India Ministry of Road Transport proposes new driving licence rules

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, proposing significant changes to the driving licence process in India. Key proposals include introducing distinct color schemes and formats to differentiate between licences issued to Indian citizens and foreign nationals.

To enhance road safety, the ministry proposes increasing the minimum passing score for safe-driving tutorial assessments from 60 percent to 75 percent and extending the tutorial duration to at least 30 minutes. Additionally, licences may be required to display the holder’s blood group, mobile number, and emergency contact information.

Administrative changes aim to streamline updates to personal details. The ministry proposes waiving fees for changing names or addresses and requires licensing authorities to approve or reject such applications within 15 days, providing specific reasons for any rejections. The proposal also seeks to eliminate the requirement for affidavits sworn before a magistrate or notary for proof of age and address, suggesting documents like Aadhaar, passports, and voter IDs instead.

All new or renewed licences would be issued as laminated or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cards. The ministry has invited public objections and suggestions regarding these draft rules within 30 days of publication.