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Effective from June 1st, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented new rules for acquiring a driver’s license in India. Below are the main modifications-
1) Driving tests have been shifted to private driving training centres starting from June 1, 2024. Individuals are now allowed to take their driving tests at these private centres rather than at government RTOs. The private driving training centres will have the authority to conduct driving tests and provide certificates for license eligibility.
2) The new rules focus on the environment by aiming to reduce pollution. This will be achieved by getting rid of around 900,000 old government vehicles and enforcing stricter regulations on car emissions.
3) Speeding fines for minors range from INR 1000 to INR 2000. If caught driving, they will incur a hefty penalty of INR 25,000. Furthermore, their vehicle registration will be revoked, and they will not be eligible for a license until they reach 25 years of age.
4) The Ministry has introduced a simpler documentation for new licenses, which is tailored to the type of vehicle (two-wheeler or four-wheeler). This initiative reduces the necessity for physical checkups at RTOs.
The regulations for private driving schools have been introduced with specific conditions.
Driving training centers are required to have a minimum of 1 acre of land. For four-wheeler training, the requirement is 2 acres.
Schools must provide access to a suitable testing facility.
For Trainer Qualifications, the trainers are required to have a high school diploma (or equivalent), at least 5 years of driving experience, and proficiency in biometrics and IT systems. The training duration is not specified.
Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) training consists of a total of 29 hours spread over 4 weeks. This includes 8 hours of theory sessions and 21 hours of practical training.
Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) require 38 hours of training spread over 6 weeks. This includes 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training.
These regulations are designed to guarantee that new drivers who attend private training schools receive a high level of education and preparedness.
When it comes to licensing-related fees and charges, various fees are applicable. These fees include charges for issuing learner’s licenses, conducting driving tests, obtaining driving licenses, acquiring international driving permits, renewing licenses, and other related fees.
Fees are charged for various services such as endorsement or renewal of authorization for hazardous goods vehicles, duplicate licenses for driving instruction schools, appeals against licensing authority orders, and changes of address or other particulars in driving licenses.
The application process remains unchanged. Applicants have the option to apply either online or offline. The application fee varies depending on the type of license. Physical visits to the RTO are still necessary for submitting documents and demonstrating driving skills in order to get the license approved.
