New Online System Halts Nepal's Driving License Services for Three Weeks

A new online system implemented by Nepal's Department of Transport Management has crippled driving license services nationwide for almost three weeks. The transition has left countless applicants unable to obtain new licenses or renew existing ones, causing significant disruption across the country's 42 transport management and service offices.

“

Licence renewals and distribution have been halted since July 17. The department says the online system is in its final stage, but the system is not working. We have also not received any official notice about the full launch of online services.

While a few offices have resumed limited functions, such as distributing already printed licenses, the majority are still unable to process new applications, conduct driving tests, or complete renewal procedures. The government has touted the printing of long-delayed licenses as an achievement, yet has remained silent on the prolonged dysfunction of essential services for 19 days.

Applicants arriving at transport offices, including the high-volume Ekantakuna office in Lalitpur, report being turned away. Office chief Keshav Kumar GM stated that license renewals and distributions have been halted since July 17. He noted that while the department claims the online system is in its final stages, it is not operational, and no official notice regarding a full launch has been issued. Previously, Ekantakuna processed 250-300 renewals and conducted trials for 400-500 new applicants daily; these services are now suspended.

“

The transition from the old system to the new one has not been completed smoothly. We are facing problems at different stages.

Similar issues plague the Chabahil Transport Management Office in Kathmandu. Information officer Meghnath Gautam confirmed that only printed license distribution and some verification requests for individuals traveling abroad are being handled. Payments made online for renewals sometimes fail to register, and the integration of health examination details has also created complications. Gautam added that trial examinations and renewal services have been impossible since the new system's introduction, leading to daily encounters with frustrated service users.

“

Except for distributing printed licences, all other services have stopped. People coming for renewals and trials have to be sent back. We have been facing the anger of frustrated service users every day.