India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a series of changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, covering learner’s licence assessments, online services, licence-card formats and the process for updating personal information. The proposed changes include increasing the minimum pass mark for the learner’s licence test from 60% to 75%, introducing a safe-driving tutorial lasting at least 30 minutes and removing certain fees for online applications.
The draft amendments could also make it easier for motorists to update their names, addresses, mobile numbers and other licence particulars. Licensing authorities would face a proposed 15-day deadline to approve or reject applications for changes, while revised documentation requirements and standardised licence-card specifications aim to streamline the process. The proposals are not yet final rules: the government has invited objections and suggestions before deciding whether to implement them.
Key Takeaways
- Higher pass mark: The proposed minimum score for the learner’s licence assessment would rise from 60% to 75%.
- Safe-driving tutorial: Applicants would need to complete a tutorial lasting at least 30 minutes.
- More time for completion: The proposed period to complete the tutorial would increase from seven days to 15 days.
- Fee waivers: Certain online services accessed through Aadhaar authentication would become free, alongside specified changes to licence particulars.
- Faster processing: Licensing authorities would have 15 days to approve or reject applications to change personal details.
- Address-change provision: Under the draft, an address-change application could be deemed approved if the authority does not accept or reject it within 30 days.
- Updated licence cards: New and renewed licences would be issued in laminated or PVC card formats under revised specifications.
1. Learner’s Licence Test Pass Mark to Rise to 75%
One of the most significant proposals concerns the qualifying score for the learner’s licence assessment. MoRTH wants to raise the minimum passing percentage from the existing 60% to 75%.
The change would require applicants to answer more questions correctly before qualifying. The stated direction of the proposal is to strengthen the assessment of applicants’ understanding of safe driving and road rules.
| Requirement | Existing provision | Proposed provision |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum pass mark | 60% | 75% |
| Safe-driving tutorial | Existing tutorial requirements | At least 30 minutes |
| Tutorial completion period | Seven days | 15 days |
The higher pass mark would make preparation more important for first-time applicants. Candidates may need to spend more time understanding road signs, traffic regulations, right-of-way rules and safe-driving practices rather than relying on last-minute preparation.
However, a higher score alone does not guarantee safer roads. The effectiveness of the change will also depend on the quality of the learning material, the consistency of testing and how well applicants apply the rules after receiving their licences.
2. Mandatory Safe-Driving Tutorial of at Least 30 Minutes
The draft proposes that the safe-driving tutorial should last for a minimum of 30 minutes. It also proposes extending the time available to complete the tutorial from seven days to 15 days.
The additional time could help applicants complete the learning process without rushing through the material. A structured tutorial can cover essential subjects such as traffic signs, speed limits, lane discipline, pedestrian safety and responsible road behaviour.
The proposal combines a longer minimum tutorial duration with a higher assessment threshold. Together, these measures would place greater emphasis on applicants understanding basic road-safety principles before qualifying for a learner’s licence.
Applicants should note that the 30-minute requirement and the revised completion period are still part of a draft amendment. They should check the official Parivahan portal and their local licensing authority for the applicable requirements when submitting an application.
3. Selected Online Driving Licence Services Could Become Free
The proposed amendments include fee waivers for specified online services completed through Aadhaar authentication. The draft also proposes removing charges for changes to personal details recorded on a driving licence.
These changes could reduce the cost of routine administrative work for existing licence holders.
| Service or fee category | Proposed change |
|---|---|
| Change of name or other personal particulars | Existing prescribed fee proposed to be removed |
| Change of residential address on a driving licence | Fee waiver proposed |
| Updates to mobile number and email details | Covered by the proposed changes to personal particulars, subject to the final rules |
| Eligible online services using Aadhaar authentication | Fees proposed to be waived under the relevant provisions |
The proposed waiver is not an announcement that every driving licence service will become free. Applicants should distinguish between the specified services covered by the draft and other charges that may still apply.
For example, the proposal does not automatically mean that every learner’s licence application, driving test, licence issuance, renewal or international driving permit will be free. The final notification and applicable state-level requirements will determine which charges remain payable.
The Rajasthan Transport Department’s published fee schedule currently lists charges for services such as learner’s licences, tests, licence issuance and changes to recorded particulars. The proposed amendments could alter some of these charges if adopted.
4. Licensing Authorities May Have 15 Days to Process Changes
MoRTH has proposed a time-bound process for applications to change driving licence particulars, including a person’s name and address.
Under the draft, the licensing authority would have to approve or reject an application within 15 days. If an application is rejected, the authority would be required to record the reasons and communicate them to the applicant.
The proposal could provide greater predictability for motorists who need to correct outdated information or update their details after moving to a new address.
The draft also includes a specific provision for address-change applications. If the licensing authority does not accept or reject such an application within 30 days, the application could be treated as approved under the proposed rules.
This provision is intended to reduce uncertainty caused by applications remaining unresolved. However, applicants should not assume that an address change has already been approved under the proposed system. The provision will apply only if it becomes part of the final rules and the relevant conditions are met.
5. Revised Documents for Identity, Age and Address Verification
The draft proposes changes to the documents that applicants can use to establish their identity, age and residence.
