Driving License System Stalled

Sabika Shrestha

It has been more than 20 days since the driving license system across the country has come to a standstill.

Since 17 of July, citing technical problems and inadequate preparation during the rollout of a new digital licensing system, all services have been closed.

Digital server migration on upgrading the system have been cited as the reason but the prolonged delay in resuming the services have started bothering the general public.

Though the initial disruption was expected to last not more than a week, the prolonged delay has affected service seekers.

People are facing difficulties in registering new applications, obtaining new license and renewing existing ones.

The only active service at the moment is the distribution of printed licenses under the previous system.

Despite the department’s announcement that services would be available through the new online system, applicants have been forced to visit transport offices in person, only to return without receiving the required services.

A service seeker said the work should have been carried out in accordance with the revised rules, but it does not appear to have been implemented properly. The service seeker acknowledged that there may be technical or system-related issues, but said applicants should not be expected to bear the consequences and that services should continue to be delivered.

According to the Department, the online system is at the final stage of implementation, but persistent technical issues have delayed its operation.

The department discontinued the previous license application system on 16 July 2026 and planned to launch a new technology-based Electronic Driving License and Vehicle Registration System in all seven provinces from 17 July 2026.

However, the launch was repeatedly postponed to 20 July, 24 July, and 27 July 2026 after repeated system failure.

Despite these extensions, the new platform has yet to function fully, leaving uncertainty over when services will resume.

Keshab Kumar G.M., Chief of the Transport Management Office, Lalitpur, said the new system has not yet been fully launched or formalized. He said some applicants had even received receipts showing they had passed the trial, despite the trial not having started, highlighting existing system errors.

 According to him, the ministry and the department have acknowledged that such issues will continue until the errors are resolved. He added that as the new system is implemented, identified mistakes will be corrected one by one, and the office is fully prepared to provide services once the ministry confirms the system is ready and authorizes its rollout.

Among those most affected by the prolonged delay are the ones preparing to travel for foreign employment or higher studies.