From June 1, 2024, aspiring drivers can take their tests at private driving schools instead of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). These private institutions will be authorized to conduct tests and issue the necessary certificates for obtaining a driving license.
Key Changes:
Environmental Impact: The new regulations aim to reduce pollution by scrapping approximately 900,000 old government vehicles and enforcing stricter emission standards for cars.
Speeding Fines: The penalty for speeding remains between ₹1000 and ₹2000. However, if a minor is caught driving, the fine will be ₹25,000. Additionally, the vehicle owner’s registration will be canceled, and the minor will be barred from obtaining a license until age 25.
Simplified Process: The process for obtaining a new license will involve less paperwork, with document requirements varying for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, reducing the need for physical visits to RTOs.
Environmental Goals: To enhance eco-friendliness, the ministry plans to remove 9,000 old government vehicles and tighten emission standards.
Rules for Private Driving Schools:
Land Requirements: Driving schools must have at least 1 acre of land for general training and 2 acres for four-wheeler training. Proper testing facilities are mandatory.
Trainer Qualifications: Trainers must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least five years of driving experience, and knowledge of biometrics and IT systems.
Training Duration: For Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), training includes 29 hours over 4 weeks (8 hours theory, 21 hours practical). For Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV), 38 hours of training over 6 weeks (8 hours theory, 31 hours practical) is required.
License Fees and Charges:
Learner’s License: Issuing costs ₹150, with an additional ₹50 for the test or repeat test.
Driving Test: The fee for the driving test or a repeat test is ₹300.
Driving License Issuance: The cost is ₹200, while an International Driving Permit costs will be higher at ₹1,000.
Adding Vehicle Classes: Adding a new vehicle class to an existing license incurs a ₹500 charge.
Hazardous Goods Vehicles: Endorsement or renewal costs ₹200. Standard license renewal is ₹200, rising to ₹300 plus ₹1000 per year after the grace period expires.
Driving Schools: A fee of ₹5,000 applies for issuing or renewing licenses without proper training, as well as for obtaining duplicate licenses.
Appeals and Changes: Appealing against licensing authority orders under rule 29 costs ₹500. Changing address or other particulars on a license incurs a ₹200 fee.
