Bengaluru: The department of transport will issue a smart card instead of the existing booklet to ensure the International Driving Licence (IDL). The department issues IDL to the people who visit other countries as a tourist or for education and business purposes.
Till now, the IDL was in the form of a small booklet, just like a passport. The old format was big and it is uncomfortable to carry. Many brought the issue to the notice of the department following which the officials prepared a proposal and submitted to the department secretary. The government has accepted the proposal and the process of issuing smart cards to the eligible candidates will begin soon.
“We thought of launching the cards before March end. Now, as we have election model code of conduct in place, with the permission of the Election Commission, we will try to release the IDL cards,” said Commissioner B Dayanand.
The IDL will be issued for only those who get a Driving License (DL) from any Regional Transport Office (RTO) in the state, after a driving test. It also needs passport and visa. Only after checking these records Regional Transport Officers sanction the IDL, he said.
“For time being, the department has fixed Rs. 1,000 for each IDL sanction. There is no separate fee for the smart card. Considering the demand, we will decide on increasing the fees,” he added.
