Driving licence tests halted in Chitwan, leaving thousands of applicants affected

Chitwan, October 29, 2026 — Driving licence written and practical tests have remained suspended in Chitwan since July 26 following a Supreme Court order, affecting applicants from the district and neighbouring areas who depend on the Bharatpur Transport Management Office for the service.

Govinda Poudel, information officer at the Transport Management Office in Bharatpur, said the examinations were halted after the court ordered a stop to services provided through a private trial centre in the area.

The suspension has also affected around 800 applicants waiting to take retests, while approximately 2,000 people who rely on weekly retests and regular examinations have faced difficulties, Poudel said.

According to him, the court ordered the cancellation of the contract for the trial centre and the initiation of a new tender process. However, the office has been unable to invite bids because it has not received instructions from the relevant ministry.

“We have been unable to carry out driving licence examinations because no circular has been issued by the ministry,” Poudel said.

The office continues to provide services related to driving licences, vehicle ownership certificates and route permits, but the written and practical driving tests remain suspended.