The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced new regulations aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining a driving license (DL) with effect from 1st June 2024.
- Under the new regulations, applicants now have option to take their driving tests at privately operated driving training centres.
- This will reduce the congestion at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
- Prospective drivers can choose to apply for a driver’s licence either online through the official website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or by visiting an RTO in person.
About the new Regulations:
i.The new regulation has reduced the required documentation for new DL. The required documents will now be based on the type of vehicle, minimizing the need for physical reviews at RTOs.
ii.This also impose strict penalties for violations.
iii.These new regulations are expected to enhance the efficiency of the driving license process and improve road safety standards across India.
Private Driving School:
i.Training centres must have at least 1 acre of land for light motor vehicle training and 2 acres for heavy motor vehicle training.
ii.They must also provide access to appropriate testing facilities.
iii.Driving instruction schools will face a hefty Rs 5,000 fee for issuing or renewing licenses without the training, and getting a duplicate license.
Trainer Qualifications:
Trainers at these centres need a high school diploma or equivalent, at least 5 years of driving experience, and knowledge of biometrics and IT systems.
Training duration:
For Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): 29 hours over 4 weeks (8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training) and for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): 38 hours over 6 weeks (8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training).
Penalties:
i.If minors are found driving, a fine of Rs 25,000 will be imposed. The vehicle owner’s registration will be canceled, and the minor will be ineligible for a license until the age of 25.
ii.The fine for speeding remains between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000.
iii.The fine for driving a vehicle without a valid license ranges from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.
Licensing-Related Fees and Charges
- Learner’s Licence (Form 3): Rs 150
- Learner’s Licence Test (or repeat test): Rs 50
- Driving Test (or repeat test): Rs 300
- Driving Licence Issue: Rs 200
- International Driving Permit: Rs 1,000
- Addition of Another Vehicle Class to Licence: Rs 500
- Driving Licence Renewal: Rs 200
- Late Renewal: Rs 300 + Rs 1,000 per year or part thereof beyond the grace period
- Appeal Against Licensing Authority Orders: Rs 500
Recent Related News:
i.As per the data by MoRTH in April 2024, a total of 12,349 Km of National Highways (NHs) were constructed in FY24.
ii. Union Minister NitinGadkari, MoRTH launched the world’s first prototype of BS-VI(Bharat Stage Six) Stage II compliant “Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle”, Toyota InnovaHycross. It is a variant of Toyota’s Innova, developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited(Toyota Kirloskar).
About Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH):
Union Minister– Nitin Jairam Gadkari (Constituency- Nagpur, Maharashtra)
Minister of State (MoS)– General (Retd.) Vijay Kumar Singh (Constituency- Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh)
