Driving Licence Rules May Change: Higher Test Marks and Free Online Services Proposed
The central government has proposed new changes to driving licence rules to improve road safety and make licence-related services easier for people. The draft proposal includes a higher pass mark for the safe-driving tutorial, free services through Aadhaar authentication and faster processing of applications.
Under the proposed rules, applicants may need to score at least 75% in the safe-driving tutorial assessment, compared with the current 60%. The tutorial would also need to last at least 30 minutes.
The proposal suggests waiving fees for certain driving licence services completed online through Aadhaar authentication. Changes to personal details, including name and address, are also covered under the proposed fee relief.
The draft sets a time limit for processing applications to update driving licence details. Authorities would need to approve or reject requests within 15 days and provide a reason if an application is rejected.
If an address change application remains pending for 30 days, it would be considered approved under the proposal.
Documents Required for Licence Services
The proposed rules list several documents that applicants can use as proof of identity, age and address. These include Aadhaar, passports, voter ID cards, recognised educational certificates and birth certificates.
Electricity bills and household gas bills issued within the previous three months may also be accepted as address proof. LIC policies would no longer be accepted for this purpose under the draft proposal.
One Application Form for Multiple Services
The government has also proposed a single application form for several driving licence services. These would include licence renewal, duplicate licence issuance, adding a vehicle category and updating personal details.
Available applicant information would be collected electronically through the SARATHI portal to make the process simpler.
Rules for Surrendering a Vehicle Category
Under the draft, a vehicle category would be removed from a driving licence within seven days of an application to surrender it.
However, anyone who permanently gives up a vehicle category would not be allowed to apply for a learner’s licence or driving licence for that same category for one year.
When Will the New Rules Take Effect?
The government has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders within 30 days of the draft notification’s publication. The proposed changes will take effect only after the final notification is issued.
For now, these are proposed changes and should not be treated as final rules.
