Drivers who fail the language test even after the extension period would face a three-month suspension of their driving licence, followed by cancellation for a repeat violation

Published on: Aug 15, 2026, 08:14:30 IST

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Mumbai: Autorickshaw and taxi drivers who fail to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi during checks starting August 18 will be given a month to learn the language and appear for a short test before their licences are suspended, according to officials from the state transport department.

The move effectively grants drivers of passenger transport vehicles a one-month extension to acquire the required proficiency in Marathi. Drivers who fail the language test even after the extension period would face a three-month suspension of their driving licence, followed by cancellation for a repeat violation, officials said.

RTO officials will begin the language checks from August 18, as planned. “We will be issuing notices to all those who fail to converse in Marathi. They will be given a month to retake the test and pass. If they fail again, we will suspend their licence for three months,” said an RTO officer.

The clarification comes at a time when tens of thousands of auto and taxi drivers are flocking to regional transport offices (RTOs) across the state to appear for Marathi language tests. As of Friday, 125,000 of the 1.5 million drivers in Maharashtra have taken the test.

“There are drivers who waited for 8-10 hours for their turn, but were asked to leave in the evening as there were so many others still taking the tests,” said Bhola Singh, a taxi driver from Wadala.

Earlier this week, the state government had said that drivers who failed to meet the Marathi-language requirement could have their licences suspended for three months, with repeat violations resulting in permanent cancellation. The government amended the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to empower the licensing authority to take action against drivers.

The amendments specifically clarify the requirement of practical Marathi for drivers and permit holders of autorickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs fitted with electronic meters. There is also a separate provision for app-based motor cab drivers.

If an authorised driver is found to lack the required knowledge of Marathi, the licensing authority is empowered to take action for non-compliance after recording the reasons in writing. The notification makes it clear that the level of knowledge must be satisfactory to the concerned authority.

On August 12, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik had said that drivers of passenger transport vehicles need to have a working knowledge of Marathi to ensure effective communication with commuters.

The transport department had earlier set August 15 as the deadline for drivers to meet the Marathi-language requirement. Since the state announced the policy in April, transport unions, RTOs and political organisations have organised Marathi training sessions and assessments for drivers across Mumbai.

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