New norms for Driving Licence: Tutorial pass mark may rise to 75%

Under the proposal, the safe-driving tutorial would have to last at least 30 minutes. (Representative image)

NEW DELHI: Road transport ministry has proposed raising the pass mark for safe-driving tutorial assessment from 60% to 75% and waiving fees for specified driving-licence services availed through online Aadhaar authentication, along with charges for changes to licence particulars such as name and address.The proposed changes to driving licence rules are aimed at tightening assessment requirements and to ensure availing licence-related services without any hassle. The changes proposed in the draft notification to amend sections of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules published late Wednesday night also seek to streamline online driving licence services, specify acceptable identity and residence documents, and introduce time limits for processing applications to change licence particulars.Under the proposal, the safe-driving tutorial would have to last at least 30 minutes. The higher qualifying score of 70% is aimed at making the assessment more stringent. The draft also proposes a defined procedure for online applications to change driving licence particulars, including name and address. Licencing authorities would have to approve or reject applications for changes within 15 days, giving reasons for rejection.

An application for an address change that remains undecided for 30 days would be deemed approved.The proposed rules also specify documents that can be submitted as proof of identity, age and residence. These include Aadhaar, passport, voter identity card, recognised educational certificates and birth certificates, among other documents. Electricity and household gas bills not older than three months are among the proposed address-proof documents.

LIC policy would no more be accepted as a proof.The draft also provides for a consolidated application form covering services such as licence renewal, issuance of duplicate licences, addition of a vehicle class and changes to personal particulars. Specified applicant details would be retrieved electronically from the SARATHI portal wherever available.In another proposed change, a vehicle class would be deleted from a driving licence within seven days of an application to surrender it. However, applicants permanently surrendering a class would not be eligible to obtain a learner’s or driving licence for that class for one year.The draft notification invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days of publication. The proposals will come into force after final notification.