Get driving licence after 2 years

Obtaining a driving license may soon get a lot harder. Alarmed at the rising rate of road accidents, the Centre is moving in with stringent norms for individuals seeking licences.

Obtaining a driving license may soon get a lot harder. Alarmed at the rising rate of road accidents, the Centre is moving in with stringent norms for individuals seeking licences.

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Instead of the six-month probation period for learners, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry has suggested that

permanent licences be granted only after two years. Periodic eyesight and other fitness tests have been prescribed while licensing fee is proposed to be substantially hiked.

Moves are also afoot to infuse greater discipline and accountability of licensing authorities, officials said.

These constitute part of proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 likely to be moved in Parliament’s budget session, a ministry official said.

India accounts for 10 per cent of road accidents worldwide with figures growing from 1.14 lakh accidents in 2007 to 1.3 lakh in 2008, according to last year’s survey conducted by the World Health Organisation.