1,603 driving licences that were issued in Phuentshogling have been cancelled by the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority. According to the authority, this is the first time they have revoked licences in such numbers. The authority took action in October last year after finding various procedural lapses and non-compliance in the issuance of the licences. The revoked licences were issued from 2016 to August 2023.
The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority conducted an internal review to enhance efficiency and ensure commitment to regulatory standards last year. During the review, procedural lapses were identified leading to the decision to cancel the licences.
Section 148 of the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021 empowers the authority to cancel a driving licence if obtained without the required test or through fraudulent practices.
Officials from the authority said statements from individuals who had their licences revoked were collected.
They added that there was no evidence of bribery or corruption; the issues revolved around procedural lapses such as inadequate documentation, and in some cases, required tests were not conducted.
Administrative actions were taken against the officials concerned.
Additionally, a few individuals whose licences were cancelled received SMS notifications from the authority and the list of revoked licences has been updated on the Check Post Management System.
Meanwhile, individuals whose licences were cancelled can reapply for a new licence but must undergo due process.
According to Section 149 of the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021, a licence holder can apply for a new licence only after three years from the date of cancellation.
Section 150 specifies that a licence holder whose licence got cancelled under section 148 (1) (2) (3) and (4) shall be required to fulfil all the requirements for obtaining the driving licence. This, according to the authority, includes basic procedures like obtaining a learner’s licence.
The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority said it has initiated an internal review in other regions, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for any reported incidents.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sonam Pem
