KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to tighten driving license rules through a new draft bill that replaces the existing law, with a stronger focus on eligibility, driver qualification, and real-world testing to improve road safety and standardize the licensing system.
The proposal raises the minimum age requirement across all categories, setting 18 years as the base threshold, while applicants for small vehicles such as cars will need to be at least 21 years old and those seeking heavy vehicle licenses must be 23, reflecting an effort to ensure greater maturity and responsibility compared to the current lower age limits.
It also introduces a separate commercial license category for drivers operating taxis, school buses, and other public transport vehicles, requiring a minimum academic qualification of Grade 8 pass, although existing eligible license holders will be automatically recognized under the new classification without needing to reapply.
In addition, the practical driving test will be expanded beyond controlled trial centers, requiring applicants to demonstrate driving ability on gravel and slippery roads, aiming to better assess real-world driving skills while retaining existing elements such as uphill and downhill driving, curves, lane discipline, and parking.
