Kerala has changed the driving license

Kerala has changed the driving license

 State wide driving licenses now to smart card.  It has been decided to implement the system in Thiruvananthapuram, Kudappanakunn, Kozhikode and Wayanad offices on an experimental basis and soon it will be implemented throughout the state.  Instead of the old plastic laminated paper license, the cards are made in the size of an ATM card.  This is as per the norms prescribed by the Union Ministry of Surface Transport.  Preparation of vehicle registration certificates on the same model is also under consideration.

  The Center has suggested two types of cards, chipped and chipless.  The microchip has been omitted from the PVC PET G card to be implemented in the state.  License holder information can be collected from chip cards using a chip reader.  But due to the technical agreement, most of the states have avoided the chip card. Following this, the state transport department has also taken the decision of the licensees without microchip.

  In 2019, the driving license reform was delayed due to the pending case filed by the private company that was awarded the contract for license distribution.  On February 15, 2023, the High Court issued an interim order allowing the government to proceed with the distribution of licences.

  Currently, the driving licenses for Thiruvananthapuram, Kudappanakunn, Kozhikode and Wayanad offices where smart license has been implemented on an experimental basis are now being prepared at the Transport Commissionerate and sent by post.  There are total 86 offices in Kerala.  There is no obstacle for the Motor Vehicle Department to prepare and issue its own license.  The barrier is to award the contract.  It is under this condition that the government itself has decided to prepare and distribute the license.