A major change regarding driving licences is set to be implemented across the country. Separate licences for operating commercial vehicles will once again be introduced. Recently, this matter was discussed in a meeting in New Delhi, chaired by the Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.

Focus On Reducing Road Accidents

During the meeting, the operation of vehicles by inexperienced drivers was identified as a major cause of the increasing number of road accidents. It was therefore decided that the MV Act will be amended again. Additional Transport Commissioner SK Singh was also present at this meeting, representing Uttarakhand. He stated that an agreement was reached in the meeting to create separate licences for the commercial category. An amendment to the MV Act has been proposed for this purpose.

New Tiered Licensing System

Based on the category of the commercial vehicle, a new licence will be issued after one year of experience. Under this system, it will take a driver up to four years to obtain a licence for a heavy vehicle. Under the new system, a driver will only be eligible for a basic commercial vehicle licence after holding a standard four-wheeler licence for one year. Upon completing one year with the commercial vehicle licence, they can apply for a medium-weight vehicle licence. A licence for a heavy vehicle will only be issued after holding this licence for a further year.

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Current Rules Vs. New Rules

The Transport Department is currently responsible for issuing driving licences. Under this system, separate licences are issued for various categories such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. Previously, separate licences were issued for commercial vehicles. However, following a Supreme Court decision, the issuance of separate commercial licences for driving vehicles with a gross weight of up to 7.5 tonnes was discontinued. However, licences for medium and heavy goods vehicles are still being issued. However, those who already possess licences for medium and heavy vehicles will not be required to obtain new ones.

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