The central government is outlining a comprehensive restructuring of the driving license framework across the country to improve efficiency, verification, and road safety standards. A draft notification published by the Ministry of Road Transport proposes an array of substantial administrative updates. Among the primary highlights is a plan to introduce distinct colored cards for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. In addition to visual identity changes, the proposal outlines stricter screening metrics for new applicants through enhanced passing criteria in online tests. Because these provisions currently exist as a draft notification, formal public consultations and final regulatory orders will precede their official enforcement.
Color-Coded Cards to Distinguish Nationality
Under the proposed framework, driving licenses will prominently indicate the holder's nationality through an easily recognizable visual cue. Authorities plan to implement separate color schemes for licenses distributed to Indian citizens versus those issued to foreign nationals living in the country. This systemic color distinction is expected to streamline roadside checks, routine vehicular verifications, and law enforcement processes. By glancing at the physical card, traffic personnel and administrative authorities will be able to confirm a motorist's citizenship status without reviewing secondary background records.
Higher Benchmark for Safe-Driving Assessments
To reduce road accidents and ensure high driver competence, the ministry is raising the difficulty level of the compulsory online safe-driving tutorial assessment. Under existing regulations, learners must secure at least 60% marks to qualify in this evaluation. The draft provisions raise this qualification threshold to 75%. Officials expect that this higher qualifying bar will encourage applicants to thoroughly study road safety rules, traffic signals, right-of-way regulations, and defensive driving techniques prior to operating vehicles on public roads.
Crackdown on Fake Paperwork: Affidavits Out, Verified Records In
In a direct bid to curb identity manipulation and document fraud, the draft guidelines restrict the common practice of submitting affidavits attested by notaries or executive magistrates as proof of age or residence. Instead, motorists must produce verifiable primary documents. For residential proof, the approved list features Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, e-ration cards, as well as electricity or domestic gas utility bills issued within the preceding three months. Legitimate proof of age will require a passport, an official birth certificate, or an academic marksheet issued by an accredited school education board. Identity verification will rely on standard credentials including Aadhaar, passports, and PAN cards.
Mandatory Medical Details and Fee Exemptions
To assist first responders during medical emergencies, applicant profiles must mandatorily record the driver's blood group, active personal mobile number, and emergency contact information. Alongside this requirement, the ministry has introduced a consumer-friendly waiver for routine paperwork updates. Citizens who carry out modifications to their recorded name, residential address, or contact number using online Aadhaar authentication will be exempt from paying transaction service fees.
Unified Single Application Form and Strict Deadlines
To eliminate procedural bottlenecks, the transport department plans to introduce a single, unified application form covering multiple services. Drivers will use this single window for renewal requests, duplicate license requisitions, adding a new vehicle category, or updating personal data. Furthermore, authorities will face mandatory operational turnaround times: online requests for updating personal records must be formally processed within 15 days, and any rejection requires recorded written justification. If an address update request remains unattended by the licensing authority for 30 days, it will be automatically deemed approved.
