MoRTH Proposes New Driving Licence Rules: Colour Coding, 75% Test Score and More
The Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, proposing colour-coded licences for foreign nationals, higher testing thresholds, and mandatory emergency contact information.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed several changes to India's driving licence rules, including colour-coded licences for Indian citizens and foreign nationals, stricter road safety assessments and simpler document verification. The draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules also aim to make licence-related services more convenient by reducing paperwork and setting a time limit for processing applications.
If approved, the proposed changes could affect how driving licences are issued, updated and verified across the country. However, these are draft rules and have not yet been confirmed as final regulations.
Key Highlights
- Colour-coded licences: Different colours proposed for Indian citizens and foreign nationals.
- Higher test score: The qualifying mark for the safe-driving tutorial assessment may increase from 60% to 75%.
- Standardised licence cards: Driving licences would be issued as laminated or PVC cards with additional personal information.
- Simpler updates: Authorities would get 15 days to process requests for changes to personal details, with proposed fee waivers for such updates.
What Are the Proposed Changes to Driving Licences?
One of the key proposals is to introduce a colour-coded system to distinguish between driving licences issued to Indian citizens and foreign nationals. The move is intended to help licensing authorities identify and manage licence records more efficiently.
The ministry has also proposed standardising the physical format of driving licences. Under the draft rules, licences would be issued as laminated or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cards in the prescribed Form 7 format.
These cards would carry important personal details, including the licence holder's blood group, mobile number and emergency contact information. The additional details are intended to make essential information more accessible when required, including in the event of a road accident.
Will the Driving Licence Test Become More Difficult?
The draft amendments propose stricter requirements for the mandatory safe-driving tutorial assessment for new applicants. The qualifying score may increase from the existing 60% to 75%. The ministry has also proposed that the tutorial should last for at least 30 minutes.
These changes aim to ensure that applicants have a better understanding of road safety practices before receiving their driving licences. However, the proposals will need to be finalised before the revised requirements can be implemented.
MoRTH has proposed a 15-day deadline for licensing authorities to process applications for changes to personal details, including the applicant's name or address. If an application is rejected, the authority would be required to provide a formal explanation for the decision. This could help applicants understand the reason for rejection and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
The draft also proposes waiving fees for updating personal information. In addition, fee incentives may be offered for certain services completed through Aadhaar authentication. These measures are intended to reduce the cost and administrative burden associated with maintaining accurate driving licence records.
Which Documents Could Be Accepted for Driving Licence Applications?
The proposed amendments aim to expand the list of documents that applicants can use to establish their identity, age and residential address.
Documents mentioned in the draft include:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- Voter identity card
- Electronic ration card
- Birth certificate
- Life insurance policy, as proposed proof of age and address
The ministry has also proposed removing the requirement for affidavits sworn before an executive magistrate or notary. By allowing a wider range of documents and removing certain affidavit requirements, the proposed changes aim to simplify verification and reduce paperwork for applicants.
When Will the New Driving Licence Rules Come Into Effect?
The proposed changes are currently at the draft stage. MoRTH has invited members of the public and other stakeholders to submit their objections and suggestions regarding the amendments. According to the proposal, feedback can be submitted within 30 days of the draft notification's publication. The government will consider the responses before deciding whether to finalise the amendments.
Until the rules are formally notified, existing driving licence requirements will continue to apply. Applicants should therefore check official MoRTH notifications for updates before assuming that any of the proposed changes have come into force.
End Article
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