Author : WASILA, 1ST YR. BA.LLB. (HONS.), SCHOOL OF LAW, SHARDA UNIVERSITY
Abstract
India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) plans to simplify the process of obtaining driving licenses and strengthen road safety with major regulatory changes starting June 1, 2024. These reforms will eliminate mandatory driving tests at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), allowing candidates to take the practical test at government-approved private training centres. This amendment aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and curb unethical practices. It also brings tougher penalties for driving without a valid license and minors driving illegally, with a fine of up to ₹25,000 and possible legal action against parents. The documentation required to obtain the license will be simplified and applicants will be able to submit their applications online or manually at RTOs.
The guidelines for private driving schools have been revised to include specific state requirements, access to relevant testing facilities and strict instructors. Training times are set for light motor vehicles (29 hours over 4 weeks) and heavy motor vehicles (38 hours over 6 weeks). The fee structure has also been updated to reflect the cost of services associated with different licenses. The changes aim to streamline the permitting process, promote road safety and support environmental initiatives such as scrapping old vehicles and raising emission standards.
Introduction
In India, the process of obtaining a driver’s license is long and requires the applicant to visit many institutions and fill out several forms. The long and complicated procedure of obtaining a driver’s license also encourages the flourishing of unethical practices and unnecessary red tapism, which ultimately affects road safety throughout the country.
Consequently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that it will make significant changes to the current rules on driving in India, which along with ensuring safety, will make it easier to get a driving license.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has announced changes to the permit procedure, which will simplify it by removing mandatory driving tests at regional traffic offices from June 1, 2024. With this, the Ministry aims to facilitate the procedure for to obtain a driver’s license, which currently requires many steps.
Under the new regulations, candidates will no longer have to undergo the often daunting and delayed driving tests at RTOs. Instead, they can take their practical driving test at government approved private training centres. These centres are authorized to conduct driving tests and issue certificates that entitle applicants to a driver’s license.
Here are the main driving license rules that will change on June 1
1. Contrary to the current practice of taking the test at individual Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), candidates will be able to take the driving test at the nearest centre according to your own choice. Private companies receive certificates from the government that allow them to conduct driving tests.
2. Driving a car without a valid driver’s license is stricter than ever before; the fine can reach 2000 rupees. A stiff fine of ₹ 25,000 will also be imposed and legal action may be taken against the parents of the minor if they are caught driving the car. In addition, the vehicle registration certificate will be revoked. 3. The papers required to obtain a driver’s license have also been simplified so that they contain only the necessary documents. This means that the ministry informs the applicants in advance what exact documents they want to receive.
4. The ministry is exploring ways to scrap 9,000 obsolete government vehicles and raise emission standards for other vehicles to make India’s roads greener. 5. The procedure for presenting a driver’s license remains unchanged. Candidates can submit their application online through the official website of Ministry of Road Transport https://parivahan.gov.in/. However, they can also personally approach the concerned RTO and submit the application manually.
Revised Guidelines for Private Driving Schools
1. Land Requirements:
– Driving training centres must have a minimum of 1 hectare of land (2 acres for 4-wheel training).
2. Testing location:
– Schools must ensure access to the appropriate testing facility.
3. Trainer qualifications:
– Trainers must have a university degree (or equivalent degree), at least 5 years of driving experience and knowledge of biometrics and IT systems. 4. Duration of training:
– Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): 29 hours to be completed in 4 weeks, including 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training.
– Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): 38 hours to be completed over 6 weeks, including 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training.
Allow related fees and charges
– Issuance of Learner Card (Form 3): ₹ 150
– Learner Card Test Fee (Original or Renewal): ₹ 50
– Driving Test Fee (Original or Renewal): ₹ 300
– Issuance of driving license: ₹ 200
– Issuance of international driving license: ₹ 1000
– Addition of another vehicle category to driving license: ₹ 500
– Renewal of driving license: ₹ 200 \ n – Renewal of driving license (post grace): ₹ 300.00 + surcharge ₹ 1,000 per annum or part thereof (after expiry of grace period)
– Issuance of dual driving license to driving school/institute: ₹ 5,000
– Appeal against license orders (Rule 29): ₹ 500
– Change of address or other driving license details: ₹ 200
DL challan: Stricter penalties for minors without driving license
Fine for speeding remains at Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000. However, if a minor is caught behind the wheel, he faces a fine of Rs 25,000. In addition, the vehicle owner’s registration card will be cancelled, and the minor will not be entitled to a driver’s license until he turns 25.
