- Such authority as may be prescribed by the Central Government may issue driving license valid throughout India to persons who have completed their eighteenth year to drive motor vehicles which are the property or for the time being under the exclusive control of the Central Government and are used for Government purposes relating to the defence of the country and unconnected with any commercial enterprise.
- A driving license issued under this section shall specify the class or description of vehicle which the holder is entitled to drive and the period for which he is so entitled.
- A driving license issued under this section shall not entitle the holder to drive any motor vehicle except a motor vehicle referred to in sub-section (1).
- The authority issuing any driving license under this section shall, at the request of any State Government, furnish such information respecting any person to whom a driving license is issued as that Government may at any time require.
Simplified Explanation
Section 18 of the Motor Vehicles Act deals with the issuance of driving licences for individuals who operate motor vehicles owned by the Central Government. This section ensures that drivers of government-owned vehicles are properly licensed, even though these vehicles are under different administrative control than privately owned or state-registered vehicles.
Key Points of Section 18:
- Licences for Central Government Vehicles:
- The section allows individuals to drive motor vehicles owned by the Central Government (such as vehicles used by government departments, ministries, or agencies) with a driving licence issued by the appropriate authority, even if the vehicle is not registered with the local state licensing authority.
- Such vehicles may include military vehicles, postal vehicles, government transport vehicles, or vehicles used by public officials.
- Exemption from General Licensing Rules:
- Unlike privately owned vehicles, government-owned vehicles may be exempt from some of the rules that apply to ordinary motor vehicles under the Act.
- Drivers of these vehicles must hold a valid licence, but the issuing process and regulation of these licences may be managed by specific government departments rather than local or state authorities.
- Issuing Authority:
- The Central Government or a designated authority under its control may issue licences for individuals who are employed to drive government vehicles.
- For example, drivers employed by the military or postal services may be licensed through internal government processes, although these licences must still meet the overall requirements of competence and fitness as prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Special Circumstances:
- In certain cases, individuals driving vehicles for special government functions (such as military operations, government service, or national emergency response) may be issued licences under special provisions or regulations that differ from those applied to civilian drivers.
- However, these drivers are still required to follow driving competency and fitness requirements, similar to civilian drivers.
- Limitations and Requirements:
- While Section 18 allows for specific handling of licences for Central Government vehicles, it does not imply that drivers are exempt from basic driving tests, medical fitness requirements, or traffic laws. Drivers must still demonstrate their ability to operate the vehicle safely.
- The government can set specific rules and guidelines for its drivers, but the aim is to ensure that government vehicles are operated safely and in accordance with national standards.
Purpose of Section 18:
- Regulation of Government Vehicle Drivers: This section ensures that drivers of Central Government vehicles are properly licensed, with the appropriate authority overseeing their licensing and regulation.
- Flexibility for Government Operations: It provides the government with the flexibility to manage its own fleet of vehicles and drivers, especially in sensitive areas like defense, emergency response, and public administration, while maintaining the overall standards of driving competence.
- Safety and Accountability: Although government drivers may be licensed through different procedures, the section ensures that they are still held to driving safety standards and can be held accountable for their actions on the road.
Conclusion:
Section 18 of the Motor Vehicles Act allows for the issuance of driving licences for individuals operating vehicles owned by the Central Government. These licences can be regulated by the government itself, though drivers are still required to meet basic competence and fitness standards. The section offers flexibility in managing government fleets while ensuring safety and legal compliance.
