The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Introduces New Regulations for Driving License Acquisition in India, Effective June 1, 2024
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented new regulations for obtaining a driving license in India, effective June 1, 2024, which removes the requirement for driving tests at government Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Under the new rules, authorized private driving training centers are now permitted to conduct tests for individuals and issue certificates of license eligibility.
Furthermore, the ministry has revised penalties for traffic violations. The fine for speeding remains between Rs 1000 and Rs 2000, while minors caught driving will face a fine of Rs 25,000, along with the cancellation of the vehicle owner’s registration card. Minors will also be ineligible for a license until the age of 25.
Key points of the new rules for authorized private driving training centers include:
- Trainers must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), have at least 5 years of driving experience, and be proficient in biometrics and IT systems.
- Schools must provide access to a suitable testing facility.
Training duration:
- 29 hours over 4 weeks, comprising 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training for light motor vehicles.
- 38 hours over 6 weeks, comprising 8 hours of theory and 31 hours of practical training for heavy motor vehicles.
Driving training centers must have a minimum of 1 acre of land (2 acres for four-wheeler training).
Fees and charges related to driving licensing include:
- 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 200.00
- International driving permit: Rs 1,000
- Addition of another vehicle class to licence: Rs 500
- Driving licence renewal: Rs 200
- Late renewal (after grace period): Rs 300 + Rs 1,000 per year or part thereof from the expiration of the grace period
- Driving instruction school licence issue/renewal
- Duplicate licence for driving instruction school: Rs 5,000
- Appeal against licensing authority orders: Rs 500
- Change of address or other particulars in driving licence: Rs 200
The application process for obtaining a driving license remains unchanged. Individuals can apply online at https://parivahan.gov.in/ or by visiting the local RTO office and submitting their form. Application fees vary based on the type of license.