The specified documents include Aadhaar, passports, voter identity cards, e-ration cards and other eligible government-issued records. Certain utility bills, including electricity and household gas bills not older than three months, are also included in the proposed address-proof requirements.
PAN cards are proposed as an accepted identity document, while passports, birth certificates and specified educational certificates containing the date of birth are among the documents identified for age verification.
The objective is to clarify which documents applicants can submit and reduce confusion during the application process.
Applicants should check the final list of accepted documents before applying. The availability of a document in the draft does not mean that every document will be accepted for every purpose, since identity, age and address verification have different requirements.
6. Standardised Laminated or PVC Driving Licence Cards
MoRTH has also proposed changes to the physical format of driving licences. Under the draft, licences issued or renewed by licensing authorities would use laminated or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cards in Form 7, following revised specifications.
The draft includes separate formats for Indian nationals and foreign nationals, along with changes to the card design and its information fields.
Standardised card specifications could help create greater consistency in how licences are produced across licensing authorities. They may also support more uniform presentation of licence information and verification features.
The proposal is about the format and specifications of the licence card. It should not be interpreted as a separate announcement that existing licences will immediately become invalid or that every current licence holder must apply for a replacement.
Motorists should wait for the final notification and any implementation instructions before taking action on an existing licence.
7. Proposed Changes to Vehicle Categories on Driving Licences
Another provision would allow motorists to permanently surrender one or more vehicle categories recorded on their driving licences.
Under the draft, the surrendered category would be deleted within seven days of the application. However, a person who permanently surrenders a vehicle category would not be eligible to obtain a learner’s or driving licence for that category for one year from the date of surrender.
This provision could be relevant to people who no longer want authorisation for a particular class of vehicle. However, surrendering a category would have consequences if the person later decides to drive that type of vehicle again.
Motorists should therefore review the conditions carefully before submitting such an application, particularly the proposed one-year restriction.
8. Changes to Application Forms and Medical Declarations
The draft also proposes updates to forms used in the licensing process. These include revised photograph specifications, changes to the information requested from applicants and provisions allowing certain details to be fetched automatically from the Sarathi portal.
The amendments also propose changes to medical declarations, including additional disclosures relating to certain medical conditions, medication allergies and medical or surgical implants.
These provisions would affect the information applicants may be asked to provide. Their practical effect will depend on the final wording of the rules and the forms adopted by licensing authorities.
Applicants should provide accurate information and follow the instructions on the relevant official application form. They should not assume that the proposed changes have already altered the documents or declarations currently required.
9. When Could the New Driving Licence Rules Take Effect?
The ministry issued the draft notification on October 16, 2026, and it was published in the Gazette of India on October 21, 2026. The draft invites objections and suggestions within 30 days of the notification being made available to the public.
That consultation period allows members of the public and other stakeholders to comment on the proposed changes before the government considers the final rules.
The key distinction is that publication of a draft does not itself make all the proposed provisions operational. The government must consider the consultation process and issue the applicable final notification before the amendments take effect.
Until then, applicants should follow the existing requirements published by the relevant licensing authority and the official Parivahan portal.
The Bigger Picture
The proposed amendments combine two policy goals: raising the standard expected of new drivers and simplifying administrative services for existing licence holders. A higher pass mark and a structured safe-driving tutorial would place greater emphasis on road-safety knowledge, while fee waivers and processing deadlines could make routine updates less expensive and more predictable.
The proposals also show how digital authentication and standardised documentation are becoming more important in transport administration. Their real-world impact will depend on clear implementation guidelines, reliable online systems and consistent processing across states. The final rules will determine how much motorists save, which services qualify for waivers and how the new requirements are applied.
FAQs
1. Is the driving licence test pass mark already 75%?
No. The increase from 60% to 75% is part of a draft amendment. Applicants should check the applicable requirements before taking the test.
2. Will all driving licence services become free?
No. The proposal covers specified changes to licence particulars and certain online services accessed through Aadhaar authentication. Other fees may continue to apply.
3. Will applicants need to complete a 30-minute tutorial?
The draft proposes a safe-driving tutorial lasting at least 30 minutes. It is not yet a final requirement under the proposed amendments.
4. How long would authorities have to process changes to licence details?
The draft proposes a 15-day deadline for approval or rejection. It also proposes that address-change applications may be deemed approved if no decision is made within 30 days, subject to the final rules.
5. When will the proposed rules become effective?
The draft was published in the Gazette on October 21, 2026, with a 30-day period for objections and suggestions. The provisions should not be treated as effective until the government issues the applicable final notification.
Looking Ahead
The next important step is the conclusion of the consultation process and the government’s decision on which provisions to adopt. If approved, the amendments could change the way applicants prepare for learner’s licence assessments, update personal details and access selected online services. The final notification will be essential for confirming the effective date and the precise scope of the changes.
For now, new applicants and existing licence holders should continue using official transport portals and follow the rules currently in force. Anyone planning to update licence details should verify the applicable fee and documentation requirements with the relevant licensing authority rather than relying on proposed fee waivers before they are formally implemented.
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