The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Tuesday issued a circular mentioning that the validity of learner’s licence, driver licence, and conductor licence has been extended till February 29, 2024.
The Road Transport and Highways Ministry in an order said that the extension has been done due to infrastructure-related work in the Sarathi portal from January 31, 2024, to February 12, 2024, which caused applicants to face disruptions in availing licence-related services.
“Considering the difficulties faced by the citizens during the period of disruption of services through the PARIVAHAN portal and further that the citizens are not put to inconvenience, it has been decided that the validity of learner’s licence, driving license and conductor license which have expired between 31st January, 2024 and 15th February, 2024, would be treated as valid without levying any penalty up to 29th February, 2024,” the ministry said.
Notably, the road ministry operates the SARATHI/PARIVAHAN portal for driving licenses, vehicle registration, and driving licenses related matters.
No penalty up to Feb 29
In a relief for commuters, the road transport ministry mentioned that the validity of learner’s licence, driving license and conductor license which expired between January 31, 2024 and February 15, 2024, would be treated as valid. Further there will be no penalty up to February 29, 2024.
Owing to the partial shutdown/disabling of online services, the applicants were not able to apply for services such as payment of fees, renewal of driving licence, booking slot for learner’s licence, driving skill test, etc., the ministry added.
Meanwhile, enforcement authorities have also been advised to treat such documents as valid till February 29 this month.