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FARAZ AHMED MIRZA
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Jun 03, 2016

How I became the first Pakistani to legally get the Driving License with only one good eye

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In 2013, I fell prey to dengue and lost one eye. Miraculously, Allah granted me a new life which produced a life changing impact on me and I decided to follow the righteous path in all life matters.
Soon after graduating and landing a job, I decided to file for my driving license. If you are a Pakistani, you know there are two ways to get the legal document:

  1. To bribe the officers and give them around Rs.5000 – 7000 and get your license.
  2. Apply for it legally and go through an unending/impossible/tiring/difficult procedure.

I had promised myself only to follow the righteous path; therefore I ticked off the first option immediately. I started working on the second option. After collecting the required information and forms from the website, I arrived at the driving license office joining the already long enough queue. The first step was to enter my information at the computer section and then I was to be examined by the doctors. Alas! It took no time for the doctors to realize that I was blind in one eye as I had done no efforts to hide this.

I was sent to the Police Hospital for re-examination. Now, I was a little afraid and found little hope that I will get my license. The doctors at the Police Hospital referred me to the Services Hospital, so I went there as well.

At the Services Hospital

After submitting my application, I was sent to the administrator, Mr. Memon to get his signature. He inquired about my problem. When I told him the truth, he signed my document and sent me to the Services Hospital. They examined me and yielded a simple report that I was blind in one eye and my other eye had a perfect vision of 6/6.

Now the decision of whether I could drive or not was in the hands of Mr. Memon. He chose to refer the doctor’s examination and decided that I cannot drive because of my bad eye. I asked him whether the doctors’ examination suggested that I could not drive or if there was any law that prohibits me from driving? Upon hearing this, he asked me to come after a week and he would show me the law.

During the week I researched on my own and discovered that UAE, UK, USA and India legally allow drivers to drive who have only one good eye. I decided to meet Mr. Memon fully prepared with my research. He failed to quote me a law, referring me to Civil Hospital and asked me to get examined from Professor Quraishy.

At the Civil Hospital

Finding Professor Quraishy, was a difficult enough task. I stood in long queues at the hospital’s OPD but was unable to find him. I was depressed by the core and started believing that I was wasting my precious time for a mere driving license. One day, standing under the scorching heat I realized it was less about the driving license and more about right and wrong.

What triggered my motivation?

Each time I returned home failing to meet Professor Quraishy, I went into deeper disappointment. Meanwhile, Mr. Memom had become a supporting figure and I asked him if he could get Professor Quraishy in touch with me. He asked me to note down his number. During a turn of an unfortunate event, I lost his number and was deeply embarrassed to ask Mr. Memon again.

After a while, I received a call from Mr. Memon that he had given me the wrong number and provided me with the correct one. I was jubilant, as for me this was a sign that Allah helps those who are on the right path and He was looking out for me throughout this journey.

It was Mr. Hashmi’s contact (Personal Assistant of Professor Quraishy).  He set my appointment with the Professor who examined me and deemed me fit for driving. Mr. Hashmi urged me to take an action regarding this issue. He shared that old Rikshaw drivers are sent to them and not granted license because of minor eye sight problems. Knowing that it is their only source of income, they often drive without licenses and then are troubled by the traffic police. There, I promised myself to fight against the system not only for me but for everyone who were deprived of the license.

The Hurdle

Now I had two fitness certificates by Professor Quraishy and Mr. Memon from Services Hospital. However, Mr. Memon showed me a clause in the motor vehicle act that it is written that:

A person should be able to distinguish with each eye.

This clause was a hurdle in my path but I convinced Mr. Memon to submit an application to change it on the basis of US, UK and Indian Laws. Seeing the fitness certificates from both Services and Civil hospital, Police Hospital also allowed me the fitness certificate and I was relieved that now I will be able to get my driving license easily. Alas, I was wrong.

I arrived at the Driving License Office with all the certificates, but here the doctors did not pass me in the examination. They asked me to come after a week while they research the local law. I was astonished how they were sitting in authority and were unaware of the laws. A girl also filed for the license on the same day but she was refused because of a similar problem. She went away saying,

I will drive the car without a license.


Well that’s what most of us do when we get disappointed by the unnecessarily lengthy procedures of our government offices. However, I was still determined.

I went back again after a week and to my luck; there was a different doctor on duty that day. He understood the situation and went to DIG Traffic Police with me. Sadly, DIG did not accept the certificates and asked me to get them re-verified.

Now enters Inspector Khan*[1] who plays a villainous part in the story. He was the person responsible to write re-verification letter to the Police Hospital. He refused to do so and showed me the clause that I mentioned earlier that a person should be able distinguish with each eye.  He started producing rationale that alcohol is allowed in UK and USA but we cannot allow in Pakistan. I tried to put some sense in him that traffic laws should be universal.

I cleverly convinced him by showing another clause which was written on the later chapter of the motor vehicle act:

No fee should exceed two rupees.


I asked him to write the letter as the book was written in 1965 and it needed to be changed. He accepted to write the letter, but delayed the procedure for a long time.

