KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to digitize Nepal’s driving licence examination system as part of the newly introduced National Transport Policy 2083.
The policy aims to make driver training, licence examinations and the licensing process more competency-based, practical and digital.
At present, both the written and practical driving tests are conducted physically. Under the new policy, the government plans to introduce online written examinations for driving licence applicants.
The policy also proposes an AI- and camera-based evaluation system for practical driving tests. The new system will automatically assess applicants during the trial test, reducing the need for transport officials or traffic police to be present during the evaluation.
In addition, the government plans to strengthen the smart driving licence system by integrating drivers’ traffic violation records and safe driving history into a single database. This will support the introduction of a risk-based driver management system.
For commercial drivers, the policy proposes continuous training and a licence renewal system linked to competency development.
The policy also focuses on improving road safety awareness. It aims to gradually introduce road safety education into school and higher education curricula, conduct regular public awareness campaigns, promote community-based road safety programs in collaboration with provincial and local governments, educational institutions and the private sector, and establish a system to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute to road safety.
