New Driving Norms in India: Changes in Age Eligibility and Licensing Procedures
New Delhi: The Government of India has introduced significant changes to the driving norms in the country, aiming to enhance road safety and ensure that only qualified individuals are behind the wheel. These changes include stricter training requirements from recognized driving schools and revised age eligibility criteria for obtaining a driving license.
Officials emphasize that the new norms will transform the driver’s license from merely being a proof of identity to a definitive proof of skill. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce road accidents in India, which account for over 1.5 lakh fatalities annually—the highest in the world.
Revised Age Eligibility
The government has reconsidered the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driving license. Previously, individuals aged 16 and 17 could obtain a license to ride gearless scooters up to 50cc. However, due to the scarcity of such low-capacity vehicles in the market, this provision has been reevaluated. Currently, the minimum age to obtain a driving license for motor vehicles remains at 18 years.
As for the upper age limit, the government has not imposed a strict cutoff age for driving. Instead, individuals above certain ages are required to undergo medical examinations during license renewals to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to drive. Specifically, drivers above 40 years need to renew their licenses every 10 years, and those above 50 years must renew every 5 years.
Mandatory Training from Recognized Driving Schools
Another significant change is the emphasis on formal training from accredited driving schools. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced Accredited Driver Training Centers (ADTCs) to improve the quality of driver education. Applicants are now required to complete a prescribed training program from these recognized institutes, which are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and qualified instructors.
This move is expected to professionalize driver training and may impact small, unregulated driving schools. By standardizing the training process, the government aims to ensure that all drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge of traffic laws.
Defining Maximum Speed Limits
The government has also been working on standardizing speed limits across different types of roads. Speed limits are now set based on road types and vehicle categories to enhance safety. For instance, maximum speed limits on expressways and national highways have been clearly defined, and local authorities are empowered to set appropriate speed limits within their jurisdictions.
My Thoughts
While the government’s intention to enhance road safety is commendable, it’s essential to consider the practical implications of these new rules on the average citizen. Periodic medical tests and renewals are reasonable measures to ensure that drivers are fit to drive, regardless of their age. Imposing strict age limits may not account for individual differences in physical and mental capabilities.
Mandatory training from recognized driving schools can improve driving skills but may also increase the financial and logistical burden on aspiring drivers, especially those from rural areas or lower-income backgrounds. It’s crucial that these training programs are accessible and affordable to avoid creating unintended barriers to obtaining a driving license.
In conclusion, while road safety is a paramount concern, policies should balance safety objectives with the practical realities faced by citizens. Tailoring regulations to accommodate individual differences and ensuring accessibility can lead to more effective and equitable outcomes.
Refer : Motor Vehicles Act
Also read : Can Indian Law graduates practice in UK ?
54 replies on “Upper and Lower Age Limit for the issue of Drivers License in India”
Lmv 10 year ago and age 38
It is hard ship for old people as they are help less this government making there life more difficult by not allowing to use there vehicles to use after 75 yat of age
I do support the comments of Mr. Rn Yadav Yelder people should not be separated from other people They are also capable of driving a car or bike as it enables them to maintain their mental health
I AM BORN ON((05-03-2001))) can i get the eligibility for driving licence of two wheelers and four wheelers
I was born in march 5 2001 can i get eligibility of driving licence above 50cc and 4 wheels
I LIKE DRIVING, AND I’M ALREADY CROSSED 57Y, BUT ALSO NEED SOME KINDS OF ALERTNESS FROM LOCAL GOVT. AFTER 60Y, I.E. MEDICAL TEST, EVERY SIX MONTHLY (EYESIGHT, ANY DECEASE RELATING TO HIS ECG REPORT, WEAK HEART PEOPLE DOESN’T ALLOWED TO DRIVE HIS EVEN TWO WHEELER. THAT MUST BE TAKING NOMINAL CHARGES, WHICH CONDUCTS IN FRONT OF ONE OF ARTO, OF LOCAL AUTHORITY.
THAT IS MANDATORY.
No doubt old person will be in trouble after 75 age of they are not allowed to drive ,they should be medically checked up if found fit ,issue DL Medical should be by senior&responsible doctor
I want two wheeler driving licence.my age is eighty years old.can I get straight way or any other way.if Ian physically fit even than I should get Doctors certificate
Shashikant
I am 80+ years and my driving licence is due for renewal. Can I apply for renewal of my driving licence(car)?
