Punjab Assembly proposed driving rights for 16-year-old teenagers

The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior has recommended that 16-year-olds be allowed to drive small vehicles, following the recent approval of motorcycle permits for teenagers, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

According to sources, juveniles will require a special “juvenile driving permit” to operate motorcycles, and the new proposals suggest that small vehicles with engine capacities ranging from 660cc to 1000cc be included.

The suggestion to issue small car licenses to 16-year-olds was put forward by assembly members and will be submitted to the provincial government for final consideration. The decision will be made in light of these proposals.

Sources noted that a significant number of unlicensed drivers were college and university students aged 16, whose arrests caused practical difficulties. 

To address this, the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2026 was approved in the previous assembly session and referred to the standing committee.

Under the amended act, once a child turns 16, they may legally ride a motorcycle with a juvenile driving permit. Assembly members have also proposed extending licenses to allow teenagers to drive small vehicles, aiming to ease difficulties faced by students. 

Amendments will be made to the Punjab Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965, with the governor’s final approval required.

Chief Whip of PML-N Rana Arshad said the purpose of the proposals is to prevent inconvenience to students while ensuring regulated driving among teenagers.

Reporter: Hasan Ali