National Register for Driving Licenses: Key Facts

The Ministry of Road Transport recently announced that the National Register for Driving Licenses is to be created. This is being done to remove duplication of driving licenses in the country. Most of the states are already on the SARATHI portal of National Informatics Centre. These states have been instructed to migrate to the newly created national register.

About the register

Around 1.5 lakh deaths occur in India annually due to road crashes. Most of these accidents are due to driver’s fault. The register will include separate section to show the names of the people whose driving licenses were revoked. Also, the register will red-flag them. This will help to minimise rash driving in the country.

Driving License in India

• Indian driving license norms permit use of electronic document for a learner’s license, medical certificate and renewal of driving license.
• The complete process of obtaining the learner’s license has been made online.
• The driving licenses shall be renewed one year before the date of expiry.
• The need to furnish vehicles for inspection at the RTO (Regional Transport Office) for registration has been cancelled.

Types of Driving License in India

The different types of permanent driving license in India are as follows

• Motorcycle without gear: The applicant should be at least sixteen years old to get this license. Also, he or she should get a consent from his or her parent or guardian.
• Motorcycles with gear: The applicant should be at least eighteen years old to get this license.
• Commercial Heavy Vehicles: The applicant should have completed eighth standard and should be at least eighteen years old.

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

The eligibilities and rules to obtain a driving license have been provided under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. According to the act, a theoretical test (15 multiple choice questions) on basic driving and traffic rules should be conducted at the RTO when a person applies for license.

Section 130 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 allows a police officer to ask for vehicle related documents. When asked, the driver should produce the documents within fifteen days at the police station or at the concerned department.

Speed Limits in India

In April 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways fixed the maximum speed on expressways as 120 km/hr. The speed limit for national highways is 100 km/hr. The speed limit for urban roads is 70 km/hr for M1 category vehicles. The M1 category vehicles are those that have less than eight seats.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2021