No More RTO Driving Tests, New Driving License Rules In India From June 1

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled new regulations for obtaining a driving license in India, effective June 1, 2024. These changes are designed to streamline the process and enhance road safety .

Key Highlights:

Driving Tests at Private Institutions: From June 1, 2024, individuals can opt to take their driving tests at private driving training centres instead of government RTOs. These centres will be authorised to conduct tests and issue certificates confirming eligibility for a driving license.

Elimination of RTO Driving Tests: The new rules eliminate the need to take driving tests at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), simplifying the process for new drivers.

Environmental Focus : The regulations aim to address environmental concerns by phasing out approximately 900,000 old government vehicles and imposing stricter car emission standards.

Stricter Penalties : The fines for speeding remain between ₹ 1000 and ₹ 2000. However, minors caught driving face a severe penalty of ₹ 25,000. Additionally, the vehicle owner's registration will be cancelled, and the minor will be barred from obtaining a license until the age of 25.

Simplified Documentation : The Ministry has simplified the documentation required for new licenses. The required documents vary based on the type of vehicle (two-wheeler or four-wheeler), reducing the necessity for physical checkups at RTOs.

New Requirements for Private Driving Schools :

• Land Requirement: Training centres must have at least 1 acre of land for two-wheeler training and 2 acres for four-wheeler training.
• Testing Facility: Centres must provide access to appropriate testing facilities.
• Trainer Qualifications: Trainers need a high school diploma (or equivalent), a minimum of 5 years of driving experience, and proficiency in biometrics and IT systems.

Training Duration :

• Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): 29 hours over 4 weeks, including 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training.
• Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): 38 hours over 6 weeks, comprising 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training.

These regulations ensure that private training schools offer high standards of education and preparation for new drivers.

Licensing-related Fees and Charges:

• 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: ₹ 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 + 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:

Issue 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

Application Process: Applicants can apply online or offline via Parivahan Sewa. The application fee varies by license type. Applicants must visit the RTO to submit documents and demonstrate their driving skills for license approval.