The Department of Transport Management has decided to include a photo and QR code on the receipt issued to those who pass the driving test conducted at the provincial level.

Following the department's decision to issue smart cards only in emergency cases, Uddhavraj Rijal, chief of the department, said that the new system would be implemented soon. He shared that in a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the provincial governments decided to use the photo and QR code on the receipts provided to the people who passed the trial.

The printing of smart cards has been halted as the state is unable to manage their distribution permanently.

The use of QR-coded receipts will also simplify checks for traffic police. Software issues have caused a halt in smart license printing since the last week of Shrawan.

Rijal said that the smart cards would still be issued to individuals with visas who are guaranteed to travel abroad.

“The traffic police are working to integrate the use of the Nagarik App as well. If implemented, the new system will first take effect in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur,” an official at the department said on the condition of anonymity.

Currently, 5,000 to 6,000 candidates pass driving tests through 43 centres across the seven provinces each week, with more than 1.7 million citizens waiting for their smart licenses.

The department also plans to require candidates to pay for the QR-coded receipt with their photo before the driving test. This measure aims to curb the growing problem of fraudulent candidates taking tests on behalf of others. “It will also prevent people from using someone else’s receipt and driving illegally,” said Rijal.