At 71 with 11 different types of driving licences, Kerala’s Mani Amma continues to inspire younger generations

When asked about her inspiration to learn how to drive heavy vehicles, especially at a time when it is uncommon for women to do so, she said, “I first ventured into driving when my husband suggested. We established a heavy vehicle driving school thereafter. I obtained my four-wheeler licence in 1981 and then acquired my heavy vehicle licence in 1984.”

She added, “At that time, obtaining a heavy vehicle licence in Kerala was challenging. We trained individuals and assisted them in obtaining licences in Mangalore in Karnataka. It dawned on us that we should strive to obtain heavy vehicle licences in Kerala. Consequently, my husband pursued this at various levels and after two years of legal proceedings, we received permission to establish the first heavy vehicle driving school in Kerala, registered under my name. That’s how I ventured into the driving field.”

Mani Amma also has received an award from India Book of Records for possessing maximum number of driving licenses by a septuagenarian.

In 2004, after the untimely demise of her husband, Radhamani had to face initial hiccups before she managed to pull herself up and turn around the situation. Radhamani persevered and took charge of the driving school and emerged as a leader in the driving community. She inspired generations with her resilience.

“The A2Z driving school later became the A2Z driving institute, teaching how to operate all types of heavy equipment. The one decision I made back then has proven to be right and today, the institute has grown to such a level,” said Radhamani.

Despite her age, Radhamani also continues to study and is currently pursuing a mechanical engineering diploma.

Reflecting on her early days of learning how to drive, she said, “My first lessons were on an ambassador at home. Back then, women drivers, especially those of heavy vehicles and buses, were minimal. Learning to drive was more challenging in those days compared to now. People were curious to see a woman driving heavy vehicles.”

On Instagram, she has many videos driving these vehicles. She also has 10.4k followers on Instagram.

Recalling her initial driving experiences, she mentioned encountering oncoming vehicles and feeling nervous, but said she received her husband’s unwavering support.

When asked about being the sole woman in India to hold licences for 11 different vehicle categories, she said, “I obtained my four-wheeler licence in 1981 and my heavy vehicle licence in 1983. Later, I acquired licences for various vehicles including cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, lorries, trailers, cranes, tractors, forklifts, excavators and road rollers.”

She added, “I obtained a hazardous licence in 2022. Driving large vehicles is somewhat easier than driving smaller ones. Many people in our country hold driving licences but refrain from driving due to fear or hesitation. To them, I say, if you truly desire something, with dedication and belief, you can achieve it. I am delighted to inspire numerous individuals to pursue driving without hesitation.”

On being asked how she manages to balance her academic pursuits with her love for driving, Radhamani said, “Exploring new horizons and delving deeper into knowledge has always been my fervour. I successfully attained my Mechanical Engineering Diploma at the age of 72. There’s a prevalent notion that certain achievements have age restrictions. I aim to challenge and overturn that notion first! Learning, in my opinion, is an eternal voyage.”

Having manoeuvred through nearly every vehicle imaginable in Kerala, she harbours a burning desire to pilot any novel vehicles that come her way — that’s her fervent wish. Radhamani has also navigated a boat, fulfilling one of her aspirations.

However, she wistfully acknowledges certain wishes that are likely to remain unfulfilled, such as commandeering a train. “The intricacies of licensing, coupled with various regulations and age constraints render this dream improbable,” she said with a hint of resignation.

She was also awarded the ‘Inspirational personality of the year 2022.’

As an advice for other women aspiring to enter traditionally male-dominated fields like driving, Radhamani said, “Don’t perceive driving as exclusive to any particular gender. In the past, driving was viewed as a means of livelihood but nowadays individuals from various professions pursue driving as a passion, irrespective of gender differences. Driving is now considered a necessity for both men and women. Those who possess driving skills have significantly more opportunities than those who don’t. Therefore, I believe everyone, regardless of gender, should consider entering this field.”