Patna: The Bihar government is set to roll out a new driver training initiative in the new year that officials say could open up overseas employment opportunities for the state’s youth, with a focus on left-hand drive vehicles commonly used in many countries abroad.
Under the programme, the Bihar Transport Department will establish modern, residential driver training centres in Patna and several other districts. The initiative goes beyond basic driving instruction, aiming to familiarise trainees with international driving systems, traffic rules and road safety standards.
In much of the world, vehicles are driven with left-hand steering, unlike India where steering is on the right. This difference has long been a barrier for aspiring drivers from Bihar seeking work overseas. Officials say the new training will bridge that gap.
According to the department’s secretary, Raj Kumar, demand for drivers abroad continues to rise, while interest in professional driving careers is also growing among young people in the state. “This training is designed to match global requirements,” he said, adding that it could help turn driving into a long-term career rather than a stopgap job.
For the first time in Bihar, a dedicated driving track for left-hand steering vehicles will be built, with construction expected to begin in January. The track will be designed to mirror road conditions and traffic systems found in foreign countries, allowing trainees to gain practical, real-world experience.
Beyond Patna, residential driver training centres are planned for Motihari, Supaul, Nalanda and Banka. Similar facilities are already operational in Patna and Aurangabad. Each new centre is expected to cost around Rs 20 crore, with a substantial share of the funding to come from the central government.
Training at these centres will cover driving skills, traffic regulations, road safety and hands-on practice. One of the six residential centres proposed across the state will be reserved exclusively for women, reflecting the government’s push to increase female participation in the transport sector. Bihar already operates women-only “Pink Buses”, and officials say trained women drivers will be key to expanding such services in the future.
The transport department believes the initiative could provide a fresh pathway to employment for thousands of young people, aligning local skills with global labour demand.
