Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho declared that the Center has consented to alter the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) to prolong the expired driving license renewal term from one year to two years, and that Goa’s request to construct Driving Training Centers (DTCs) throughout the State has been approved.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, which was presided over by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Godinho clarified that DTCs, a central government initiative, are intended to promote safe and skilled driving practices by offering structured training to both private and commercial drivers.
Goa was formerly ineligible for DTCs because the program was limited to districts with a population of at least 20 lakh.
But the Center has agreed to loosen this criterion in response to our request,” Godinho stated.
In addition, the minister praised the Center’s decision to change Section 15(4) of the Motor Vehicles Act, allowing drivers to extend their expired licenses from the existing one-year limit to two years.
As of right now, those who wish to renew their license after it has been out of effect for more than a year are required to retake the driving competency exam. Godinho said that Goans who work overseas would especially benefit from the longer renewal time.
The Center accepted a two-year extension, despite Godinho’s three-year proposal.
The minister also affirmed that on January 21, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari would visit Goa and inaugurate two significant infrastructure projects. These include the Dabolim-Bogmalo intersection with the Queeny Nagar flyover and a second loop that links Mormugao Harbour to the highway.
