Can a deaf person get a driving licence in India? What our courts say

There is an ongoing effort from NAD and other organisations to ensure uniform implementation across the country.

BHPian CarmaYogi9 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear BHPians,

Would a supreme court judgement be enough to allow a deaf person to hold a driving license, provided they clear the necessary driving test as prescribed by SC?

If yes, please check the following link and the attached judgment passed on 14-Feb-2011.

Link#1: Deaf can legally drive in India.

Do note that the article lists every single point (and more) raised as a concern about issuing DL to the deaf. All these were raised by different departments of GOI and were rejected by SC through this judgment.

Subsequent to the above judgment and another judgment from the Bombay High Court, GOI has released a G.O. addressed to all state transport secretaries to issue DL for deaf people if they clear necessary driving tests (like anyone else).

Do pay attention to 2nd point in the G.O., which is based on inputs from doctors of AIIMS & privileges provided by developed countries for the hearing impaired.

This answers multiple questions:

1. How we can drive with ICE in high volume? (because driving is primarily Visual in nature)
2. What is the practice in developed countries? (Developed countries allow DL for the deaf, if they clear necessary tests)

Attachments:

• S.C. Judgment dated 14-Feb-2011
• G.O.I Order dated 28-Oct-2016

Having said that, this is not fully implemented by all states and there is an ongoing effort from NAD and other organisations to ensure uniform implementation across the country.

And, Horn NOT OK Please.

Sharing to update the thread with the latest status from Legal and Central Government perspectives. I will update the thread if I find state-specific inputs available.

Thank you!

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