Deaf eligible for driving licence: Delhi high court

The Delhi high court allowed on Monday the plea of National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and said if the deaf person approaches the transport department for a driving licence then the same should be given if he passes the test.

Till now, the motor vehicles act prohibits the deaf from obtaining a driver’s licence on the ground that they could be a source of danger to the public.

“Deaf were given licences in the UK, Australia, Germany, Belgiumand Thailand and there the authorities only insist on double rear-view mirrors. In Malaysia and Sri Lanka, this category of drivers is to indicate the handicap by putting a sticker on the car. But they are not allowed to drive commercial or passenger vehicles,” NAD’s counsel Colin Gonsavles said.