Driving Licence Rules May Change: 75% Pass Mark Proposed for Online Test, Affidavits May No Longer Be Accepted

The process of obtaining or updating a driving licence in India could become stricter if the Centre’s proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Rules are approved. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft proposing a higher pass mark for the online safe-driving tutorial test, changes to acceptable age and address documents, and new details to be included on driving licences.

The proposals are still at the draft stage and should not be treated as rules already in force.

Online Driving Test May Require 75% Marks

Under the proposal, applicants would need to score at least 75% in the online tutorial test on safe driving, up from the existing requirement of 60%.

The draft also proposes making the tutorial at least 30 minutes long, increasing the minimum duration of the learning module.

Affidavits May No Longer Be Accepted as Proof

The proposed amendments seek to remove the option of submitting an affidavit sworn before an Executive Magistrate, Judicial Magistrate or notary to establish age or address when applicants cannot provide the prescribed documents. Life insurance policies would also no longer be accepted as proof.

Documents proposed for address verification include Aadhaar, voter ID, e-ration cards and electricity or gas bills issued within the preceding three months. Foreign nationals would be required to provide evidence of their legal residence in India.

For proof of age, the draft lists passports, school board mark sheets, birth certificates and identity cards issued by government departments. Aadhaar, passports, e-ration cards and PAN cards are among the documents proposed for identity verification.

Separate Licence Colours for Indians and Foreign Nationals

The draft proposes introducing different colour schemes for driving licences issued to Indian citizens and foreign nationals. It would also require the licence to mention the holder’s citizenship.

Other proposed additions include the licence holder’s blood group, mobile number and an emergency contact person’s details.

Aadhaar-Based Online Services May Become Free

Applicants using Aadhaar-based online verification could receive fee exemptions for specified services, including changes to their name, address and contact number on a driving licence.

The proposal also sets out timelines for processing applications to update licence details. Authorities would have to approve or reject such applications within 15 days, giving reasons if an application is turned down.

If an address-change application remains undecided for 30 days, it would be treated as approved under the proposed provisions.

One Application Form for Multiple Licence Services

The draft also proposes a consolidated application form covering several services, including licence renewal, issuance of a duplicate licence, addition of a new vehicle category and changes to personal details.

Authorities would also be able to retrieve available applicant information electronically through the Sarathi portal, which is used for driving licence-related services.

The amendments remain proposals at this stage. Their implementation will depend on the government’s final decision following the draft notification process.