In India, the process of obtaining a driver’s license is time-consuming and applicants have to visit many agencies and fill out numerous forms. Moreover, the lengthy and complicated process of obtaining a driver’s license facilitates the flourishing of unethical practices and unnecessary formalities, ultimately affecting road safety across the country.
Here are the new rules for driver’s licenses, fees and charges
From June 1, 2024, passing a driving test at a Regional Transport Office (RTO) will no longer be required to obtain a driving license in India. Instead, candidates can obtain their license by completing a certified training program at accredited driver training centers.
1. In contrast to the current practice of taking the test at individual regional transport offices (RTO), applicants can take the driving test at the nearest center of their choice. Private companies receive a certificate from the government that allows them to administer driving tests.
2. Driving a car without a valid driver’s license will be even stricter from now on; the fine can go up to ₹2,000. Further, a stiff penalty of ₹25,000 will be imposed and proceedings may be initiated against the parents of the minor if they are caught driving the car. In addition, the vehicle registration certificate will be cancelled.
3. The administration required to obtain a driver’s license has also been simplified to only the necessary documents. This means that the department will notify the applicant in advance of the exact paperwork required for the type of license they wish to obtain.
4. The ministry is exploring methods to phase out 9,000 outdated government cars and raise emissions requirements for other vehicles to make India’s highways greener.
5. The procedure for applying for a driving license remains unchanged. Through the official website of Ministry of Road Transport they can also personally go to the concerned RTO and submit the application manually.
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Revised guidelines for private driving schools:
1. Land Requirements:
Driving training centers must have a minimum of 1 acre of land (2 acres for ATV training).
2. Test equipment:
Schools must offer access to appropriate testing equipment.
3. Trainer qualifications:
Trainers must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), have at least 5 years of driving experience and have knowledge of biometrics and IT systems.
4. Duration of training:
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV): 29 hours including 8 hours of theoretical training and 21 hours of practical training must be completed in 4 weeks.
Fees and charges related to the license:
- Issuance of Student License (Form 3): ₹150
- Student Licensing Test Fee (Original or Repeat): ₹50
- Driving Test Fee (Original or Repeat): ₹300
- Issuance of driving license: ₹200
- Issuance of International Driving Permit: ₹1000
- Adding another vehicle class to the license: ₹500
- Driving license renewal: ₹200
- Renewal of driving license (post-grace period): ₹ 300.00 + additional fee of ₹ 1,000 per year or part thereof (from expiry of grace period)
- Issuance of Duplicate Driving License for Driving School / Establishment: ₹ 5000
- Appeals against orders of Licensing Authority (Rule 29): ₹500
- Change of address or other details in driving license: ₹200
