New requirements for obtaining an Indian driving licence have been announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

As of June 1, 2024, people will be able to take driving exams at private driving schools rather than at government-run RTOs. These establishments will have the authority to administer exams and provide licence eligibility certificates.

Driving Licence
Source: LawStreet Journal

The new restrictions would tighten automotive emission standards and phase out about 900,000 government vehicles in an effort to cut pollution.

The remaining fine range for speeding is ₹ 1000–₹ 2000. If a minor is discovered driving, they will be fined ₹ 25,000. The youngster will also not be able to obtain a licence until they are 25 years old, and the vehicle owner's registration card will be cancelled.

The paperwork needed to obtain a new licence has been simplified by the Ministry. The particular paperwork required vary depending on the type of vehicle (two- or four-wheeler). As a result, fewer in-person examinations at RTOs are required.

All-new Private Driving School Regulations:

Land Requirement: Driving schools need to have at least one acre of land (two acres for instruction on four wheels).
Testing Facility: Access to a good testing facility is a requirement for schools.
Trainer Requirements: Trainers need to be conversant with biometrics and IT systems, possess a minimum of five years of driving experience, and hold a high school certificate or its equivalent.
Training Duration: Eight hours of theoretical and twenty-one hours of practical training make up the 29-hour Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) training scheduled over four weeks.
Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV): 31 hours of practical training and 8 hours of theory spread over 6 weeks.
These rules guarantee new drivers attending private training institutes receive a high calibre of instruction and preparedness.

Related fees and charges for licensing

Obtaining a learning permit (Form 3) ₹ 150.00
Fee for retaking the learner's licence exam: ₹ 50.00
Fee for driving test (or retake): ₹ 300.00
Driving licence issuance: ₹ 200.00
The International Driving Permit is issued for ₹1000.00.
An additional car class is added to the licence for ₹ 500.00.
Endorsement or extension of a hazardous goods vehicle's authorization
Driving licence renewal: ₹ 200.00
After the grace period, renewing a driver's licence costs ₹ 300.00 plus an extra ₹ 1,000 year, or a portion of that amount (after the expiration of the grace period)
Obtaining or extending a licence for a driving school or other establishment
Duplicate licence issuance for driving schools or establishments: ₹ 5000.00
Rule 29: Appeal against orders issued by licencing authorities: ₹ 500.00
Modifications to the address or other information on a driver's licence ₹ 200.00

The application procedure is essentially unchanged. Applying is available at https://parivahan.gov.in/, both online and offline. The type of licence determines the application fee. To get your licence approved, you must go to the RTO to turn in paperwork and show off your driving prowess.

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