PANJIM: In a bid to address the inefficiencies in the process of obtaining a driving licence in India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced significant changes to the existing regulations. These changes, aimed at streamlining the process and enhancing road safety, are set to come into effect from June 1, 2024.
Under the new regulations, individuals seeking a driving licene will no longer be required to undergo the traditional driving test at government Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Instead, private institutions will now be authorized to conduct the tests and issue certificates, affirming that the applicants they have trained are eligible for driving licences. Some of the key changes in driving licence rules are
as follows:
Optional Test Location: Key changes in the driving licence rules include option for test location. Applicants will have the flexibility to choose the nearest testing center of their preference, as opposed to the previous practice of mandatory testing at RTOs.
Stringent Enforcement: Stricter penalties will be imposed for driving without a valid licence, with fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. Additionally, parents of minors found driving vehicles illegally may face hefty fines of up to Rs 25,000.
Documentary Requirements: The documentation process for obtaining a driver’s licence has been streamlined, with specific requirements communicated to applicants in advance.
Environmental Sustainability: The ministry aims to enhance environmental sustainability on Indian roads by phasing out 9,000 old government vehicles and improving emission standards for others.
Online and offline modes: One can apply for driving licence on the online mode by visiting the official website parivahan.gov.in, select the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the online services tab, choose the State for application, complete applicant details and upload necessary documents and pay the application fee.
Optionally, the applicant can then book a slot for the driving test. Upon successful completion of the test, the driving licence will be issued.
In the offline mode, the applicant can obtain the application form from the state transport website or nearest RTO, fill the form and submit it with required documents at the nearest RTO, pay the application fee and optionally, book a slot for the driving test at the RTO.
Training Hours: The new rules mandate a minimum duration for driving lessons, with 29 hours of training required for light motor vehicles (cars, scooters, etc.) over 4 weeks, and 38 hours for heavy motor vehicles (trucks, buses, etc.) over 6 weeks, divided between theory (learning traffic rules) and practical training (behind-the-wheel practice), to ensure drivers are adequately prepared.