MRF INSTITUTE OF DRIVER DEVELOPMENT
In an economy that is booming with a GDP growth rate of around 8% per annum, the need of the hour is organised and efficient transport systems. Developing economies such as India depend heavily on road transport. Such heavy reliance has led to a dearth of skilful and competent drivers who drive safely. In order to address this problem, MRF has instituted a non-profit organisation known as the MRF Institute of Driver Development (MIDD), which imparts training to unemployed young men in light and heavy commercial vehicle (LCV and HCV) driving. The objective of the institute is to produce proficient HCV drivers in the larger interest of the road transport industry. Over two decades, the institute has turned out over 2000 LCV and 700 HCV drivers since its humble beginnings in 1988.
Training
Apart from its main objective of training drivers for HCVs, the institute, in the preliminary stage (the first 6 weeks) of the training process, provides training for LCVs as well. During this stage, the driver's aptitude for professional driving is ascertained. After this 6-week phase, the trainee spends one year 'on the field' driving Light Commercial Vehicles, before being admitted to the Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) phase, which extends for another term of 3 months.
Along with instilling in its trainees the spirit of hardship and strength of character, the institute also organises lessons for its trainees in several key issues like First Aid, prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism, AIDS awareness, etc. Special classes to learn Hindi are also conducted to enable the HCV trainees to take up driving on National Permit routes with ease.
The end product of one and a half years of dedicated and rigorous training: professional and efficient drivers who abide by the rules, facilitating the growth process of the nation.