Differently-Abled Woman In Kerala Gets Driving Licence For 4-Wheeler; Tips For Specially-Abled People To Apply

A specially-abled woman in Kerala rewrites history as she receives her driving licence for a four-wheeler from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite being physically challenged, she showed the world that a person can do anything if they are determined.

Woman With No Hands In Kerala Gets Driving Licence

Image Courtesy: Instagram/ MVD Kerala

According to reports, this woman was born without hands. Hailing from Idukki, Jilumol Mariet is the first differently-abled woman in Asia who has secured a driving licence for a four-wheeler.

The 32-year-old woman is a graphic designer in Kochi and has been trying to secure a four-wheeler driver’s licence for years. In 2023, her dream came true because of technology and artificial intelligence.

Reportedly, Vi Innovations, a Kerala-based startup developed a voice command system that would facilitate differently-abled (Differently-Abled IAS Topper) people to turn on and off headlamps, indicators, and wipers, making it easier for Mariet to operate the car.

When Mariet passed the test, she was issued a driver’s licence under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and it is a big achievement for any specially-abled person in the country.

According to Hans India, driving school owner Jopan said, “We were not too confident but she proved our perceptions wrong by her grit, determination, and commitment. Very soon we realised that she would be able to make it.”

How Specially-Abled People Can Apply For Driver’s Licence In India?

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When a specially-abled person applies for a driver’s licence, they must own an automobile that facilitates them to drive during heavy traffic on roads. For example, if a person has compromised limbs or a problem in the right leg, they must own an automatic vehicle in which accelerator and brake can be operated by hands. In a case where a person has an issue in one hand or lower left leg, they should own an automatic car (Car Cleaning Tips), but it does not require modifications.

Here are a few documents that differently-abled people need when applying for a driver’s licence,

• Proof of address
• Driving ability certificate
• Proof of identity
• UDID card from a medical practitioner mentioning the disability

If you have the documents, here is the complete process of applying for the driver’s licence,

• You can apply for the licence online by visiting the Parivahan website only if you hold a learner’s permit.
• If you pass through the first step, you need to upload all the requisite documents.
• When you visit the Regional Transport Office or Road Transport Office (RTO), ask for relevant forms, and fill in your details.
• The next step is to pay the fee and take the test on the designated date.
• When you take the test, an RTO officer is assigned to oversee your driving skills and ensure that you will be driving responsibly in future.
• If you clear the test, you will receive the driver’s licence. You can collect it from the RTO, or it will be delivered to the permanent or temporary address shared by you in the documents.

You can visit the official website to get your queries answered.