The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of India’s driving licence regulations, aiming to streamline documentation, improve safety standards, and enhance the authentication process for applicants. According to a recent draft notification issued by the ministry, the government is considering the introduction of colour-coded driving licences to clearly distinguish between Indian citizens and foreign nationals, alongside a mandatory requirement to disclose nationality on the document itself.
Beyond visual identifiers, the proposed amendments seek to tighten the assessment criteria for new drivers. Currently, applicants for a driving licence must pass an online safe-driving tutorial assessment with a score of 60 per cent. Under the new draft rules, the qualifying threshold would be raised to 75 per cent. Furthermore, the ministry has suggested that these mandatory online tutorials must last for at least 30 minutes, ensuring that applicants undergo a more rigorous and substantive safety induction before becoming eligible for a licence.
A significant portion of the proposed changes focuses on the verification of personal data to prevent fraud. The government intends to phase out the current practice of accepting affidavits sworn before an executive magistrate or notary as valid proof of age or address. Authorities have noted that this system has been susceptible to misuse, allowing for the submission of false information. In its place, the ministry has outlined specific lists of acceptable documents, such as Aadhaar, Electoral Photo Identity Cards, e-ration cards, school mark sheets, birth certificates, and recent utility bills, to ensure greater transparency.
Additionally, the draft rules seek to make personal information on licences more comprehensive. It will become mandatory for all licence holders to list their blood group, mobile number, and emergency contact details. These details are intended to assist medical professionals and authorities during emergencies or accidents. The ministry is also proposing the discontinuation of life insurance policies as acceptable proof for identification purposes.
To encourage digital adoption, the ministry has proposed that certain services, such as updating an address, name, or contact number, be provided free of charge when applicants complete the process using online Aadhaar authentication. The draft also establishes a strict timeline for bureaucratic processing: licensing authorities will be required to approve or reject requests for changing licence particulars within 15 days. If a decision is not reached within 30 days, the application will be deemed approved by default. Any rejection of an application must be accompanied by a clear explanation.
The proposal also introduces a consolidated application form, which would replace separate paperwork for services like licence renewal, the issuance of duplicate cards, or adding a new class of vehicle. Whenever possible, relevant applicant information will be retrieved electronically from the government’s existing Sarathi portal to reduce manual data entry errors and speed up administrative workflows.
It is important to note that these changes are currently part of a draft notification and are not yet in force. The move reflects the government's broader effort to digitise motor vehicle services and curb the prevalence of forged documents. By establishing stricter document requirements and increasing the difficulty of safety assessments, the ministry aims to foster a more reliable and standardized licensing environment across the country.
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