RMV driving drivers round the bend

Last week, I was stopped at the Police check point near Methodist College, Colpetty around 4.30 am and asked to produce my driving license. When I produced the Temporary Driving License (paper) issued by the Department of Motor Traffic on 6th February 2022, it was rejected on the basis that I had not obtained the required annual extension of the validity period by getting an endorsement from the RMV. However, under the box “Details of Temporary Driving License” it is stated that the expiry date is 28th April 2030. Needless to say, explaining this to the sleepy blokes at the Police checkpoint at 4.30 am was an exercise in futility. One guy condescendingly stated that he considers me as a person without a valid driving license and I should consider myself lucky not to be taken to the Police Station and charged. Telling him that I was not informed about this requirement by the RMV and that there was no notice through the media was akin to the Sinhala proverb “playing the Veena (violin) to deaf elephants”.

I renewed my old driving license on 28th April 2020 during the period when the government/RMV did not have money to issue plastic cards. I was given a temporary licece (paper) for six months to be used together with my old driving license. Later on, I received another temporary driving license (paper) by post before the six – month expiry period of the validity. This document has a barcoded, hologram sticker and carried the following words. “The holder of this license is subject to the provisions of the Section 122(A)/126 Motor Traffic Act chapter 203 and is hereby authorised to drive the classes of motor vehicles which corresponds with the above – mentioned classes subject to the limitations mentioned hereunder”. The only limitation mentioned ‘hereunder’ was the note at the end of the document stating that “This document will be invalid when the original Driving License Card is issued”. There was nothing stated that this temporary driving license should be renewed once a year.

On 8th June 2023 at around 10.30 am, I visited RMV Werahera and got the one-year extension of validation from counter 39 within five minutes; somewhat of a miracle in a government office. However, the attitude of the guy behind the desk who signed the extension stank to high heavens. When the person before me asked how long it will take for the new driving license card to be issued, the demi-god stated nonchalantly “if you are lucky, within another year”. When the same guy in front started berating the so- called public servant, he had the audacity to say “as if it is my fault”.

I understand that people who go to the RMV now for the renewal of driving licenses are issued the plastic driving license card under normal and one day service. Why is this step-motherly treatment given to earlier applicants like me? Incidentally I noticed that the temporary paper driving license in the possession of some others in the queue was in tatters. Hope there is some responsible big shot, paid by the public who will take note of this pathetic situation and take action. However, I am sure to be disappointed. Prove me wrong!

M. Fernando