Government plans colour-coded driving licences for citizens, foreign nationals

Road Transport Ministry has proposed raising the qualifying threshold for the safe-driving tutorial assessment from 60-75%, alongside a fee waiver for select online driving licence services completed via Aadhaar authentication. (Representational image)

The Road Transport Ministry has proposed introducing separate colour schemes for driving licences issued or renewed for Indian and foreign nationals, alongside doing away with affidavits sworn before an executive magistrate or notary as proof of age and address.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, has also proposed making it mandatory for driving licences to carry the holder's blood group, mobile number and emergency contact numbers.

"Every driving licence issued or renewed by a licensing authority shall be in the form of a laminated or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card in Form 7, and the Form shall contain separate formats for driving licences issued or renewed for Indian nationals and foreign nationals, respectively," the draft notification said.

The ministry also proposed accepting affidavits and life insurance policies as proof of age and address to prevent misuse.

It has proposed raising the qualifying threshold for the safe-driving tutorial assessment from 60-75%, alongside a fee waiver for select online driving licence services completed via Aadhaar authentication.

A senior official said the proposed changes to driving licence rules are aimed at tightening assessment requirements.

MoRTH, in draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, has proposed that the safe-driving tutorial should run for at least 30 minutes.

Under the proposal, licensing authorities would have to approve or reject applications to change driving licence particulars, including name and address, within 15 days, with reasons for rejection.

It also proposed removing charges for changes in personal details, including the applicant's name and address.

The draft rules also specify documents that applicants can use as proof of identity, age and residence. The list includes Aadhaar, passport, voter identity card, e-ration card, birth certificate, among other documents.

Under the proposal, every driving licence issued or renewed by a licensing authority will be in a laminated or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card in Form 7.

The draft notification invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days of publication.