Finally Police Hospital got the letter and re-verified my certificates and wrote the reply to DIG Traffic Police. Wait! The story is not over yet! I was back again at the driving license office and went to the doctor and unfortunately it was the other doctor who sent me back. He was clueless once again and asked me to visit the DIG myself.

At the DIG Office, his PA did not allow me to meet him. So I went to DSP administrator’s office but he was in a meeting. After an hour or so, I got the chance to meet him. To him, I highlighted the key points on the other file which had the Motor Vehicle acts of USA, UK and India.

The Turning Point

DSP. Imran turned out to be a wonderful person, he understood the case and fortunately his eyes went to my other file and he saw the highlighted point that:

In the UK you are legally allowed to drive with only one good eye.


He took the file and read all my research and asked me to come back again after lunch break. Meanwhile, he met DIG Traffic police and convinced him to allow me the driving license by showing him all the research papers. I went there after the lunch break and he called the doctor in front of me and asked him to allow me to have the license and that they will change the motor vehicle act accordingly later. Cheers!

Finally, I received my driving license. When I held it in my hands it was a feeling like no other. I realized determination always pays off. To put in numbers, the procedure took around three months and more than 30 visits to different government offices.

What Impact Did It Make?

Now anyone can apply for a driving license even if they have one good eye. If the officials refuse you, take a stand and give them my reference at Driving License Clifton Office.
Always know that nothing is impossible. We just have to pursue our goals with full determination and believe in Allah. Remember that DSPs, DIGs are government officers who are there to serve us, not rule. If any official refuses you, ask them to show u the laws. Lastly, never give up, do your research, and always be prepared.

Fitness Certificates

Laws of UK, USA and India

Update 2022!!

Alhamdulillah, I have got a driving license in Dubai-UAE, which is one of the toughest driving licenses to get in the world.

I am comfortably able to drive my car so can you, please don’t lose hope after losing an eye.
Always stay positive, Insha Allah you will achieve success in this world and hereafter if you strive hard and be on the righteous path.

Fitness Certificate Links
Police Hospital Certificate
Civil Hospital Certificate
Services Hospital Certificate

References for Laws of UK, USA and India
http://www.goodhopeeyeclinic.org.uk/coping.htm#Driving
https://www.gov.uk/monocular-vision-and-driving
http://smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/Useful/eyesight.html
http://www.ask.com/government-politics/can-drive-blind-one-eye-f1f9b8bccc1f80d6
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/guide-visual-standards-drivers
http://www.losteye.com/driving.htm
http://ccptraffickyc.pk/physical-fitness-test.htm

[1] The real name is not published for the privacy of the person.

39 Comments

  • Shahmeer

    Well done Faraz!!
    You have proved that if you are determined and honest in your intentions then you can do anything. You have not only earned a license to drive but also given hope to similar hundreds or even thousands of others having some defect in one of their eyes.

    June 4, 2016 - 8:32 AM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Thank You So much Shahmeer bhai, I was able to do this because of tremendous support from everyone. 🙂

      June 5, 2016 - 4:22 PM Reply
      • not show name

        yr I have the same problem I had lost one eye in a bus accident

        October 11, 2018 - 12:58 PM Reply
        • Faraz Mirza

          Sorry to hear that.

          October 31, 2019 - 11:05 PM Reply
  • Rizwan Jamal

    Well Done Brother !
    I hope you will always choose the right path as you did 🙂
    I am proud of you Dear …..!!

    June 5, 2016 - 3:51 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Thank you Rizwan, Insha Allah I always will. 🙂

      June 5, 2016 - 4:18 PM Reply
  • Sameed Ahmed

    Well Done!! 🙂
    This article is a true inspiration for everyone
    Hard Work always pay off …..

    November 22, 2017 - 11:06 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Thank You very much 🙂

      October 31, 2019 - 11:06 PM Reply
  • Asim

    Faraz bhai i have got the same problem.i need to talk to you.plz rply

    September 13, 2018 - 11:09 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi Asim, Sure please contact me on my Whatsapp number.

      October 31, 2019 - 11:06 PM Reply
  • sikander

    sir isi trhan ka problem mujhe bhi ha bachpan sa lekin i can drive.. license banwana ha mene bhi kia ap help krdynge?

    October 21, 2018 - 3:54 AM Reply
  • sikander

    sir isi trhan ka problem mujhe bhi ha bachpan sa lekin i can drive.. license banwana ha mene bhi kia ap help
    krdynge?

    October 21, 2018 - 3:54 AM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi Sikandar, I hope you have already contacted me and got your driving license.

      October 31, 2019 - 11:05 PM Reply
  • Wasim

    My right eye is damaged please help me to get driving licence

    April 19, 2019 - 11:34 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi Wasim, Kindly contact me on my provided WhatsApp number to get assistance.

      October 31, 2019 - 11:04 PM Reply
  • Raghavan

    Who told you that in India one eyed person can get driving License. I am from India and India generally don’t allow one eyed people to drive only some states allowing us. I am also one eyed person

    July 13, 2019 - 11:56 AM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Indian Motor Vehicle Act is attached to the blog post. You may download and read it.

