam RTO asking if there was any objection.  The RTO said that if they did not receive any objection %within 3 months, the licence will be stamped on my existing Kerala licence.  After 3 months or more, while I was already a student of Theology in Dharmaram College, my stamped licence came by registered post! I had authorised, my junior in seminary, now Rev. Dr. Sebastian Payyappilly, who had received it, and sent it to me. What an achievement!  It took me almost 5 more years, before I could actually drive a four wheeler using my 5 year old licence! I had lost all touch.  Rev. Bp Kariyil, my boss of those times, encouraged me and advised that I get tsome raining at the local driving school at Kalamassery, owned by the one and only Berly ashan of Matha Motor Driving School, Kalamassery,  before I ventured to use the institutional vehicle at Rajagiri College. I did that, and was further guided by the college admin staff, Mr. Jolly, using the ambassador KRH 1081, fitted with a matador engine, and having a platform gear! Otherwise, ambassadors had the gear around the steering wheel, those days!  I learn that Berly chettan is no more - departed about three months ago! May he rest with the Lord! 

(I was also caught for 'drunken driving' in  that vehicle, for having provoked the police on the  MG road, that in spite of their horn and flashing lights, I had not given them way to overtake and go ahead.  To my limited skills, there was no space to let them pass by.  I had stretched out my signalling hand, and raised it as if asking a question, which they interpreted as 'slow down signal' shown to a police vehicle! But did they manage to overtake.  Force me stop, and sensing that there was some alcoholic intake, took me straight to the police station and immediately to the government hospital.  But I clearly saw the test result indicating below the limits.  We were let off, and asked to come and collect the vehicle the next day and pay the penalty.  Mr. Jolly did that, and fell into a depression feeling that he was responsible for this incident, though he was no where in the picture.  I checked with the advocate and he said that if I was confident of the result, it was better to fight the case, than plead guilty.  It took more than  2 years for the matter to be heard - there was always the tension of what would happen remaining. But once it came to the court, the judge saw the result, and the case was quashed.  I was cleared of a violation on record - though the process kept me tensed for more than two years, and instead of the penalty of Rs.500, ended up paying the advocate a nominal fee of Rs. 2500.00.)

I was instrumental in selling that off to Koonammavu ITI and assisting my boss in getting a modern car for the college - a TATA Indica!

I have had rides to Idukki, to Coimbatore, to Trivandrum and even a major trip to Bombay, with four of us taking turns.  However, I have stuck to the principle indicated  by Rev Bp Gratian - almost deciding not to use four wheeler, to the extent possible, with the twin purpose of regulating my needs as well as minimmizing on the Carbon front. 

What I hold as a matter of pride is that I could achieve this without any 'formal training' and without having to use the means of bribe.  But it had its negative factors that I had never got clear instructions regarding the managing of a vehicle, and I remained poor with the skills of reversing a vehicle, though I could always 'manage'.