Starting next month, you can take driving tests at authorised private driving training centres to apply for a driving license.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented new guidelines for getting a driving license in India from June 1, 2024.
Notably, the requirement to take driving tests at government Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) has been eliminated. Instead, authorised private driving training centres are now permitted to conduct tests and issue certificates for license eligibility.
Moreover, penalties for traffic violations have been revised. While the penalty for speeding remains between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000, minors caught driving will face a substantial fine of Rs. 25,000. Additionally, their vehicle owner’s registration card will be cancelled, and they will be ineligible for a license until the age of 25.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced some new policies for driving license in India. They are as follows:
Driving Tests at Private Institutions: From June 1, 2024, people can choose private driving schools for tests, replacing government-operated Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) for license eligibility.
Focus on Environment: The new regulations aim to combat pollution by phasing out approximately 900,000 old government vehicles and enforcing stricter car emission standards.
Simplified Application Process: The Ministry has simplified the documentation required for obtaining a new driving license. The specific documents needed depend on the type of vehicle (two-wheeler or four-wheeler), reducing the necessity for physical examinations at RTOs.
Also Read: What is usage-based insurance for cars?
New Rules for Private Driving Schools
Land Requirement: Driving training centres must have a minimum of 1 acre of land (2 acres for four-wheeler training).
Testing Facility: Schools must offer access to a suitable testing facility.
Trainer Qualifications: Trainers must hold a high school diploma (or equivalent), have at least 5 years of driving experience, and be proficient in biometrics and IT systems.
Training Duration: For Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), 29 hours of training over 4 weeks are required, with 8 hours devoted to theory and 21 hours to practical training.
For Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV), 38 hours of training over 6 weeks are needed, with 8 hours for theory and 31 hours for practical training.
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