Driving test should be taken to renew license one year after expiry: HC

KOCHI: The High Court has upheld the amendment to the law requiring the driving test to be taken again if the driver's license is being renewed after one year of expiry. The order of Justice N Nagaresh rejected the petition filed by Ernakulam native Sebastian Jacob questioning the circular of the Motor Vehicle Department. Under the 2019 amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act, those renewing their license after a year will have to pass the test again.

The petitioner's license had expired on October 30, 2020. After returning from abroad in 2022, he applied for renewal. Joint RTO gave him a renewed term till 2032. But when he applied for the smart card, he received a notice to appear before the Joint RTO within seven days. The reason given was that he didn't take a driving test to renew the license. After this, he filed a plea against this.