Islamabad Ends Driving License Waivers Amid Misuse by Touts and Influencers

Ever tried getting a driving license in a hurry? In Islamabad, many people did just that. But now, things are changing. Authorities have stopped waiving the 42-day learner period after spotting abuse. Influencers and touts were making money off quick approvals. This led to chaos. And it's about time they fixed it.

The story starts with good intentions gone wrong. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) used to let people skip the learner phase. It was meant to help, but it backfired. Reports show over 80% of permits from September to November skipped this rule. Why? A crackdown on unlicensed drivers pushed more folks to apply. That surge opened doors for shortcuts.

The Rise of Misuse

Picture this: you're eager to drive. You hear about a fast way. Touts promise to cut the wait for cash. Influencers jumped in too, maybe for clout or fees. Verbal approvals made it easy. No paperwork, just a nod. But that bred problems.

The Islamabad High Court stepped in earlier. They called the strict checks on unlicensed drivers too harsh. Still, the waiver system stayed loose. Until now. Authorities saw the mess. Touts hung around ITP offices, charging for "help." It wasn't fair. Real training got ignored.

And safety? That's the big worry. The 42-day period teaches basics. Skipping it means risky drivers on roads. Accidents could rise. Families suffer. It's not just paperwork it's lives.

What Sparked the Change?

A surge hit after enforcement tightened. More applications flooded in. Touts saw opportunity. They charged fees to bypass rules. Influencers amplified it, sharing tips online. But reports piled up. Over 80% waivers in three months? That's huge.

Authorities woke up. They boosted checks at headquarters. Cameras, maybe more staff. They spotted touts. Cases got filed. Arrests followed. Now, waivers are rare. Only real needs get approved, with proof.

The High Court ruling added pressure. It said enforcement went too far. But waivers weren't the fix. They became the loophole. Closing it restores order.

Steps Taken to Fix It

First, surveillance ramped up. ITP offices now watch closely. No more shady deals in corners. Touts identified multiple ones. Police registered FIRs. That's legal action.

Procedures tightened. Waivers need written reasons. No verbal okay. This cuts corruption. Ensures everyone waits 42 days. Training happens. Tests are fair.

Transparency is key. The public knows the rules now. Maybe signs or online info. It builds trust. Drivers learn properly. Roads get safer.

But challenges remain. Some might still try tricks. Enforcement must stay strong. Education helps too. Tell people why the wait matters.

Why This Matters for Drivers

Think about your daily commute. Bikes, cars, buses everywhere. Untrained drivers add danger. This crackdown protects us all.

For new applicants, it's straightforward. Apply, learn, test. No shortcuts. It levels the field. No paying extra to skip.

Influencers? They should promote safe driving. Not hacks. Touts face justice. That's deterrence.

Overall, it's a win for road safety. Islamabad sets an example. Other cities might follow.

And costs? Licenses aren't free, but a fair process saves lives. Worth it.

Looking Ahead

What next? Monitor the changes. See if applications drop or rise. Track accidents. If waivers stay limited, good.

Public feedback counts. Share stories if you've dealt with this. It pushes better systems.

In the end, driving is a responsibility. Rules ensure that. Islamabad's move reminds us.

This isn't just bureaucracy. It's about safe streets. For everyone.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com