GUWAHATI: The Assam Transport Department will soon introduce a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will make driving tests compulsory for all driving licence applicants and prevent people from applying for licences outside their home districts, Transport Minister Charan Boro announced on Friday, June 26.
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Speaking during a visit to the District Transport Office (DTO) in Guwahati, the minister said the proposed reforms are aimed at addressing complaints of irregularities in the licensing process and improving road safety across the state.
Boro said the department has received several complaints alleging that driving licences were being issued without applicants appearing for mandatory driving tests.
"The department has received complaints that some applicants are securing driving licences without taking the mandatory driving test. There have also been instances where the applicants are not even present during the test. We have also found cases of people applying for licences in districts other than their home districts," he said.
Under the proposed SOP, every applicant will have to personally appear for and pass a driving test before a licence is issued. The new rules will also prohibit applicants from obtaining driving licences from districts other than the one where they reside.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, Boro said the reforms have been prompted by a growing number of complaints and the rising incidence of road accidents across Assam.
"Although we are implementing various road safety measures, accidents continue to increase. To reduce them, it is essential that only trained and skilled drivers are allowed on the roads," he said.
The minister also acknowledged that several District Transport Offices currently lack dedicated driving test facilities. He said the government plans to establish driving test tracks at every DTO office across the state.
"If not this year, then by next year every DTO office will have a dedicated driving test track. I have taken this responsibility personally. Once driving test centres are established in every DTO, we will be able to ensure that only skilled drivers receive licences," he said.
According to data from the State Transport Department, Assam witnessed 4,219 road accidents and 1,008 deaths between January and March 2026, compared to 4,232 accidents and 1,035 fatalities during the same period last year.