Learner's licence test to get tougher, with 75% marks needed to pass under draft rules

The way a driving licence is obtained is set to change. The Centre has proposed several major changes to the process and has issued a new draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The changes will make the learner's licence test harder, while some services will be made fully online and free. The government says the strict step has been taken to keep the public's travel safe.

According to the proposed draft, the marks needed to pass the initial learner's licence test have been raised directly from 60 per cent to 75 per cent. Applicants will now get a total of 15 days, not 7 as before, to complete the licensing process. Every applicant will also have to complete a safe-driving tutorial of at least 30 minutes.

While applying, separate proofs of age, identity and address will have to be submitted. Voter ID, passport, e-ration card and certain identity documents issued by the government will be accepted. For proof of address, an electricity bill or a domestic gas receipt issued within the past 3 months will also be valid. Foreign nationals will have to show proof that they are living in India legally.

A new "Form 2A" has been proposed for licence renewal, duplicate licences, change of name or address, updating personal details and adding vehicle categories. No fee will be charged for changing the name, address or other entries on a licence.

Under the new draft, applicants will also have to give more information about their health. They will have to state whether they have epilepsy or any other condition that causes seizures, hearing difficulty, night blindness, any drug allergy, or any medical or surgical implant in the body.

Notably, people who have epilepsy or seizures and have had such a seizure in the past 3 years, or who are currently taking epilepsy medication, will not be eligible for a driving licence. The rule clarifies that details such as drug allergies and implants will be used only when someone is taken in an ambulance or admitted to hospital after a road accident. Blood group and emergency contact details will also be taken at the time of application.

The draft has recently been posted on the government's e-Gazette website. The Centre has invited objections and suggestions from the public and other stakeholders within the next 30 days. A final decision will be taken after that.