govt-mulls-proposal-to-extend-driving-licence-validity-to-50-yrs

The millions of people with driver’s license in India may get a breather soon as a proposal to increase the validity period of the driver’s license, which is currently for 20 years, has been put before the government. This would mean that the drivers will have to renew their licenses much less often.

 

Transport officials have confirmed that the ministry is vetting several regulatory updates, with the extension of licence validity being a key consideration. However, they emphasised that the discussions remain at an early stage and no definitive decision has been reached yet. Under the current framework, a standard driving licence is issued for 20 years. After this expires, the driver is expected to undertake the entire process of renewing their license, by filling up the necessary documents and a medical report, depending on the age of the driver. The change in validity period to 50 years is expected to simplify the processes involved for the convenience of citizens.

 

Despite some reluctance to accept the new proposal from some state governments because of their fear of losing out on income generated from the application forms of renewal licenses, the government at the centre says that this is not likely to pose any significant harm to the state governments. They point out that administrative fees for initial issuance or updates can easily be restructured and collected through digital portals to ensure that state treasuries remain unaffected.

 

Alongside the changes to driving licences, the ministry is actively working to migrate services such as vehicle ownership transfers and transport permit renewals to entirely digital platforms. This wider modernisation program aims to do away with paper work and make unnecessary the need for citizens to attend to their business at regional transportation offices.

 

The authorities are convinced that the extended validity period for licences does not jeopardise road safety. The government stressed that once an efficient demerit point system is introduced — one where traffic offenses incur negative points which will lead to suspension or loss of driving credentials altogether — it would be easier to control erring drivers than by having them renew their licences periodically. For now, there is no concrete plan or timetable from the ministry concerning the implementation of the program.

 

Also read: 30 Indians living illegally in US held, to be deported