Government to Introduce Colour‑coded Licences for Indians and Foreign Drivers with New Health and Contact Details

The government plans to issue driving licences for Indian citizens and foreign residents in different colour designs. A draft amendment by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposes that every licence, whether new or renewed, be printed on a laminated or PVC card in Form 7, with separate layouts for locals and visitors. The card must now display the holder’s blood group, a personal mobile number and an emergency contact number. The proposal also widens the list of documents accepted as proof of age and address, adding options such as affidavits and life‑insurance policies alongside Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, e‑ration card and birth certificate. To improve road safety, the safe‑driving tutorial’s passing mark will rise from 60 % to 75 % and its duration will be set at a minimum of 30 minutes. A senior ministry official said the revisions aim to tighten assessment standards. Fees for certain online licence services completed through Aadhaar authentication are slated to be waived, and charges for updating name or address are to be removed. Licensing offices will have to approve or reject any change request within 15 days, providing reasons for any denial. The draft invites comments from stakeholders for 30 days after publication. ## Context These changes are part of a broader effort to modernise vehicle‑related documentation, make licences more informative in emergencies and align India’s driver‑testing standards with international best practices.