The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed introducing distinct colour schemes for driving licences issued to Indian citizens and foreign nationals. The proposed amendments also seek to eliminate the requirement for affidavits sworn before an executive magistrate or notary as proof of age and address.
Under the draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, the ministry has also proposed making it compulsory for driving licences to include the holder’s blood group, mobile number and emergency contact details.
The draft notification states that all driving licences issued or renewed by licensing authorities must be provided as laminated cards or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cards in Form 7. It further proposes separate formats for licences issued or renewed for Indian and foreign nationals.
A senior ministry official said the proposed changes are intended to strengthen the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining a driving licence.
The draft rules also propose extending the safe-driving tutorial to a minimum of 30 minutes. In addition, licensing authorities would be required to approve or reject applications seeking changes to licence details, including the holder’s name and address, within 15 days. Any rejection would have to be supported by stated reasons.
Another significant proposal is the removal of fees for updating personal details, such as a change of name or address, on a driving licence.
The proposed amendments also outline the documents applicants may submit as proof of identity, age and residential address, with the aim of streamlining the application and renewal process.