Driving Licence Rule Amendments Seek To Raise Bar For Learner’s Test, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union government has proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to make the learner's test more stringent and digitize services.
• The pass mark for the preliminary learner's test will increase from 60% to 75%.
• The period to complete the learner's licence process will be extended from 7 to 15 days, including a mandatory 30-minute safe-driving tutorial.
• A new Form 2A will consolidate various licence-related applications, and certain services like name or address changes will become free.
• Applicants must provide detailed medical disclosures, with specific conditions like recent epilepsy or seizure disorders leading to ineligibility.
• The draft also proposes collecting blood group and emergency contact information on licence applications.

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed changes aim to simplify licence-related services, reduce processing delays, and enhance road safety.
• Acceptable identity and address proofs will include Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, e-ration card, and recent utility bills.
• Foreign applicants must provide proof of legal presence in India.
• Medical information, such as allergies and implants, will be used primarily if the licence holder is hospitalized after a road accident.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued the draft notification, seeking public feedback for 30 days before final consideration.
• For address change applications, if the licensing authority does not act within 30 days, the application will be deemed approved.
• The amendments also propose removing fees for recording a change of residence in vehicle registration records and scrapping additional charges for delays in submitting a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: A comprehensive legal framework governing motor vehicle regulations, driving licences, and vehicle registration in India.
• Learner's Licence: A temporary licence issued to individuals learning to drive, allowing them to drive under supervision before obtaining a permanent driving licence.
• Form 2A: A proposed consolidated application form for various driving licence services, including renewal, duplicate issuance, and changes to particulars.