New Fee Structure
Fees for various driving license services are as follows: A learner’s license costs 150 rupees and an additional 50 rupees for a learner’s driving test. The fee for the driving test is 300 rupees and for issuing a driver’s license is 200 rupees. It costs 1,000 rupees to get an international driver’s license, while adding another vehicle category to the license is 500 rupees. Driving license renewal costs 200 rupees, but after the grace period it increases to 300 rupees plus 1,000 rupees per year. A duplicate driver’s license from a driving school is 5,000 rupees. Filing a complaint against the orders of the licensing authority costs 500 rupees, changing the address or other information on a driver’s license costs 200 rupees.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes by the Ministry of Road Transport (MORTH) will mark a significant change in the process of obtaining a driving license in India. The aim is to streamline procedures and improve road safety. By allowing candidates to take practical driving tests at government-approved private training centres instead of regional transport offices (RTOs), the ministry is tackling long-standing bureaucratic delays and unethical practices. A crackdown on unlicensed driving and illegal driving by minors underscores the ministry’s commitment to safety. Simplified document requirements and the ability to submit applications online or by hand will make the process easier for applicants.
Revised guidelines for private driving schools ensure they meet state-specific requirements, allow access to relevant testing facilities and use qualified instructors. Structured training periods for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) ensure that candidates are fully trained. Updated fee structures reflect the costs of different licensing services, increasing transparency and consistency.
The goal of these reforms is not only to streamline the licensing process, but also to promote safer driving practices and support environmental sustainability by phasing out obsolete vehicles and raising emission standards. Overall, the MORTH initiative is a forward-looking approach to modernize the permit system, ensuring its accessibility, efficiency and promoting safer roads in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What new changes have been made to the driver’s license process as of June 1, 2024?
The Ministry of Road Transport (MORTH) will abolish mandatory driving tests in Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Instead, candidates can take practical exams at government-approved private training centres. The process aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and curb unethical practices.
2. How to pass the driving test according to the new regulations?
Candidates can take the driving test at any government approved private training centre instead of regular RTOs. These centres are authorized to conduct tests and issue certificates that give the right to a driver’s license.
3. What are the penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license?
Driving without a valid driving license will attract a fine of up to ₹ 2,000. A fine of up to ₹ 25,000, action against the parents and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration is envisaged when a minor is caught driving.
4. How is the documentation process simplified?
The documents required to obtain a driver’s license are organized in such a way that they contain only the necessary documents. The Ministry informs applicants in advance about the necessary documents.
5. Can I still apply for a driver’s license online?
Yes, the procedure for applying for a driver’s license remains unchanged. Candidates can submit their application online through the official website of Ministry of Road Transport (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or contact the concerned RTO to submit the application manually.
6. What are the new guidelines for private driving schools?
Private driving schools must meet specific requirements:
Land requirements: Minimum 1 hectare for training centres, 2 hectares for quad training.
Testing facilities: You must have access to appropriate testing facilities.
Trainer qualifications: Trainers must have a university degree or equivalent, at least 5 years driving experience and knowledge of biometrics and IT systems.
Duration of training: 29 hours for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) over 4 weeks and 38 hours for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) over 6 weeks.
7. What is the updated fee structure for various driving license services?
Issuance of Learner Card (Form 3): ₹ 150
Test Fee for Learner Card (Original or Renewal): ₹ 50
Fee for Driving Test (Original or Renewal): ₹ 300
Issuance of Driving License: ₹ 200
Issuance of International Driving Permit: ₹ 1,000
Addition of another vehicle category to driving license: ₹ 500
Renewal of driving license: ₹ 200 (₹ 300 + ₹ 1,000 license per year) Schools: ₹ 0.00 n Appeal against license orders: ₹ 500
Change of address or other license details: ₹ 200
8. What environmental initiatives are included in the new regulations?
The ministry plans to scrap 9,000 obsolete government vehicles and raise emission standards for other vehicles to promote greener roads in India.
9. How will the changes improve traffic safety?
By simplifying the driver’s license process, imposing tougher penalties for driving without a driver’s license and illegal driving, and ensuring comprehensive training through private centres, the ministry aims to significantly improve road safety.
10. What must private driving schools do to comply with the new guidelines?
Private driving schools must ensure they meet the new land and equipment requirements, employ qualified trainers and adhere to updated training durations to meet the revised guidelines.
