From June 1, no need to visit RTO for driving test; here are new driving license rules, fees, fines | DETAILS
New Delhi: From June 1, you don’t have to go to government Regional Transport Office (RTO) for a driving test. You can take the driving test at a private driving school. These private schools will be authorised to conduct the tests and provide the certificates required for a driving license.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the new rules for getting a driving license in India recently. As per a Hindustan Times report, these new rules are aimed at streamlining the process, reducing pollution by getting rid of about 900,000 old government vehicles and enforcing stricter car emission standards.
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The ministry has simplified the process of getting a new license by cutting on paperwork needed. The required documents will depend on whether you are applying for license of a two-wheeler or four-wheeler. This process will reduce the need for extensive physical test at RTOs.
Rules for private driving schools
Under the new rules rolled out by the ministry, the driving training schools are required to have at least 1 acre of land. For training for four-wheelers, these driving centres must have two acres of land. They should have access to a proper testing facility. It will also be mandatory for the trainers to have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least five years of driving experience, and knowledge of biometrics and IT systems.
The schools should offer training for for 29 hours over 4 weeks, with 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs). For Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), the training should be provided for 38 hours over 6 weeks, with 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical.
The driving schools will face a Rs 5,000 fee if they issue or renew licenses without the training. The same fee applies to getting a duplicate license from these schools.
License fees and charges
According to the new regulations, issuing a learner’s license (Form 3) would cost Rs 150, with an additional Rs 50 for the learner’s license test or a repeat test. For the driving test, or if a repeat test is needed, the charges would be Rs 300.
The cost of issuing a driving license would be Rs 200. Getting an International Driving Permit would cost Rs 1,000. If an individual wants to add another vehicle class to a license, the cost would be Rs 500.
Strict fines
The fine for driving a car without a valid license will range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. Besides, a penalty of Rs 25,000 will be slapped if a minor is found driving a vehicle, and strict action may be taken against the minor’s parents. In addition, the registration certificate of the vehicle will also be cancelled.