Driving Licence New Rules 2026: Applying for a driving licence or updating personal information on an existing licence could become easier if the central government's proposed changes are implemented. The proposals reportedly include free name and address corrections, revised learner's licence examination requirements and faster processing of applications.
According to a report published on October 29, 2026, the government is considering several amendments to simplify driving licence services and improve the efficiency of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
One major proposal involves removing fees for certain personal information updates, including name, address, mobile number and email address changes.
Another suggested amendment would require learner's licence applicants to score at least 75% in their examination, compared with the reported existing threshold of 60%.
The proposals also include a 30-minute driving tutorial and a possible 15-day processing timeline for certain applications.
However, these changes are proposals, not automatically applicable rules. Motorists should continue following the currently notified requirements until the government formally implements any amendments.
Driving Licence Rules 2026: What Changes Are Proposed?
The reported amendments cover several aspects of the driving licence application and update process.
| Proposed change | Reported details |
|---|---|
| Learner's licence passing score | May increase to 75% |
| Driving tutorial | Proposed 30-minute session |
| Name correction | May become free |
| Address update | May become free |
| Mobile number update | Proposed free service |
| Email address update | Proposed free service |
| Application processing | Proposed 15-day timeline for specified services |
| Rejected applications | Written explanation may be required |
| Additional licence information | Possible QR code, emergency and medical details |
The final requirements will depend on the wording of the official notification and the date on which any approved changes take effect.
Learner's Licence Test May Require 75% Marks
One of the most important proposed changes concerns the learner's licence examination.
According to the report, applicants may need to answer at least 75% of questions correctly to pass the online test.
The reported existing passing requirement is 60%, although applicants should verify the current test requirements applicable to their state and licensing authority.
If introduced, the higher threshold could require candidates to prepare more thoroughly before appearing for the examination.
The learner's licence test generally assesses knowledge of traffic signs, road safety, driving rules and other basic requirements.
Applicants preparing for the examination should study official road safety material and practise recognising traffic signs.
Understanding the rules is important not only for passing the test but also for driving safely.
30-Minute Driving Tutorial May Become Mandatory
The proposed changes also reportedly include a requirement to complete a 30-minute driving tutorial before taking the learner's licence examination.
The purpose would be to improve applicants' understanding of essential traffic rules and safe driving practices.
Such a tutorial could cover road signs, traffic signals, driving responsibilities and common safety precautions.
However, the report does not establish whether the proposed tutorial would be delivered online, at an RTO or through another approved arrangement.
Applicants should wait for official instructions before assuming that the tutorial has become compulsory.
Name and Address Changes May Become Free
Updating a name or residential address on a driving licence currently involves a prescribed application process.
Depending on the service and applicable fee schedule, applicants may have to pay charges for the update.
The new proposal reportedly seeks to eliminate certain fees associated with changing personal details.
The report refers to a previous charge of ₹200 for name and address-related services.
If the proposed fee exemption is approved, eligible applicants may be able to correct these details without paying the existing service fee.
However, any exemption would depend on the final rules, and applicants should check whether other charges, if any, remain applicable.
Mobile Number and Email Updates Could Also Be Free
Mobile numbers and email addresses are important for receiving application notifications and accessing online transport services.
The proposed amendments reportedly include free updates to these contact details.
This could benefit people who have changed their phone numbers or email addresses and need to keep their transport records current.
Accurate contact information may help applicants receive verification messages and important communication from the licensing authority.
Until a formal notification confirms the change, motorists should check the applicable process and charges through official transport portals.
Driving Licence Updates May Get a 15-Day Deadline
The draft proposes that licensing authorities approve or reject applications to change driving licence particulars within 15 days.
If an application is rejected, the authority would need to record the reasons for its decision.
Another important provision concerns address changes. Under the proposal, an address-change application that remains undecided for 30 days would be treated as approved.
This automatic approval provision would apply specifically to qualifying address-change applications, not every driving licence service.
New Driving Licence Cards May Include More Details
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also proposed changes to the physical driving licence format.
The revised cards may include QR-code-readable information, emergency contact details, blood group information, organ donor status and certain medical details.
Separate formats and colour schemes have also been proposed for Indian and foreign nationals.
These changes are intended to make important licence-holder information available in a more structured format.
Which Documents May Be Accepted?
The draft also proposes revised lists of acceptable documents for establishing identity, age and residential address.
Depending on the purpose, the proposed documents include Aadhaar, passport, voter identity card, e-ration card, birth certificate, educational certificates and certain government-issued identity documents.
Recent electricity and household gas bills may also qualify as address proof under the specified conditions.
Applicants should check the final notified document requirements before submitting an application.
When Will the New Driving Licence Rules Start?
The proposed amendments were published in the Gazette of India on October 21, 2026.
The Ministry has invited objections and suggestions during a 30-day consultation period. The draft amendments will take effect only after the government finalises and officially notifies the applicable rules.
Motorists can check the official Parivahan portal for driving licence services and updates.
Important: The proposed fee exemptions, 75% assessment threshold and revised application deadlines should not be presented as rules already in force.
Disclaimer: This article covers draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as reported in October 2026. Final provisions, implementation dates and applicable charges may change following the consultation process.
