Government looking to extend validity of DL till holder turns 50

New Delhi: Govt is looking at extending the validity period of driving licence (DL) from the present 20 years to till the time DL holder turns 50 and making the process of transfer of vehicle ownership and renewal of permits completely online, moves which are aimed at eliminating people’s hassles.

TOI has learnt that road transport ministry is working on both proposals and may roll out these for “ease of living” in near future. Officials said state govts’ revenues won’t be impacted as the charges for obtaining and renewal of DL can be collected online without visiting any RTO. “Second, once you have a system to give negative points to drivers for violations and link it to suspension or cancellation of their licence, bad drivers will be reined in. In such cases, they will have to undergo refresher training or undergo a test for getting a fresh licence,” said an official.

Ministry is also considering making the process easier for drivers above 50 years to submit a medical certificate for renewal of DL.

Sources said a high-level committee set up by govt has recommended that the ministry expedite these reforms for reducing compliance burden and making people’s lives easier. “Why does one need to apply for renewal? This can be made automatic and required fee can be collected online,” said an official.