I am fit to drive the car yet. Kindly suggest
Exactly my sentiment.
New policy of forbiding seniors above 75 years of age to drive four vehicles is not commendable,since theyare fit enough to drive even during evening hours,highways .They can be medically certified for the fitness while RENEWAL OF their DRIVING LICENCES.
mere kol lmv non transport licence hai
ki mai govt job lai apply kr skda pls dso koi ?
pls help..
It is totally ridiculous to limit the age for senior citizens who are healthy and still active in their day today work..Two wheelers or four wheelers are convenient to bring groceries from a grocery shop on the nukkad..mny senior citizens live alone as their children are working out side the city or outside the country..they will have to depend on some body to bring grocery all the time..In foreign countries like USA the people of the age of 80 / ,85 years drive the vehicles as there is no public transport..govt should reconsider the upper limit of senior citizen ..
H.V.BHANDARI
I am a retired non pensioner 76 of age. I can’t engage a casual call driver for payment of Rs.Rs.350/- for 4 hrs. When I am not In a position appoint a permanent driver for monthly salary due my financial status.
I am physically fit and fond of driving my four wheeler. I wish Indian Government should relax the rule of maximum age limit upto 80-85 yrs like in USA.
I being a senior citizen having mentally and physically fit and able to drive both two and four wheel light vehicle, agree with the post by Mr. H.V.BHANDARI. He is justified.
This is not new.Gvt.is elected for creating more problems f or the common man than solving it.
I AM BORN ON((
10-07-2000))) can i get the eligibility for driving licence of two wheelers and four wheelers
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I am born on 08/12/2001 can i get the eligibility for driving licence of two wheller
It is totally unfair to limit the age for senior citizens who are healthy and still active in their day to day work. Two or four wheelers are convenient to commute for various destinations/daily chore works where senior citizens perform as their children are working outside the city or country. The government should reconsider the upper limit of the senior citizens 80 to 85 if found medically fit by authorities.
I am a senior citizen ( 1947 born ) healthy and hearty without NO medical issues.
Thank you.
There should not be upper age limit for getting driving license. If you take statistics, you may find that senior citizens hardly drive haphazardly themselves. Comparatively younger generations are more prone to accident. Yes over 75 years of age, the people who are confident only would apply for driving license and they should be allowed to hold driving license showing some respect to their age and it is certain that there will hardly be any risk in doing this.
Nowadays,people’s life span has been extended ,so peoples even after 75 remains fit for driving two wheelers the age limit should be extended joto 85 orso
IAM in 17 years old 18 running driving licence are eligible (6-6-2002) my date of birth
I born at 22/7/2003 so what my driving licence made
Lower age limit is o k. There must be a minimum age when one can get a driving license and I think 18 year is o k for that. But upper age limit can not be fixed as physical and mental fitness varies from person to person. It can not be generalised age wise.So, it will not be fair to restrict active and fit senoir citizens and compel them to be dependents for their movements. There is a need to develop a mechanism to check the defaulters and cancel the DLs of those who are not found fit for the job. But a blanket ban on every 75 year old is not a welcome move.I thoroughly oppose it.
Active senior citizens upto the age of 75 years of age should be allowed. After all such senior citizens are careful drivers unlike some young drivers go after high speed.
I am a retired non pensioner 76 of age. I can’t engage a casual call driver for payment of Rs.Rs.350/- for 4 hrs. When I am not In a position appoint a permanent driver for monthly salary due my financial status.
I am physically fit and fond of driving my four wheeler. I wish Indian Government should relax the rule of maximum age limit upto 80-85 yrs like in USA.
He is right, those who are fit to drive what ever the age,doesn’t matter, old is gold, their driving is good with responsibility, they need be honored by traffic department.
I am 62 years old , can i get four wheeler driving licence?
Hello Everyone, My father is 68 years old, he is not holding driving license, is there a rule where mention that senior citizen do not require license ?
Able bodied and mentally fit persons should not be denied Driving License.
