6 Advantages of Linking Aadhaar Card and Driving License
As both these documents are identity-related, this linking will strengthen the personal identity verification process. It can also improve transparency and help to reduce corruption in the long run.
Here are some direct advantages of the linking:
Operations will become more streamlined
Enable data verification
Stop the issuance of fake online driving license
Stop the issuance of multiple online driving license
Creation of a central database for transparency
Reduce the turnaround time of applying and receiving the driving license
Is It Mandatory to link Aadhaar Card and Driving License?
The timeline for linking the Aadhaar card with your driving license has not been set yet. Once the rule is in place, two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners who get a new license or renew their license might have to link it.
Importance of Aadhaar Card and Driving License in India
Aadhaar is a program started by the Government of India and is the world’s largest biometric identifications system. World Bank Chief Economist Paul Romer described Aadhaar as “The most sophisticated ID programme in the world”. In order to enroll for the Aadhaar card, one needs to register detailed biometric information and documents related to age and address proofs.
An Indian driving license authorizes a person to drive a particular class of vehicles in India. A person is not permitted to drive a vehicle without being a driving license holder. To acquire a driving license, one needs to pass two kinds of examinations – online test and practical driving test. Nowadays, it is possible to apply for a driving license online.
Both, Aadhaar Card and driving license, are important documents. Having an Aadhaar card is a prerequisite for every Indian citizen, and having a driving license is a prerequisite for everyone who wishes to drive a vehicle. These documents bear unique identification numbers.
The Way Ahead
Several processes are being digitized in India. Few years ago, one had to visit the RTO to file an application for a driving license. Now, it can be done extremely easily online. Just as that process was digitized and helped the end-users, the linking of Aadhaar card with the driving license is also aimed at smoothening the ride.
All state’s Road Transport Departments have not gone ahead with the linking functionality, it is still in progress. The linking might become mandatory once the necessary infrastructure to execute such a big-scale project is in place.