Street smart

Ranchi, May 15: Women have taken a fancy to driving and to fulfil their ambition they are joining driving schools across the city.

In fact, the city has seen a boom in the number of driving schools. Be it Bariatu, Ratu Road, Main Road, Hinoo or Kanta Toli Chowk — driving schools are emerging everywhere.

At these schools there are around eight to 10 teachers who teach driving in Alto, Santro, Indica, Maruti 800, jeep and even trucks.

“Young girls and women are mostly interested in driving Maruti 800, Alto, Indica and Santro. We take 15-day classes to teach for Rs 2,100. To learn in an Alto and Indica, the cost is Rs 2,400 for the 15-day course. A three-km stretch is covered every day,” said Balram Prasad, a staff at National Motor Training and Engine School.

Sarita Singh, a student, said she has a busy work schedule. “My husband does not get time to take us out. Thus, I thought by learning how to drive I could take my children to places nearby,” said Singh.

Singh said that she had learnt driving last month and feels the increase in the number of driving schools will be a boon for housewives.

Ritika Joshi, another student of St Xavier’s College, has enrolled into the course only two days ago. “Initially, I felt nervous. I would leave the steering when I saw trucks coming from the sides. But I am gaining confidence now,” said Joshi.

She has even recommended the course to her friends. “The vacation is on and it is a good time to learn. Moreover, with driving schools so close to our homes, it makes sense to join them,” Joshi said.

Schools offer a range of training classes. Usually, one can choose from a two-and-half month course to a one-month and 15-day course. Classes are held between 7am and 4pm, with a provision for a two-hour extension.

Priya Singh, a Class 10 student of St Thomas School, wants to learn, too. But she has to wait till she is an adult. “I have asked my father for a Nano. I want to learn driving as soon as possible,” Singh said.

Prasad also said that many people hire cars for commercial and personal use. “There is a demand from these groups. Moreover, those who drive for a living are also coming to us for training,” added Prasad.

For those who are learning to drive as a profession, most driving schools charge around Rs 1,990 for two-and-a-half months.