CHENNAI: Take an early morning stroll at the Marina Beach, and you will not be privy only to a few hundred walkers everyday, you might just spot those who make the trip for the relatively traffic-free space to learn the nuances of driving. Well, the list has been inclusive of ladies in khaki as well, so the next time you think of cracking a few jokes about women drivers, you might want to be a tad cautious.While it might come as a surprise to the general public, an exclusive wing within the police force in the State, dedicated to imparting driving skills to their officers has been in existence for over 50 years. In fact, T Soundarajan, Sub Inspector-cum-resident driving instructor swells with pride, “The Chennai Police driving school was the first one to be authorised within the State.” However, back in the 1960s, there were no lady police officers, so the practice of such classes for women started only in 1982.The structure of these classes are no different than a regular driving school, except points out WPC, M Kamalaselvi, “the only charge is for the LLR and license.” The course itself is 45 days long and is not compulsory for those on the police force, but can be joined out of interest to learn the skill and use it on the job. KC Durga Devi, PC says, “I underwent training for light vehicles in 2007 and then heavy vehicles last year. So I know that if there is a transport strike of any kind, I can move the vehicles myself and not have to rely on somebody else.”Apart from these practical sessions, the Chennai Police Motorsport Driving School, Pudupet provides a venue for lectures on vehicle upkeep and safety, complete with miniature road models, reference charts and first aid tools. “Every police vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit,” emphasises Soundarajan. However, these lessons that offer the basics to beginners seem to be the need of the hour, in reference to the number of recruits that do not join with this much required skill. TR B Balasubranian, Deputy Commissioner, Motor Transport in the city reveals, “New vehicles get sanctioned for officers without drivers these days, so we are definitely facing a shortage.” Asked whether these lessons on the road nominate officers to handle any specific duties, such as night patrolling for instance, he replies, “No, this is just to encourage more of our in officers to learn to drive. The women officers are enthusiastic but after marriage and sometimes due to personal reasons, there consider it (driving) a risk.”
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