Senior citizens above 70years who are fit n active should not be denied of their freedom to drive.The poor n the lower middle class people will be badly affected by this laws as their only means of transport in two wheelers to meet their day to day activities will be levied ending paying unwanted fines if caught at checkpoints by the police with mental harassment.Laws should be flexible for every common individual citizens which should keep them happy n healthy.Too much imposition of fines in the new driving laws will really be the biggest burden on common people.
As I am a sibling of a person run over by a senior citizen. I am still waiting for justice for the death of my mother who has been mauled by an elderly driver who for godly reason doesn’t really know if that person was allowed to drive. Do we have to wait for this situation ? Can our government think of something about this problem and figure out a better way for our citizens to be safe on their day to day transfort and travel whatever it may be. God watch over those seniors who has problems mentally or physically whose trying to survive their stay in these world just to do what they have to. I hope and pray they find a solution for these problems for the safety of all the seniors.
I am 68 years old can I get driving licence
Above the age of 75years , driving licence should only be Issued based on medical fitness certificate.
It is easy for the Govt to ban one thing or the other. What would the person do once their mobility is lost? In most towns, due to brain drain, the majority of the population are above 70 and the person who has a car and can drive, takes the others to hospital, does shopping for others etc. This is a draconic move by the Government that should be opposed tooth and nail.
A person having the age of 20years if gets a two Wheeler’s driving licence, at what age, it will be renewed further?
ROAG MHASHILAA, DAAG PAKHALILA.! Buffalos were used to carry water in the leather bags strapped on them. These bags were called PAKHAL. Those days, they used to burn skin of bufalo with iron rods, to cure its diseases. When fools burned the Pakhal instead of the skin of the bufalo, its disease would not go. Such is the remedy of the Govt on traffic problems. Have they analyzed the causes of accidents. How many are due to driver being senior, weak. Probably, able bodied reckless drivers,sleepless drivers, drunkards and negligent pedestrians are more responsible for mishaps. They are going for personal gratification of doing some ostensibly benevolent act. They do not have the courage and foresight to solve the actual problem. ANDHER NAGARI CHOUPAT RAJA
my date of birth is 02-10-58. can i eligible for two wheeler driving licence
DL should be issued to Senior citizens aged 75 plus based on medical reports of a Government Doctor for his or her fitness. There are so many lakhs of citizens fit to drive better than youngsters.
I A. Madhavarao aged about 54 years need driving licence for two Wheeler without
gear can I applied it please send your reply.
may age 52 i need Indian driving licence how to get
Anyone who is physically fit of whatever age should be allowed to drive. There should be testing preferably without human interference because it may lead to corruption.
The proposal to fix the upper limit for issue of driving license will be very harsh on senior citizens. Most of them live alone as their children have moved away. They have drive short distances for daily requirements like milk, bread and other groceries. Most of them like to go to Temples, Gurdwaras, Church, Mosque etc. Most of them cannot afford to engage full time drivers as they are not required and just idle. Driving license should be issued till a person is fit to drive. In the absence of reliable public transport they will be put to great hardship and will be just cruel. Their past history should be seen if they made any accidents.
Most of the accidents are made by younger group who drive rash and donot follow traffic rules.
Govt must keep the plight of senior citizens in view before amending any rules.
Age should not be the limit, as long as one is medically fit, he / she should not be refused for obtaining DL.
When weapon license is valid for life time, then why not driving license for life time.
Upper age limit should not be fixed hard but may be physical check based. Don’t make olds dependent, let them be free to move.
Upper age limit should not be fixed. In its place periodical physical, mental, and reflex ability test should be made to find out whether a senior citizen is fit to drive his own vehicle. A Senior citizen fit in every respect must not be made dependent on others for his movement.
I am of the opinion that DL should be issued based on physical fitness of the person and not age.
I am 73 and drive for continuous 12 hours from Delhi to Kullu whenever I want to go to the hill station. Why there should be any age limit on licence if one is fit mentally and physically.
I have known many Defence Officers including myself over 75 , who are fighting fit and can drive at least their own vehicles. One of the best examples was a Colonel driving on Pune roads his own two wheeler at the age of 98.
This is a very insightful article on the age regulations for driver’s licenses in India. It’s great to see the emphasis on road safety by setting appropriate age limits. As someone who works in the driving education field, I believe that proper training is just as crucial as adhering to these age laws. In fact, ensuring that young drivers receive quality instruction can make a huge difference in road safety.