Can a Colour Blind Person Get a Driving Licence in India?

Yes — in most cases. Since the 2020 MORTH amendment, persons with mild or medium colour blindness are eligible for a driving licence. This guide explains the rules, the Ishihara chart test, and how Form 1A handles colour vision assessment.

The 2020 MORTH Amendment — GSR 176(E)

Before 2020, colour blindness was treated as a blanket disqualification for obtaining a driving licence in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) changed this through notification GSR 176(E), amending Rule 5 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.

The amendment recognises that most forms of colour vision deficiency are partial — the person can still distinguish traffic signal colours (red, amber, green) adequately for safe driving. Only severe or total colour blindness, where the applicant cannot differentiate these colours at all, remains a disqualification.

Eligible (Mild / Medium)

Deuteranomaly (most common — reduced green sensitivity)
Protanomaly (reduced red sensitivity)
Tritanomaly (reduced blue sensitivity — rare)
Partial colour vision deficiency of any type

Not Eligible (Severe / Total)

Deuteranopia (complete green-blindness)
Protanopia (complete red-blindness)
Achromatopsia (total colour blindness — extremely rare)
Cannot distinguish red, amber, green signals at all

What the Ishihara Chart Test Involves

The Ishihara colour vision test is the standard method used by doctors when filling out Form 1A. It consists of a series of circular plates containing coloured dots that form numbers or patterns. People with normal colour vision see one number; those with colour deficiency may see a different number or none at all.

How the test works

1The doctor shows you a set of Ishihara plates (typically 14 or 24 plates) under natural or standardised lighting.
2You identify the number or pattern on each plate. Each plate is shown for about 3-5 seconds.
3Based on errors, the doctor classifies the deficiency as mild, medium, or severe. The type (red-green, blue-yellow) is also recorded.
4The result is recorded on Form 1A under the colour vision section. Mild or medium deficiency results in "Fit with restrictions" rather than rejection.

How Form 1A Handles Colour Vision

Form 1A includes a specific section on colour vision. The examining doctor records the Ishihara chart test results and classifies the applicant accordingly. The relevant section states:

"Applicant's colour vision has been tested using standard Ishihara chart. The applicant can / cannot distinguish traffic signal colours (red, amber, green)."

The doctor then selects one of the following fitness classifications:

Fit: Normal colour vision — no restrictions.
Fit with restrictions: Mild or medium colour vision deficiency — can distinguish traffic signals. Licence issued with notation.
Unfit: Severe or total colour blindness — cannot distinguish traffic signals. Licence cannot be issued.

What "Fit with Restrictions" Means in Practice

If the doctor certifies you as "Fit with restrictions" due to partial colour blindness, your driving licence is issued with this notation. In practice, this means:

You are legally permitted to drive on Indian roads.
Your licence is valid for the same duration as a standard licence.
The restriction is a medical notation — it does not impose additional driving conditions beyond standard traffic rules.
Renewal follows the same process — you will need a fresh Form 1A at renewal if applicable (age 40+ or transport licence).

Important note

For transport/commercial vehicle licences (HMV, buses, taxis), RTOs may apply stricter interpretation. If you are applying for a commercial licence with colour vision deficiency, discuss your specific situation with the examining doctor.

Tips for Applicants with Colour Vision Deficiency

Know your type

Get a proper colour vision assessment before your Form 1A examination. Knowing whether you have deuteranomaly, protanomaly, or another type helps set expectations.

Do not use colour-correcting lenses

Colour-correcting glasses or contact lenses are not permitted during the Ishihara test. The test must reflect your natural colour vision ability.

Carry previous test reports

If you have had a colour vision test from an ophthalmologist, bring the report. It can support the Form 1A examining doctor's assessment.

Be honest about your condition

Attempting to cheat the test can result in rejection or, worse, an unsafe driving situation. Honest disclosure often leads to a "Fit with restrictions" outcome.

Colour Blindness & Driving Licence FAQs

Can a colour blind person drive in India?

Yes, in most cases. Since the 2020 MORTH amendment (GSR 176(E)), persons with mild or medium colour blindness (partial colour vision deficiency) are eligible to hold a driving licence. Only severe or total colour blindness — where the applicant cannot distinguish traffic signal colours at all — remains a disqualification.

What if I fail the Ishihara chart test during Form 1A?

Failing the standard Ishihara test does not automatically disqualify you. The examining doctor assesses the degree of colour vision deficiency. If it is classified as mild or medium, you can still be certified as "Fit with restrictions." Only complete inability to distinguish red, green, and amber signals leads to rejection.

Can I get Form 1A with partial colour blindness?

Yes. Partial colour blindness (such as deuteranomaly or protanomaly) is the most common form and typically falls under mild or medium classification. The doctor will note your colour vision status on Form 1A and may certify you as "Fit with restrictions" — meaning you are eligible for a driving licence.

What does "Fit with restrictions" mean on Form 1A?

"Fit with restrictions" means the applicant is medically fit to hold a driving licence but with specific notations. For colour blindness, this typically means the applicant has partial colour vision deficiency that does not prevent safe driving. The restriction is recorded on the licence and the medical certificate.

Is the colour vision test different for transport vs non-transport licences?

The Ishihara chart test is the same, but RTOs may apply stricter interpretation for transport/commercial vehicle licences (HMV, buses, taxis). For non-transport LMV licences, mild colour vision deficiency is generally accepted without issue.

Do I need to bring anything special for the colour vision test?

No special preparation is needed. The Ishihara chart test is a standard plate-based test that takes a few minutes. If you wear corrective lenses for distance vision, bring them — but colour vision is tested without any colour-correcting glasses or lenses.

Related guides

Form 1A Eye Test & Vision Requirements

Complete guide to all vision tests required for Form 1A.

Form 1 vs Form 1A — Which One Do You Need?

Understand the difference between self-declaration and medical certificate.

Form 1A for Transport & Commercial Licence

Special requirements for HMV and commercial driving licences.

Form 1A Validity, Cost & Fees

How long Form 1A is valid and what it costs.

Upload Form 1A on Parivahan / Sarathi

Step-by-step guide to uploading your medical certificate.

Need Form 1A for your driving licence?

Get your Form 1A medical certificate online. Colour vision assessment included. RTO-approved doctors. Direct Parivahan upload.

Apply for Form 1A

Certificate issuance depends on clinical assessment by the examining doctor. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility for a driving licence with colour vision deficiency is determined by the examining doctor based on CMVR guidelines and individual assessment.

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