Cabinet Approves New Licence Policy
The Punjab cabinet has approved a major change in the province’s driving licence policy.
Under the new decision, 16-year-olds will be allowed to obtain driving licences.
The approval was reported on Friday.
After the cabinet’s decision, the Punjab Home Department sent the matter to the Law Department for formal legal notification.
The gazette notification is expected to be issued on Monday.
Once the notification is issued, the new policy will formally come into effect across Punjab.
The decision is likely to affect thousands of young riders in the province.
It may also help regulate motorcycle use among teenagers who are already riding without proper legal permission.
Licence Limited to Motorcycles Only
The new licence will not allow 16-year-olds to drive all types of vehicles.
According to the approved policy, a 16-year-old licence holder will only be allowed to ride a motorcycle.
The rider will also be permitted to carry only one passenger on the motorcycle.
This means the licence will have clear restrictions.
Young licence holders will not be allowed to drive cars, vans, commercial vehicles, or motorcycle rickshaws.
The restriction on motorcycle rickshaws is important.
Authorities appear to be limiting young riders to basic personal transport only.
This step may be aimed at reducing road safety risks while bringing young motorcycle riders under the legal system.
Notification to Finalise Legal Process
The Punjab Home Department has already forwarded the approved summary to the Law Department.
The Law Department will now issue the official gazette notification.
This notification will give legal cover to the cabinet’s decision.
After that, licence-issuing authorities will be able to process applications from eligible 16-year-olds.
The move may also increase demand at driving licence centres.
Parents and young riders are expected to seek details about the application process, required documents, tests, and safety conditions.
The decision comes at a time when motorcycle use is widespread across Punjab.
Many families depend on motorcycles for daily travel, school, work, and short-distance movement.
However, road safety remains a serious concern.
Authorities may need to ensure proper testing, awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of traffic rules.
The policy could be useful if implemented with strong safeguards.
It may help reduce unlicensed riding among teenagers.
But its success will depend on training, monitoring, and responsible road behaviour.
