A woman takes a driving test at the site where the traffic training park has been proposed in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, June 3: The regional transport department will shortly inaugurate a traffic training park here.

The traffic training park, which will be the first-of-its-kind facility in the state, is likely to play a crucial role in creating awareness among youth about safe driving skill.

Official sources said that two-wheeler riders (18years and above) applying for a learner’s and permanent licence will be trained about road safety tips and driving skills at the traffic park, which is likely to be inaugurated on June 11.

The transport department will start the traffic park in a public-private partnership mode in association with Honda motors and Scooters India Limited.

The traffic training park will come up at the existing driving testing centre at CDA.

“The proposed traffic park is being designed to impart proper driving skills free of cost to two-wheeler riders of 18 years and above to create a disciplined driving atmosphere on the streets,” said regional transport officer Dipti Ranjan Patra.

Initially, the applicants would be trained on bicycles. Later, using latest equipment, including simulators, they would be trained on how to drive safely on roads. They would also be informed about various road signs.

Besides, there would be a special activity zone for kids who would also be trained about road safety through micro CRF bikes. The children would be provided with adequate safety gears, including helmets and elbow and knee protectors.

The regional transport office will also provide certificates to the drivers undergoing the driving training programme at the traffic training park, Patra said.

Many youngsters, particularly schoolchildren, have been found driving high-power bikes without a driving licence.

An official in the regional transport office said that no person could drive a motor vehicle without holding a valid driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The eligibility for obtaining a learner’s licence for a motor vehicle of 50CC engine and without gear is 16 years, while the minimum age to apply and obtain a permanent licence is 18 years.

However, many school students are driving vehicles ranging from 100CC to 300CC engines without a licence.