New Delhi, October 23 (TNA) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed significant changes to the process of obtaining a learner’s driving licence, including a tougher safe-driving assessment and a mandatory road-safety tutorial.
The proposals are part of draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft notification has been opened for public objections and suggestions for 30 days and will become effective only after the government issues a final notification.
Pass mark may rise to 75%
Under the proposed rules, applicants would have to score at least 75% in the safe-driving tutorial assessment, compared with the existing qualifying mark of 60%. The tutorial would need to run for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Applicants would get 15 days to complete the tutorial after submitting their learner’s licence application. The current period is seven days. The draft also proposes ending exemptions for applicants who hold older learner’s licences or possess certificates from driving schools. Such applicants may also be required to complete the prescribed tutorial and assessment.
Health information proposed
The application process may include additional health-related disclosures. Applicants could be asked to provide information about epilepsy, vision and night-vision problems, hearing impairment, limb-related limitations, drug allergies and medical implants.
The proposed licence format may also include the holder’s blood group, mobile number, emergency contact details and willingness to donate organs. Authorities say the information could help emergency responders and hospitals after road accidents.
Selected services may become free
The draft proposes waiving fees for certain licence-related services completed online through Aadhaar authentication. Charges may also be removed for correcting details such as the applicant’s name or address, subject to verification requirements.
A learner’s licence would be specified as valid for six months from the date of issue. Applicants may also be allowed to correct discrepancies, including their date of birth, by submitting a written request and original supporting documents before applying for a permanent driving licence.
The proposals are not final yet. The government will examine public feedback before deciding whether to notify the amendments and when the new provisions will come into force.