Getting a driving licence updated could become simpler and cheaper if the Centre finalises a proposed set of amendments to motor vehicle rules. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed waiving charges for several licence-related services, setting deadlines for processing applications and introducing a revised format for driving licence cards.
The draft also proposes stricter requirements for the safe-driving tutorial, additional medical disclosures and separate card designs for Indian and foreign nationals. The proposed changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, were published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on October 21. They will take effect only after the amended rules are officially published in their final form.
Driving Licence Applications: New Timelines
Under the proposed changes, licensing authorities would have to decide applications for changes to licence particulars within 15 days. If an application is rejected, the authority would need to provide written reasons. Applications to change an address that remain undecided for 30 days would be treated as approved.
The draft also proposes introducing Form 2A to consolidate several licence-related requests. These would include adding a vehicle category, renewing a licence, applying for a duplicate, changing a name or address, and updating other personal details. Information already available on the SARATHI portal would be retrieved automatically wherever possible.
Applicants seeking to permanently surrender a vehicle category would also face a specific condition. The category would have to be removed from the licence within seven days of the application. Once removed, the holder would not be permitted to obtain a learner's or driving licence for that category for one year.
Which Driving Licence Services Could Become Free?
The proposed fee exemptions cover multiple services, including applications submitted through online Aadhaar authentication. The draft seeks to eliminate the existing Rs 200 charge for changing a name or other particulars on a driving licence. Requests to update an address, mobile number or email ID would also become free.
The ministry has proposed removing the fee for a change of residence under Rule 81. Currently, the charge is set at half the fee specified at serial number 4. Applicants may also face a late fee if a no-objection certificate is delayed: Rs 300 for motorcycles and Rs 500 for other vehicles.
These changes remain proposals and should not be treated as existing rules until the amendments are formally notified.
Safe-Driving Tutorial: Minimum Score To Increase To 75%
The draft proposes tightening the requirements for the safe-driving tutorial under Rule 11. The minimum qualifying score would change from 60% to 75%, while the stipulated time limit in sub-rule (1) would increase from seven days to 15 days.
The tutorial would also have to run for at least 30 minutes. If adopted, these changes would raise the minimum score required to qualify while providing a longer period under the specified time limit.
Medical declarations would cover a wider range of information, including allergic reactions to medicines, medical or surgical implants and other health-related details. The purpose for including these data points is to faciliate in case the licence holder gets hospitalised following a road accident.
The proposed provisions also address applicants who report epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Those who answer "Yes" to any follow-up question about recent seizures or the use of anti-epileptic medication would not receive medical clearance under the draft.
New Driving Licence Cards To Include Medical And Emergency Details
The ministry has proposed a revised design for driving licences issued or renewed under Form 7. Cards would be laminated or made of PVC, with separate formats for Indian and foreign nationals.
The proposed colour schemes would differ by nationality. Cards for Indian nationals would use orange and green, while those issued to foreign nationals would feature shades of blue and green.
The front of the card would display the holder's blood group, contact information, emergency contact, organ donor status, and nationality.
The back of the card will include further information, such as implants, medical conditions, allergies, etc.
It would be mandatory for applicants to disclose their blood group, mobile number, and emergency contact details in the application form, according to the revised guidelines.
Aadhaar, PAN And Passport Among Accepted Documents
The proposed amendments would replace Rule 4 with separate document requirements for establishing address, age and identity.
For proof of address, the draft lists Aadhaar, service photo ID, pensioner or freedom fighter ID, voter ID, passport, e-ration card, and electricity or household gas bills issued within the previous three months. Foreign nationals would additionally need to provide evidence of their legal presence in India.
For proof of age, applicants could submit a passport, a marksheet or certificate issued by a recognised board, university or institute, or a birth certificate.
For proof of identity, the proposed list includes Aadhaar, a valid Indian passport, an e-ration card or PAN.
State governments would retain the option to specify additional documents for establishing address and age.
MoRTH Invites Public Feedback On Proposed Changes
The amendments have not yet been finalised. MoRTH has invited objections and suggestions, which will be considered after 30 days from the date the notification's copies are made available to the public.
Responses can be sent to the Additional Secretary (MVL, Transport & Road Safety) at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The ministry has also provided the email address comments-morth@gov.in for submissions.
The final rules will come into force on the date of their publication, if the proposed amendments are adopted.