UP Considers Issuing Driving Licenses to Teenagers from Age 16

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh government is exploring a plan to issue driving licenses to teenagers as young as 16, lowering the current minimum age of 18. A formal proposal has been submitted to the Central Government, and if approved, the initiative will allow adolescents to legally operate light two-wheeler vehicles after passing the mandatory driving tests.

Background and Rationale

In schools and colleges across Uttar Pradesh, many teenagers are already seen riding bikes on roads without a license. However, under the current regulations, those under 18 are not eligible for a driving license, which often leads to unsafe driving practices due to a lack of formal training. The proposed scheme aims to ensure that even younger riders undergo proper driving education and testing, including learning license requirements before being granted full driving privileges.

Official Statement from Transport Minister

Transport Minister Dyashankar Singh informed the UP Assembly on Friday that the government has proposed lowering the minimum age for driving light two-wheelers to 16 years. He emphasized that all applicants will be tested for their understanding of traffic rules and vehicle handling before receiving a license.

Road Safety Measures and Illegal Cut Closures

The Assembly also discussed measures to prevent road accidents. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna stated that all illegal road cuts across the state will be closed. The government has launched a “Zero Death Rate Program” across 55 districts to minimize fatalities in road accidents.

New Appointments to Strengthen Enforcement

To bolster traffic safety, the Transport Department has created 36 new ARTO (Assistant Regional Transport Officer) positions and 351 Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector posts, to be deployed across districts including Lucknow and Gorakhpur. These officers will conduct vehicle inspections and remove unsafe vehicles from roads, enhancing overall road safety.

If approved, this initiative could transform road safety and youth mobility in the state, ensuring that younger drivers are trained, licensed, and accountable under the law.