BRTA issued a letter to most driving schools in the last week of April to inform them of the decision taken.

Shahidul Azam, motor vehicle inspector of BRTA said: "Institutes must possess a BRTA permit granting them permission to teach driving. An open space or field, genuine fitness certificates for vehicles and classroom space are essentials along with licensed instructors, tax clearances and trade license."

"An open engine must be made available with a well equipped tool box to teach learners the technical aspects in driving," Azam added.

The letter also stated that the said conditions must be fulfilled within two to three months, added another official from the same office.

These schools, BRTA officials said, do not have their own open spaces for training and tend to use the city playgrounds for the purpose.

Learners complained that the student-car ratio is 6:1.

Another BRTA official said that a new rule has been drawn up to address this problem.

But driving school owners complained that the decision was taken suddenly without any warning.

Anwar Hossain, proprietor of National Driving School in Dhanmondi said: "This decision has taken without prior notice. How could it be possible for us to find a open space within two months? It is expensive. With 50-60 schools in the city, most of us will have to close down the business."

In reply Shahidul Azam said that the space could be leased and documents forwarded to the BRTA.

Learners alleged that most driving schools are a place for just arranging driving licences, although brochures declare 100 percent guarantee of original licences.

These training institutes charge Tk 5,000-6,000 to deliver licenses, sources said.

But a BRTA official denied the allegation of issuing fake licences.

However, Abdul Kalam a learner taking lessons from a school in Lalmatia said: "When I sat for the driving test on my own, I was not successful. But I enrolled with this school, because I was assured of the license. There are three tests written, viva and practical. If one fails any of these, the opportunity to re-sit is given. What we have heard the practice so far is to pay a certain amount to the BRTA officer through the instructor to get the licence."

Most driving schools charge Tk 3,500 to Tk 4,000 for a one-month course. Abdul Jabbar, director of Carriot driving school in Mohammadpur said: "The one month course consists of 24 practical classes of 30 minutes each and the rest is theory."

Idris Miah, a learner from Shyamoli said 30 classes are not sufficient to learn driving properly. He also said that after the money is taken, the institute members become lethargic and do not teach properly.

Both BRTA officials and learners admitted that the number of fake licenses is increasing. Most individuals enrolling in these schools do not have basic education, and fail to study rules of driving. But driving school authorities help them to obtain licences even though they fail the exam.

A director of Dhaka Driving in Mohakhali said students who do not sit for tests through a school do not pass easily. Schools urge learners to sit for exams through schools so that both the BRTA and schools can earn extra money.