Central Government Introduces Key Changes to Driving Licence Rules

The Central Government has proposed changes to driving licence regulations, including stricter requirements for the online assessment test on safe driving. Under the draft proposal, the minimum passing score would increase from 60% to 75%. The government has also proposed that the driving awareness tutorial last at least 30 minutes. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification outlining these changes. Stakeholders will have 30 days to submit their objections and suggestions. The final notification will be issued after reviewing the feedback received.

Under the proposed rules, authorities would have to approve or reject applications for changes to a driving licence holder’s name or address within 15 days. If an application is rejected, the reasons must be provided. An address-change application would be considered approved if no decision is made within 30 days. The government is also considering waiving fees for certain online driving licence services accessed through Aadhaar authentication, including changes to personal details. Aadhaar, passports, voter ID cards, birth certificates, educational certificates, e-ration cards, and recent electricity or gas bills are among the documents proposed for identity, age and address verification. LIC policies may be removed from the list of acceptable address proofs. The draft also proposes issuing new and renewed driving licences in laminated or PVC card formats.