Getting a driver's license in India has long been a complex ordeal, involving numerous forms and interactions with various authorities. Unfortunately, this bureaucracy has often opened the door to corruption, posing risks to road safety. To address these issues, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced significant reforms.
Starting June 1, 2024, obtaining a driver's license will be much simpler. Under the new regulations, applicants can now opt to take their driving tests at private training centers instead of relying solely on government-run Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
These changes are part of broader efforts by the Ministry to streamline the process and promote cleaner energy solutions, aiming to reduce the need for multiple visits and extensive paperwork.
Key Updates on Driving Tests, Environment, Penalties, and Application Process:
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From June 1, 2024, private driving training centres gain authority to conduct driving tests, replacing the need to visit government RTOs. Certificates for license eligibility will be issued by these centres, offering applicants flexibility to choose their nearest testing location. The government will authorize these private institutions for conducting tests.
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Environmental sustainability is a priority with plans to phase out approximately 900,000 old government vehicles and enforce stricter car emission regulations. Measures include improving emission standards of existing vehicles and retiring 9,000 outdated government vehicles to mitigate pollution.
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Penalties are set to deter violations more effectively:
- Speeding fines remain between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000.
- Minors caught driving face a hefty fine of Rs 25,000, with the cancellation of the vehicle owner's registration card. Minors will also be ineligible for a license until they reach 25 years of age, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- The application process for a driver's license remains unchanged. Applicants can apply online via the Ministry's official website, https://parivahan.gov.in/, or opt for a manual application process at their respective RTOs. The Ministry has simplified documentation requirements based on the vehicle type (two-wheeler or four-wheeler), reducing the need for physical checkups at RTOs.
Guidelines for Private Driving Schools:
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Land Requirement: Private driving schools are required to have a minimum of 1 acre of land for training purposes, with an additional stipulation of 2 acres for four-wheeler training.
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Testing Facility: These schools must furnish access to a suitable testing facility to assess the competency of prospective drivers.
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Trainer Qualifications: Instructors are mandated to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, hold a minimum of 5 years of driving experience, and demonstrate proficiency in biometrics and IT systems.
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Training Duration:
a. Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): A comprehensive training program totaling 29 hours over 4 weeks, comprising 8 hours of theoretical instruction and 21 hours of practical training.
b. Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): A more extensive training regimen spanning 38 hours across 6 weeks, encompassing 8 hours of theoretical learning and 31 hours of practical training.
These regulations have been instituted to uphold a rigorous standard of education and readiness for aspiring drivers enrolled in private training schools.
Fees and Charges Related to Licensing:
- Issuance of learner's license (Form 3): ₹ 150.00
- Learner's license test fee (or repeat test): ₹ 50.00
- Driving test fee (or repeat test): ₹ 300.00
- Issuance of driving license: ₹ 200.00
- Issuance of International Driving Permit: ₹ 1000.00
- Addition of another vehicle class to license: ₹ 500.00
- Endorsement or renewal of authorization for hazardous goods vehicles
- Renewal of driving license: ₹ 200.00
- Renewal of driving license (after grace period): ₹ 300.00 + additional fee of ₹ 1,000 per year or part thereof (from the expiration of the grace period)
- Issuance or renewal of license for driving instruction school or establishment
- Issuance of duplicate license for driving instruction school/establishment: ₹ 5000.00
- Appeal against licensing authority orders (rule 29): ₹ 500.00
- Change of address or other particulars in driving license: ₹ 200.00
Procedure for Obtaining a Driving License:
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Application can be made either online or offline through the official website https://parivahan.gov.in/.
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The application fee varies depending on the type of license being sought.
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Applicants are required to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to submit necessary documents and undergo a driving skills assessment for license approval.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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