      October 31, 2019 - 11:03 PM Reply
  • Samra

    Hats off to you for making so much effort.I need your help regarding Motor Vehicle Acts of Pakistan.Where can i get them from ?I hope you can guide
    TIA

    September 23, 2019 - 5:28 PM Reply
  • Mubashir Sattar

    Faraz Its Good to hear from you, such a Sounding and Motivating discussion.

    September 10, 2020 - 1:17 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Thank you for your appreciation Mubashir.

      February 25, 2022 - 10:09 PM Reply
  • Ryhman Khan

    Hello Sir!
    You’ve just showed me a glance of hope. I really appreciate your blog.
    I have the same problem. I’ve had an accident and now my left eye is covered with cataract (aka pardaa).
    The doctors say that it is curable but it will take some time.
    Can you please tell me how do I get the driving license legally? And can you please provide me with some sort of evidence to support my case like some loopholes in our law?
    Thanks
    Regards, Ryhman Khan

    September 20, 2020 - 4:32 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi Ryhman, I have updated this blog post and have attached my fitness certificates, kindly refer them to the licensing authorities and try again.
      Best of Luck!

      February 25, 2022 - 10:09 PM Reply
  • Farhan

    Hi bro,
    Great effort and you achieved it HATS OFF. I was wondering if you can help me guide a further if possible. I am in the same situation blind with one eye and trying to get the license with a legal process.

    Regards

    November 30, 2020 - 4:47 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi Farhan thanks for the appreciation, kindly contact me on my WhatsApp number +971551679202.

      I have updated this blog post and have attached my fitness certificates from the above institutions, kindly refer them to the licensing authorities and try again.
      Best of Luck!

      February 25, 2022 - 10:07 PM Reply
  • Talha

    I’m blind from my right eye as well and Yesterday I went to Hyderabad RHQ to get a license after reading your blog and the police eye doctor doesn’t even bother to check my left eye with the vision he just writes unfit that’s it. Game Over

    June 4, 2021 - 11:21 AM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      I have updated this blog post and have attached my fitness certificates from the above institutions, kindly refer them to the licensing authorities and try again.
      Best of Luck!

      February 25, 2022 - 10:07 PM Reply
  • Syed Imran Zaidi

    I need to discuss regarding subject matter please could you guide me

    June 30, 2021 - 1:31 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Sure Imran, how may I help you? kindly contact me on my WhatsApp number +971551679202.

      February 25, 2022 - 10:06 PM Reply
  • Tehmina Shaheen

    Sir I also have same problem. I want to know the procedure of getting “fit for job certificate”. I went to Benazair Hospital for this they take my contact number but still waiting. Kindly it’s humble request please guide me.

    July 27, 2021 - 8:48 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi Tehmina, please follow the mentioned steps from the article.
      1. Driving license Centre
      2. Police Hospital
      3. Services Hospital
      4. Civil Hospital

      I have updated this blog post and have attached my fitness certificates from the above institutions, kindly refer them to the licensing authorities and try again.
      Best of Luck!

      February 25, 2022 - 10:06 PM Reply
  • Abdulrehman

    I also lost most vision from one eye in my childhood and i can see from the other ee just like everyone else with 2 good eyes. But when i went to apply for my licence. The officers sitting in the office were very harsh and discouraging. It was one of the worst days of my life. As i had been driving a car for a year then and i was the only guy at home to take my family around. I wish i could bring a better change in the system. But your blog has given me hope. Kudos to you. And May Allah bless all the people of authority who were supportive and listened to you to solve your matter.

    December 8, 2021 - 4:56 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Hi, sorry to hear that AbdulRehman, which city do you belong from?
      I have updated this blog post and have attached my fitness certificates, kindly refer it to the licensing authorities and try again.
      Best of Luck!

      February 25, 2022 - 10:03 PM Reply
  • Adnan

    Need some information…

    December 8, 2021 - 9:41 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Yes, Adnan how may I help you? kindly contact me on my WhatsApp number +971551679202.

      February 25, 2022 - 10:01 PM Reply
  • Khawaja irfan

    Mein ajj driving license renew ke leay geya mager doctor aur police ney saaf inkar kar deya licesne renew karney se.kafi zalel honay ke baad yehi socha is mulk k qanoon ko aag lagy.is mulk mein na toh qanoon hai na insaaf.bike chalaunga car chalaunga begair driving lisence ke.lannti qanoon lannti idaray.

    February 10, 2022 - 2:37 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      Assalam wa alaikum, Ap kis city se belong karte hain?
      Meine ye blog post update kia hai aur isme apne fitness certificates attach kiye hain, inka reference dekar dubara koshish kijiye.
      Best of Luck!

      February 25, 2022 - 10:00 PM Reply
  • Anwar Zeb

    Bro salam
    I also have one good and a blind eye can we contact in person i also faces the same problems
    03339269893

    February 28, 2022 - 12:59 PM Reply
    • Faraz Mirza

      W salam, responded on your WhatsApp, hope that helps.

      March 2, 2022 - 7:16 PM Reply

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Faraz Mirza

Software Engineer | Freelancer

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