Rise in issuance of International Driving Permits from Pune RTO

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune issued 21% more International Driving Permits (IDPs) in 2023 than the year before, according to official data. On the other hand, fewer people have applied for driving licenses in Pune in 2023 than 2022.

As per further information & data shared by Sanjeev Bhor, Deputy Commissioner, Pune RTO, Pune issued 4,914 IDPs in 2023 (up until December 25th), a considerable increase over the 4,090 IDPs issued in 2022. Nonetheless, the number of permanent driver’s licenses issued decreased, from 1,46,081 in the prior year to 1,29,693 in 2023.

Sanjeev Bhor, Deputy Commissioner, Pune RTO, attributed the trend to people’s desire to drive themselves when traveling overseas, highlighting the desire to save money and explore new places. Bhor pointed out that a large number of students choosing to study abroad have also chosen to be internally dispersed, indicating a general rise in international travel.

An IDP is not applicable within the RTO’s local jurisdiction and is only valid for one year. An Indian passport, a valid driving license, and a valid visa for the destination country are required for the issuance of an IDP.

Another RTO official speculated that the decline might be attributed to the more stringent testing requirements for the issuance of driver’s licenses. There are now strict procedures in place, especially for the final exam, so passing requires applicants to perform perfectly.

The RTO will keep an eye on these trends as the year comes to an end and identify how transportation documentation is changing.

Shreyas Vange