Mumbai:The government is planning to introduce major changes to the rules for obtaining and updating a driving licence (DL). The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft proposing amendments to the Motor Vehicles Rules. According to a report by The Times of India, the primary objective is to curb the use of fake documents and make online driving licence services simpler, more transparent, and more efficient.
If you already have a driving licence or are planning to apply for a new one, here are the key proposed changes you should know about.
Will Affidavits No Longer Be Accepted as Proof of Identity, Age, or Address?
Under the new proposal, affidavits sworn before a magistrate or notarised will no longer be accepted as proof of age or address. Life insurance policies issued by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) have also been proposed for removal from the list of valid documents.
These documents were previously used by applicants in certain circumstances. However, the government is proposing to discontinue their acceptance to prevent fraud and the submission of forged documents.
Instead, the ministry has proposed a clearly defined list of acceptable documents.
For proof of address:
Aadhaar card
Voter ID card (EPIC)
Electronic ration card
Electricity or gas bills from the previous three months
Proof of lawful residence in India for foreign nationals
For proof of age:
Passport
School board marksheet
Birth certificate
Government-issued identity card
For proof of identity:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Electronic ration card
PAN card
What New Information Will Be Required on Driving Licences?
The appearance and information displayed on driving licences may also change under the proposed rulesThe new draft proposes that the nationality of the licence holder must be clearly mentioned on the driving licence. Separate colour schemes are also proposed for licences issued to Indian and foreign nationals, making it easier to distinguish between them.
Additionally, the proposed changes include provisions for recording the licence holder’s blood group, mobile number, and emergency contact number. These details are intended to help authorities provide assistance more efficiently in emergency situations.What Changes Are Proposed for Online Tests and Fees? The proposed rules also introduce stricter requirements for applicants taking the online safe-driving tutorial assessment.Previously, applicants needed to score at least 60% to pass the assessment. Under the new proposal, the qualifying score would increase to 75%. The online tutorial would also need to last at least 30 minutes.
However, the government has proposed a fee exemption for certain online services, offering relief to applicants.
If applicants use Aadhaar authentication to update details such as their address, name, or mobile number on their driving licence, the service would be provided free of charge under the proposal.The draft also proposes that authorities process such online applications within 15 days. Furthermore, an application for an address change that remains pending for 30 days would be deemed approved under the proposed provision.
What Should Driving Licence Holders Know?
The proposed changes aim to strengthen document verification, improve road safety, and simplify digital services related to driving licences. Applicants may need to ensure that they have the appropriate supporting documents before applying for a new licence or requesting changes to an existing one.
Important: These provisions are part of a draft amendment and should not be treated as rules already in force. Applicants should check the final notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways before assuming that the proposed changes have come into effect.
