New driving license rules: No need for driving tests at RTO from June 1

The new rules for procurement of a driver’s licence will be implemented across the country on June 1, 2024.

According to the new regulations, individuals will now have the option to take their driving tests at private training centres, instead of only at government Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has laid out new guidelines, as per which private driving training centres will be authorised to conduct the required tests and issue certificates for licence eligibility from 1 June  onwards.

MoRTH has also released a few conditions for such private driving institutes:

• Land Requirement: Driving training centres must have a minimum of 1 acre of land (2 acres for four-wheeler training).
• Testing Facility: Schools must provide access to a suitable testing facility.
• Trainer Qualifications: Every trainer must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), at least 5 years of driving experience, and should be familiar with biometrics and IT systems.
• Training duration for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): 29 hours in 4 weeks, divided into 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training.
• Training duration for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): 38 hours in 6 weeks, divided into 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training.

These regulations ensure a high standard of education and preparation for new drivers at private training schools.

Licensing-related fees and charges:

• Issue of learner's license (Form 3) Rs 150.00
• Learner's license test fee (or repeat test): Rs 50.00
• Driving test fee (or repeat test): Rs 300.00
• Issue of driving license: Rs 200.00
• Issue of International Driving Permit Rs 1000.00
• Addition of another vehicle class to license Rs 500.00
• Endorsement or renewal of authorization for hazardous goods vehicles
• Renewal of driving license: Rs 200.00
• Renewal of driving license (after grace period) Rs 300.00 + additional fee of Rs 1,000 per year or part thereof (from the expiration of the grace period)
• Issue or renewal of license for driving instruction school or establishment
• Issue of duplicate license for driving instruction school/establishment: Rs 5000.00
• Appeal against licensing authority orders (rule 29): Rs 500.00
• Change of address or other particulars in driving license Rs 200.00

Application Process: The application process remains largely the same. You can apply online or offline at https://parivahan.gov.in/