The proposed driver’s license rules raise the bar for the learner test

The road transport ministry has proposed to raise the qualifying threshold for safe driving training program assessment from 60-75% along with fee waiver for selected online driving license services completed through Aadhaar verification. (Representative image) | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Union government has proposed changes to driving license rules that could tighten the learner test while moving several services online and making some of them free.

The proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989 propose to increase the pass mark in the preliminary learner test from 60% to 75%. Applicants will be given 15 days instead of seven to complete the learner’s license process and will be required to complete a safe driving education program of at least 30 minutes.

Applicants will need to provide separate proof of address, age and identity. The list of acceptable documents will include Aadhaar, voter card, passport, e-card and some government issued identity documents. Household electricity and gas invoices issued for the last three months can also be used as proof of address.

Foreign applicants should prove that they are legally present in India. A new Form 2A is proposed to bring together applications for renewal of driving licence, duplicate licences, changes of name or address, updating of personal details and addition of vehicle categories.

The proposal proposes no fee for changing a licensee’s name, address or other recorded information.

Medical information

Under the amendments, applicants will have to provide more medical information, including whether they have epilepsy or other seizure disorders, hearing impairment, night blindness, drug allergies or medical and surgical implants. Under the proposal, people who report epilepsy or a seizure disorder with a seizure in the previous three years, or who are currently taking or tapering anti-epileptic drugs, will not be eligible to get a driver’s license.

The rules say details of drug allergies, implants and some other medical information will only be used if a person is hospitalized after a road accident.

The proposal also suggests collecting information such as blood type, emergency contact details in license applications.

The proposal was published on the government’s e-Gazette website earlier this week. The center has asked for feedback from the public and other stakeholders within 30 days, after which the matter will be discussed.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 16:55 IST