The Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules,  2007,  has a rule inserted after Rule 7 which says, “The minimum educational qualification in respect of an applicant for obtaining a licence to drive a transport vehicle shall be a pass in the eighth standard.” The qualification specified in this rule shall not apply in the case of renewal of a driving licence to drive a transport vehicle or addition of another class of transport vehicle to the driving licence.
The new rule introduced in RTOs in the country since this Monday has stunned many who walked into the offices for a licence unaware of the requisite educational qualification, said an official source. A PUC pass has always been the compulsory requirement for government bus drivers but not so in the case of those plying autorickshaws, lorries and taxis. 

Another amendment states that there will also be no renewal of the Learner’s Licence (LLr) if a permanent licence is not obtained within six months after its issuance, the source added. In such cases, a fresh LLr has to be obtained and then a permanent licence can be obtained after the minimum waiting period of 30 days. Foreigners applying for a licence will henceforth have to furnish proof of legal presence in India in addition to proof of residence.

Giving his views on the amendments, Regional Transport Officer at Yelahanka, Mr Syed Shafi Ahmed said, “This will definitely bring down accidents on the road. A literate person will be able to understand many caution signs and words that dot the streets like unguarded level crossing, hilly road, narrow bridge, etc.”