Team Herald
PANJIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho announced on Tuesday that the Centre has approved Goa’s request to establish Driving Training Centres (DTCs) in the State and has agreed to amend the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) to extend the expired driving licence renewal period from one year to two years.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Godinho explained that DTCs, which are part of a central government initiative, are designed to provide structured training for both private and commercial drivers, promoting safe and skilled driving practices.
“Previously, Goa was not eligible for DTCs as the scheme only applied to districts with populations exceeding 20 lakh. However, following our request, the Centre has agreed to relax this requirement,” Godinho said.
The minister also welcomed the Centre’s decision to amend Section 15(4) of the Motor Vehicles Act, which will allow drivers to renew their expired licences within a two-year window, up from the current one-year limit. Under the existing rules, those who apply for renewal after their licence has expired by more than a year must retake the driving competence test. The extended renewal period, Godinho stated, would particularly benefit Goans working abroad.
While Godinho had proposed a three-year extension, the Centre agreed to a two-year period.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari would inaugurate two major infrastructure projects during his visit to Goa on January 21. These include a second loop connecting Mormugao Harbour to the highway and the Dabolim-Bogmalo junction to the Queeny Nagar flyover.
