Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has extended the validity of Learner’s Licence till March 31, 2021 in order to facilitate them to apply for DL.
Considering the difficulties faced by learner’s licence holders in view of COVID-19 pandemic, Lerner’s Licenses, which had expired since 18.03.2020 or would expire by 31.12.2020,such documents will be treated as valid till 31.03.2021 in the public interest, the State Transport Authority, Odisha said.
Due to COVID – 19 pandemic, MoRTH, Government of India issued advisory on 24.08.2020 regarding extension of validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), Driving License, Registration Certificate etc. which had expired since 01.02.2020 or would expire by 31.12.2020. the same may be treated to be valid till 31.12.2020.
Accordingly, the STA issued an order stating validity of Fitness Certificate. Registration Certificate of Non-transport vehicles, Driving Licenses and permit etc has been extended upto 31.12.2020.
During above period final driving license test was cancelled w.e.f. 18.03.2020 and subsequently slot quota was opened with less strength in Regional Transport Offices due to COVID-19. For such reason persons holding learner’s license could not able to apply online for final driving license due to non-availability of slots in SARATHI application.