New Driving Licence Rules in India: Citizenship Details, New Formats and Learner Test Changes Proposed

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed changes to India’s driving licence rules, including adding citizenship details to licences and introducing different formats for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. The proposals are intended to help prevent the use of fraudulent documents and improve the licence application process.

The changes have been outlined in a draft proposal. If implemented, they could affect the information printed on driving licences, the documents accepted as proof of age and address, and the requirements for obtaining a learner’s licence.

Driving Licences May Include Citizenship Details

Under the proposed rules, driving licences would carry the holder’s citizenship information alongside existing details such as name and address.

The draft also proposes separate colour schemes and formats for licences issued to Indian citizens and foreign nationals. This would make it easier to distinguish between the two categories. However, the specific colours have not yet been announced.

Blood Group, Mobile Number and Emergency Contact Details

The proposed changes also include adding the licence holder’s blood group, mobile number and emergency contact information.

These details could help authorities identify injured people following road accidents and contact their family members when necessary. The proposal aims to make important personal information more readily available during emergencies.

Changes Proposed for Age and Address Proof

At present, applicants can use an affidavit attested by a magistrate or notary as proof of age and address. The government is considering removing this option over concerns that affidavits could be used to submit false dates of birth or incorrect addresses.

Under the proposal, applicants may instead be required to provide documents from specified categories.

For age verification, the proposed list includes passports, birth certificates and school board mark sheets. For address verification, acceptable documents listed in the proposal include Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, electronic ration cards and electricity or gas bills issued within the previous three months.

These changes are intended to strengthen document verification and reduce the possibility of fraudulent applications.

Learner’s Licence Test May Become More Strict

The draft also proposes changes to the safe driving tutorial test required for a new driving licence.

Currently, applicants need to score at least 60% to pass the test. Under the proposal, the minimum passing score could increase to 75%. The online safe driving tutorial may also be required to last at least 30 minutes.

The proposed changes could introduce stricter requirements for learner drivers and place greater emphasis on safe driving knowledge.

Since these measures are part of a draft proposal, applicants should wait for the government’s final notification before assuming that the new requirements have come into force.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on the proposed changes described in the draft. The final rules, implementation date and requirements may differ from the proposal. Applicants should consult official notifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways before applying for or renewing a driving licence.