The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled a series of new regulations aimed at streamlining the process of obtaining a driving license in India, effective from June 1, 2024. These reforms include the introduction of private driving test centres, enhanced focus on environmental protection, stricter penalties for traffic violations, and an overhauled application process.
From June 1, 2024, individuals seeking a driving license can take their driving tests at private driving training centres, which will be authorised to conduct the tests and issue certificates for license eligibility. This move aims to alleviate the burden on government RTOs and expedite the licensing process.
The new rules underscore a commitment to environmental protection by phasing out approximately 900,000 old government vehicles and enforcing stricter car emission regulations. These measures are designed to reduce pollution and promote greener transportation.
While the fines for speeding will remain between ₹ 1,000 and ₹ 2,000, the penalties for minors caught driving will be significantly harsher. Offending minors will face a fine of ₹ 25,000, cancellation of the vehicle owner’s registration card, and ineligibility for a driving license until the age of 25.
The documentation required for obtaining a new license has been streamlined, with specific requirements based on the type of vehicle—two-wheeler or four-wheeler. This change reduces the need for physical checkups at RTOs, simplifying the overall application process.
The regulations introduce specific criteria for private driving schools, ensuring high standards of education and preparation for new drivers:
- Land Requirement: Driving training centres must have a minimum of 1 acre of land for general training and 2 acres for four-wheeler training.
- Testing Facility: Schools must provide access to a suitable testing facility.
- Trainer Qualifications: Trainers must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), at least five years of driving experience, and familiarity with biometrics and IT systems.
- Training Duration:
- Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): 29 hours over four weeks, with 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training.
- Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): 38 hours over six weeks, with 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The following are the updated fees associated with driving licenses:
- Issue 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
- Issue of driving license: ₹ 200.00
- Issue of International Driving Permit: ₹ 1,000.00
- Addition of another vehicle class to license: ₹ 500.00
- Endorsement or renewal of authorization for hazardous goods vehicles: ₹ 500.00
- Renewal of driving license: ₹ 200.00
- Renewal of driving license (after grace period): ₹ 300.00 + an additional fee of ₹ 1,000 per year or part thereof (from the expiration of the grace period)
- Issue or renewal of license for driving instruction school or establishment: ₹ 10,000.00
- Issue of duplicate license for driving instruction school/establishment: ₹ 5,000.00
- Appeal against licensing authority orders (rule 29): ₹ 500.00
- Change of address or other particulars in driving license: ₹ 200.00
The application process for obtaining a driving license remains largely unchanged. Applicants can apply online or offline through the official portal, parivahan.gov.in. The application fee varies depending on the license type. Applicants must visit the RTO to submit documents and demonstrate their driving skills for final approval.
Also Read | Nagaland govt bans unauthorised money collection by NGOs