For many people applying for a driving license, the process often means long queues, repeated visits and extra expenses before they can complete all requirements.
Now, applicants in Lahore are getting a major relief as authorities have introduced a new facility that allows eligible citizens to obtain mandatory medical fitness certificates free of cost from selected government hospitals.
The initiative aims to make the driving license process faster, easier and more affordable for citizens while reducing unnecessary delays caused by medical certificate requirements.
According to officials, the facility has been launched by the Lahore Traffic Police in collaboration with government hospitals across the city. The service will especially benefit commercial driving license applicants and citizens above 50 years of age who need medical fitness clearance during the licensing process.
Previously, many applicants had to arrange medical certificates separately, which added another step to an already lengthy procedure.
Some citizens had to visit different facilities, pay additional charges and spend extra time completing paperwork before submitting their driving license applications.
Under the new system, applicants can now visit designated government hospitals where special counters have been established to provide medical fitness certificates without any fee.
Officials said the move will improve public convenience and create a more organised licensing system.
The free medical certificate service is currently available at 13 government hospitals in Lahore.
The designated facilities include DHQ Mian Mir Hospital, DHQ Mozang, General Hospital Ghaziabad, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Sabzazar, Government Hospital Samanabad, Government General Hospital Qila Gujjar Singh and Government General Hospital Shahdara.
Other hospitals included in the programme are Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Bilal Ganj, Government Hospital Sodiwal, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Kahna, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Raiwind, Government Eye and General Hospital Swami Nagar and Shalimar area facilities.
Applicants can visit these hospitals and complete their medical verification through the dedicated counters established for driving license-related services.
The introduction of this facility is expected to provide the biggest relief to commercial drivers.
Drivers of buses, trucks, taxis and other commercial vehicles require medical fitness confirmation because their work involves spending extended hours on roads and carrying passengers or goods.
A proper medical assessment helps ensure that drivers meet required health standards before receiving professional driving permissions.
The facility will also help elderly applicants.
People above 50 years of age often face additional requirements during license renewal because certain health conditions can affect driving ability.
By providing medical checks through government hospitals, authorities aim to balance public convenience with road safety.
The initiative also supports Lahore’s broader efforts to improve traffic management and encourage legal driving practices.
Thousands of vehicles operate on Lahore’s roads every day, and ensuring that drivers hold valid licenses remains an important part of improving road safety.
Many citizens avoid completing licensing procedures because of complicated processes and multiple visits.
Officials hope that easier access to medical certificates will encourage more people to complete their applications and obtain valid driving licenses.
The new facility also reduces dependence on private medical services where applicants may have to pay additional charges for required certificates.
By using government hospitals for medical verification, authorities are creating a more transparent and affordable system.
The move comes as Punjab continues efforts to modernise public services through improved coordination between different departments.
In recent years, traffic authorities have introduced several changes, including digital services, online information systems and improved licensing procedures to make citizen services more accessible.
However, physical requirements such as medical fitness checks remain necessary to maintain safety standards.
Officials have advised applicants to confirm the required documents and visit timings before visiting the designated hospitals.
Applicants should carry their original CNIC and other necessary documents required for the driving license application process.
The facility is currently available in Lahore, while authorities may consider expanding similar services to other districts depending on public response and operational results.
For citizens, the biggest advantage is that an important step in the driving license process has become simpler.
Instead of arranging medical certificates separately, applicants can now complete the requirement through government healthcare facilities without paying extra charges.
The initiative shows how cooperation between traffic authorities and healthcare institutions can reduce public difficulties.
As the number of vehicles continues to increase, making licensing procedures easier while maintaining safety standards will remain important.
The new free medical certificate facility is expected to save applicants time, reduce costs and make the driving license process more convenient for thousands of people in Lahore.
