New Delhi, October 24, IPU Media Update News: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed several changes to the process of issuing driving licences in India through draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft notification invites objections and suggestions from the public and stakeholders within 30 days of its publication in the Gazette of India. The proposed changes include revised licence formats, updated documentation requirements and stricter safe-driving tutorial assessments.

Separate Driving Licence Formats for Indian and Foreign Nationals

The Ministry has proposed separate driving licence formats, with different colour schemes, for Indian and foreign nationals. The draft also proposes including the licence holder’s blood group, mobile number and emergency contact details to help facilitate identification and emergency assistance following road accidents.

Changes to Age and Address Proof Requirements

The draft proposes removing the requirement for affidavits sworn before an Executive Magistrate or a Notary as proof of age or address. It also revises the list of documents that applicants may submit to establish their identity, age and residence. The proposed list includes documents such as Aadhaar, passports, e-Ration Cards and birth certificates, subject to the applicable requirements specified in the draft.

Driving Licences to Be Issued on Laminated or PVC Cards

Under the proposed amendments, every driving licence issued or renewed by a licensing authority would be provided in the form of a laminated card or a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card in Form 7. Separate formats would be prescribed for Indian and foreign nationals.

Safe-Driving Tutorial Assessment Pass Mark Proposed to Rise to 75%

The Ministry has proposed increasing the qualifying score for the online safe-driving tutorial assessment from 60% to 75%. The tutorial would also have to last at least 30 minutes. The draft further proposes extending the period for completing the tutorial from seven days to 15 days. These changes are intended to strengthen the assessment requirements for learner’s licence applicants.

Driving Licence Detail Changes to Be Processed Within 15 Days

The draft proposes requiring licensing authorities to approve or reject applications to change driving licence particulars, including the holder’s name and address, within 15 days. Authorities would also be required to communicate the reasons for rejecting an application. The proposals include waiving fees for changes to personal details and providing fee exemptions for certain online driving licence services accessed through Aadhaar authentication.

These measures remain proposals under the draft amendment and should not be treated as final rules unless and until they are formally approved and notified by the government.

— M. Venkata T. Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist