Nepal's New Online Driving License System Faces Technical Problems as Conflicting Government Notices Create Confusion

Nepal's newly launched online driving license system has entered its first phase with significant confusion after different government agencies released conflicting information regarding its operation. While the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) says the new digital platform has officially started providing services, transport offices under the Bagmati Province Government continue to suspend most online services, leaving thousands of applicants uncertain about the application process.

The confusion comes just days after the government introduced the new online licensing platform for the fiscal year 2083/84, aiming to modernize Nepal's driving license system through digital applications, online verification, and improved service delivery.

Department Says System Is Operational

According to the Department of Transport Management, the temporary service interruption until Shrawan 8 was necessary to complete data migration and adjust province-wise tax rates on the new platform.

Department Information Officer Keshav Khatiwada said the online system officially resumed on Monday after the migration work was completed. However, he acknowledged that technical issues are expected during the early stages of implementation.

Officials estimate that the new digital platform may require another two to three months before it becomes fully stable and operates without technical interruptions.

Bagmati Province Issues Different Notice

Despite the department's announcement, the Bagmati Province Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Labour and Transport issued a separate public notice stating that data migration and several technical improvements are still incomplete.

The ministry announced that, except for emergency services, most transport-related services would remain suspended until further notice.

Adding to the confusion, the Transport Management Office in Radhe Radhe, Bhaktapur, also informed the public that improvements to the online system are still underway. The office stated that new online applications and several administrative services would remain unavailable until the platform is fully functional, although license distribution for previously completed processes would continue.

The conflicting announcements from different government offices have created uncertainty among service seekers across the province.

Thousands of Applicants Affected

The disruption has delayed applications for new driving licenses and requests for category additions.

The situation has been particularly difficult for people preparing to travel abroad for employment or higher education, many of whom require a valid driving license before departure. With online services still partially unavailable, applicants have been forced to postpone their plans while waiting for the system to become fully operational.

Officials also expect a surge in online traffic once services resume completely, increasing the risk of additional technical problems during the initial rollout.

New Doctor Verification System Introduced

One of the biggest changes introduced under the new digital licensing system is the integration of an online medical verification process.

Under the updated procedure, applicants must first complete a health examination through a registered doctor using a dedicated Doctor Portal. Only after the doctor approves the applicant's medical information online will the application proceed to the next stages.

Authorities have already started onboarding doctors into the system, with around 30 doctors currently listed on the portal. Doctors registered with the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) and Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council (NAMC) are expected to receive access.

However, officials have yet to clarify which categories of doctors will be authorized to certify applicants' medical fitness or how the verification process will be monitored.

New Driving License Application Process

The new online licensing system follows a fully digital workflow:

• Online application submission

• Digital medical verification by a registered doctor

• Approval by the transport office

• Payment of written examination fee

• Written examination

• Trial test

• Revenue payment

• Driving license issuance

The government believes the updated process will improve transparency, reduce paperwork, and modernize public service delivery in the long term.

Technical Challenges Remain

Although testing shows that the Bagmati Province's new license portal is functioning, authorities admit that the system is still undergoing optimization.

Experts believe the combination of high user demand, incomplete technical integration, and the transition from the previous system could continue causing delays over the coming weeks.

Until the platform becomes fully stable, applicants may continue experiencing interruptions when applying for new licenses, upgrading license categories, or accessing other online transport services.

Government officials say they are working to resolve the remaining technical issues and expect the new digital driving license system to operate more efficiently once the implementation phase is complete.