India Government Proposed Driving Licence Rules 2026: New Fees, Tests, and Color Code Licence Explained

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a draft notification to change the driving licence system. The proposals aim to stop the use of fake documents, make tests stricter and move more licence services online. These are only draft changes and are not yet in force.

What Has the Indian Government Proposed in the Draft Amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989?

The draft suggests that licences should carry more details about the holder, such as nationality, blood group, mobile number and emergency contact. It also proposes changes to the documents accepted as proof and to the safe-driving test.

Driving Licences May Have Separate Colours for Indians and Foreigners

Licences for Indian citizens and foreign nationals may get different colour schemes. The holder’s nationality would also be printed on the card.

Driving Licence Test: Passing Mark May Rise from 60% to 75%

The pass mark for the online safe-driving tutorial assessment may rise from 60% to 75%. The tutorial would also need to run for at least 30 minutes. The aim is to improve road safety.

Affidavits and Life Insurance Policies May No Longer Be Accepted as Proof

Affidavits sworn before a magistrate or notary public would no longer be accepted as proof of age or address. Life insurance policies would also be removed from the list. The ministry wants to rely on documents that can be verified easily.

Which Documents May Be Accepted for Driving Licences?

• Proof of address: Aadhaar, Electoral Photo Identity Card, e-ration card, electricity or gas bills of the last three months, and proof of legal presence for foreign nationals
• Proof of age: Passport, school board mark sheet, birth certificate and government identity cards
• Proof of identity: Aadhaar, passport, e-ration card and PAN

Driving Licence Free Online Services

Fees may be waived for some services if the applicant uses online Aadhaar authentication. These include changing the address, name or contact number. A single application form is proposed for renewal, duplicate licence, adding a vehicle class and changing personal details. Many details would be picked up automatically from the Sarathi portal.

Driving Licence Applications: Proposed 15-Day Deadline for Decisions

Licensing authorities would have to approve or reject online requests to change name or address within 15 days. A rejection must come with reasons. If an address-change request stays undecided for 30 days, it would be treated as approved.

What is the new proposed driving licence status?

These are draft proposals, not final rules. The final version will depend on the government’s decision after the rule-making process. Applicants should watch official ministry updates for final rules and dates.