Kathmandu, August 16

A discussion was held here today on the need to introduce International Driving Permit in Nepal.

“More than five million Nepalis are living outside the country, but only 10 per cent of them have acquired driving licence. The government should start issuing IDPs so that Nepalis do not have to spend huge amounts of money to acquire driving licence in foreign countries,” said lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai at the interaction organised by Automobiles Association of Nepal.

According to Traffic and Transport engineer Ashish Gajurel, Nepalis living in foreign countries are spending an average of $1,500 per person to acquire driving licence.

Lawmaker Deepak Prakash Bhatta said the introduction of IDP in the country was necessary as many Nepalis were living outside the country.

Former lawmaker Shivaji Yadav said lawmakers should draft a law for issuance of IDP.

Engineer Gajurel said there were around 135 countries that issued IDP.

Spokesperson for Department of Transport Management Tulsiram Aryal said Nepal had adopted internationally accepted process of issuing driving licence. He asked lawmakers to come up with a law for introduction of IDP in the country.

The meeting later formed a 13-member team for further discussion on the issue.