The recently updated Central Motor Vehicles Rules require individuals taking the learner’s licence online test to complete an online study module before it.
The new rules have also brought down the passing standard of the test to 60%.
Though these rules were notified in Feb 2023, they have not been implemented in Gujarat.
One of the new rules introduced by the Union road transport ministry states, “Within seven days of submitting an application, every applicant for a learner’s licence shall complete a tutorial on safe driving, electronically on a portal, either accessed by the applicant himself or with the help of a facilitation centre.”
The passing standard for the learner’s licence test has been reduced from 75% to 60%.
This means an applicant now must answer nine of 15 questions correctly, compared to 11 earlier.
While many states have already made the online module mandatory, Gujarat has not. Officials said implementation of the online module requirement has been delayed due to concerns about applicants being assisted by someone providing the correct answers. This is because the online test will follow the module.
The new rules say the online tutorial must be two hours long and the department must have arrangements in place for testing, a course completion certification and issuing the learner’s licence through the SARATHI portal.
This means that applicants will not need to visit the RTO to obtain their licence after the test. They can instead take printouts of their certificate to use as required.
Despite attempts to reach transport commissioner Rajesh Manju for comment, no response was received.
The mandatory online study module and change in passing standard aim to improve road safety and ensure that new drivers have a better understanding of safe driving practices.
By making the tutorial accessible online and allowing applicants to complete it with the help of a facilitation centre, the road transport ministry hopes to make the process more convenient and accessible, a senior officer said.
Officials said the aspect of applicants getting assistance during the online test can be addressed by using monitoring and security measures to ensure the integrity of the testing process, he said.