I clearly recall the day I proudly obtained my two-wheeler driving license under the Motor Vehicles Act in India. Like many others, I chose the "Without Gear" category for scooters 🛵, as it perfectly suited my needs. It was liberating to have the option to opt for a simplified category tailored to specific vehicle capabilities. Unfortunately, I was greeted with disappointment when I sought the same distinction for my four-wheeler license.

Under the current system, all four-wheeled vehicles are classified under a single blanket Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) category, regardless of whether they are automatic or manual. This stands in stark contrast to the two-wheeler categorization that sensibly distinguishes between geared and gearless vehicles, recognizing the significant difference in driving dynamics and skill requirements.

Why hasn’t this logical differentiation been applied to cars? An overwhelming number of modern car buyers are opting for automatic transmissions, which have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. Despite this technological evolution, our licensing system hasn’t kept pace. This stagnation poses a hurdle for those who, by choice or necessity, prefer or require automatics.

Living in congested urban areas like Mumbai or Bengaluru, where traffic snarls are a part of daily life, many drivers like myself opt for automatic cars due to their smooth maneuvering and reduced driver fatigue. Yet, we're forced to qualify under the same stringent manual driving test, which includes mastering the clutch and gear shifts—skills irrelevant to us and to the vehicles we choose to operate.

This oversight becomes even more problematic for senior citizens and those with certain disabilities who find gear manipulation either challenging or impossible. A separate license category specifically for gearless, automatic cars would not only reflect practical driving skills but also potentially expand mobility options for countless individuals.

According to industry data, automatic cars accounted for over 30% of urban car sales in 2023, a trend that is steadily rising. The government must adapt to these shifts and provide licensing policies that cater to real-world needs. Change is overdue.

Therefore, I am calling on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to amend the Motor Vehicles Act to create a distinct "Without Gear" category for four-wheelers. This would harmonize vehicle classifications, making our licensing system not only more equitable but also reflective of technological advancements and societal needs.

By signing this petition, you can help prompt a necessary change. Let's encourage our policymakers to support gearless innovation and equality by establishing a gearless driving license category for cars. Coming together, we can bring about a more inclusive and practical driving experience for all. Please sign and make a difference!