Driving Licence Draft Rules 2026: 75% Pass Mark, Free Updates
The Road Transport Ministry has put out draft changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for driving licences: a higher pass mark for the online safe driving test, no fee for some online updates and a PVC card in Form 7. This is a draft with a 30 day comment period, so nothing changes for you yet.
What changed
When: Not in force. The ministry invited objections and suggestions from the public for 30 days after the draft was published. The final rules and their start date are not announced yet.
| Now | Proposed |
|---|---|
| Pass mark in the online safe driving tutorial assessment | |
| 60% | 75% |
| Fee for changing name, address or other personal details | |
| A fee applies | No fee proposed |
| Fee for selected online services done with Aadhaar authentication | |
| A fee applies | No fee proposed |
| Time to approve or reject a change in licence details | |
| Not stated in the reports | 15 days, with reasons if rejected |
| Licence card | |
| Existing format | Laminated or PVC card in Form 7, with separate colours for Indian citizens and foreign nationals |
What are the new driving licence rules proposed in 2026?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. News reports of 22 and 23 October 2026 describe them as proposals. The ministry has asked the public to send objections and suggestions within 30 days of publication.
A draft is not a rule. Until the ministry publishes the final amendment, the licence rules you follow today stay the same. Do not pay anyone who says the new rules have already started.
Will the pass mark for the driving test go up to 75 per cent?
The draft raises the pass mark of the online safe driving tutorial assessment from 60 per cent to 75 per cent. Reports describe this as part of the learning stage, before you take a driving test.
If the draft becomes final, applicants would need to score at least 75 per cent. Reports do not say when it would start. Read the learner licence guide for the steps you follow today.
Will changing name or address on a driving licence be free?
The draft proposes that no fee is charged when you change personal details such as your name and address, and that no fee applies to some online licence services you complete with Aadhaar authentication.
It also says the licensing authority must approve or reject an application to change licence details within 15 days and give reasons if it rejects it. The reports do not list which services are covered, so wait for the final text before you plan around it.
What will the new driving licence card look like?
Under the draft, every licence issued or renewed would be a laminated or PVC card in Form 7. Indian citizens and foreign nationals would get different colour schemes, and the card would show the holder's nationality.
Existing licences stay valid. The draft does not say that you must replace your card now. You can already keep a digital copy, see how to download your driving licence and RC.
Which documents will be accepted as proof?
The draft lists separate documents for age, address and identity proof. Reports mention Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, e-ration card and birth certificate among them, with PAN card for identity.
If you are renewing, see the driving licence renewal guide. If you need to change your Aadhaar details first, see how to update Aadhaar.
Frequently asked questions
Are the new driving licence rules in force?
No. They are a draft with a 30 day comment period. The final rules and the start date are not announced yet.
Will I need to change my existing driving licence card?
The draft says new and renewed licences would be a PVC card in Form 7. It does not say existing cards must be replaced now.
Is the 75 per cent pass mark for the driving test or the learner test?
Reports describe it as the pass mark of the online safe driving tutorial assessment, raised from 60 per cent. Check the final notification for the exact wording.
Driving licence mein naam ya address badalna free hoga kya?
Draft mein naam, address jaise personal details badalne par fee na lene ka prastav hai, aur Aadhaar authentication se hone wali kuch online services bhi free ho sakti hain. Abhi yeh sirf draft hai, final rule ka intezaar karein.
Short summary in Hinglish
Sadak parivahan mantralay ne driving licence ke liye draft niyam rakhe hain: online safe driving test ka pass mark 60% se 75%, kuch online sevaon par fee nahi aur PVC card (Form 7). Yeh sirf draft hai, 30 din ka comment period hai, abhi aapke liye kuch nahi badla.
