Deaf In India Might Be Allowed To Drive
Posted on: November 18, 200910 Comments
India is one of the few countries that does not license its deaf citizens to drive. That may change soon with a ruling by the Delhi High Court granting the Indian government three months to make a decision about amending its rules to allow deaf people to drive. The final decision will be announced December 16. Currently, the Motor Vehicles Act of India prevents its 50 million deaf and hard of hearing citizens from being legally allowed to drive, on the grounds that they pose a danger to hearing drivers.
Additional Solicitor General A. S. Chandiok, speaking to the High Court, said that the reason India has not licensed deaf drivers is because the country lacks “special gadgets that other countries’ vehicles have.” The government is considering the amendment and hoping that they will get the same “special gadgets.”
A petition sponsored by India’s National Association of the Deaf is asking the government to allow its deaf citizens to become fully licensed drivers. The petition includes a reference to the Delhi Police Web site, which states that there is no reason why deaf people cannot drive private vehicles, preferably with the addition of extra rearview mirrors.
Medical experts in India have determined that those who have a hearing loss lower than 60 decibels, with the use of a hearing aid, are able to be licensed for private vehicles only, while those with a loss lower than 40 decibels can drive commercially.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I have hear one of my friend who used live in India, able to have license. My assure because her parents are one of highly, able to give her a license to drive.
At least, it’s good to change in India to accept deaf.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:31 am
It is really ironic about the China, The tourists from other countries are not allowed to have rental cars when they visit China. No matter they are hearing or not. Of course, the Deaf China people is not allowed to drive. It is great opportunity for all deaf India people possible enjoy their trips in their own country. ever they probably can rent the car when they visit USA or Europe.
November 24th, 2009 at 12:58 am
I am the father of two deaf boys. I live in Kerala, India. Both my children got their license at the age of eighteen. They have been driving for the past twenty years. The only thing that the licensing authorities insisted was that they should wear the hearing aids while driving. They handle the car very well and have never met with an accident. I am a member of the All Kerala Parents Association of the Hearing Impaired ( AKPAHI ).
December 15th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Wow! It is quite a long overdue! Here in the US, Pennsylvania was the first state to pass the law that allowed deaf people to obtain driver’s license in 1923. Naturally, other states followed the suit right away. After 86 years, many countries are still lagging behind in recognizing deaf’s rights. Better now than later, though.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:39 am
The case in the High court was initiated by myself thru a deaf boy who wrks with the foundation. the Govt has just responded and said that they are against the idea of deaf people driving. If you have any case law in the USA or any where else we would like to get that for our own rejoinder in court which is due after the Christmas break.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Unbelievable! How will the police recognize a deaf driver in a car? They cannot tell who is a deaf or hearing person diffrence?? stratch my head? of course, dont use sign launguage while driving car!
January 2nd, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Hahahaha I don’t know how gossip SOAP OPERA QUEEN can shad SIGNS up while driving!!! Bet they can’t!!!!
January 9th, 2010 at 12:09 am
LONG OVER DUE TO ALLOW any DEAF PEOPLE TO DRIVE IN ANOTHER COUNTRIES AND I TRULY THINK ITS VERY UNFAIR FOR ANY DEAF PEOPLE TO HAVE DESIRE TO DRIVE. I AM HARD OF HEARING MYSELF AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING OVER 20 YEARS AND LOVE IT AND VERY USEFUL. THINK ABOUT HOW DEAF PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO CARE FOR ANY EMERGANCY REASONS FOR THIER OWN FAMILIES TO HELP OUT WITHOUT HAVING A LICENSE TO GET AROUND MUCH FASTER WITHOUT ANY HELP! I HOPE OTHER COUNRTIES WILL PASS THE LAW TO ALLOW ANY DEAF PEOPLE TO DRIVE …..
January 9th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
i read the story as above, it says deaf person can drive to India, but understand they require to wear hearing aid however otherwise, the deaf person does not wear hearing aid while driving in India, will the police at the India will arrest deaf person because of no wear hearing aid, is that right or not >? i just curious. let me know by email. thank you
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
I have been driving since I was 15 when I started out with a student’s permit with parent chaperone. Later, I drove through 14 countries in Europe in 1970. My hearing wife says my deafness is a blessing in Spain where everybody honked every minute all day. Those hearing-dominated governments all around the world obviously believed that you need ears to drive !!! i am totally deaf and never wore a hearing aid. Really, you need EYES and good reflexes to drive!!