New Driving License Rules
The Central Government recently issued new driving license rules. These changes aim to simplify, expedite, and streamline the licensing process. The key points are explained in simple language below.
RTO Driving Tests No Longer Mandatory
You no longer need to wait long hours or take tests at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to obtain a driving license. The government has stated that instead of taking the test at the RTO, candidates can obtain a license by training at an accredited driving training institute and obtaining a license based on a certificate issued by that institute. This means the license process will now be more comfortable and less time-consuming.
Driving Training Institutes and Training Methods
Driving institutions will now play a crucial role. Candidates will register with an authorized training school; if they pass the institute’s test and obtain a certificate, the RTO will issue a license based on that certificate. This will reduce congestion at RTOs and increase trust in training.
Requirements for Institutes
Several requirements have been set for a driving training institute:
- Light vehicles (2-3 wheelers, LMVs): Minimum 1 acre of land is required.
- For medium/heavy vehicles (including passenger/goods, trailers): At least 2 acres of land is required.
- Trainer Qualifications: The trainer must have at least a 12th-grade degree, at least 5 years of driving experience, and be well-versed in traffic rules.
Course Duration and Syllabus (LMV Example)
The course for light motor vehicles will last a total of four weeks (29 hours). This includes:
- 21 hours of practical driving: Driving will be taught in conditions such as city, rural, highway, parking, reversing, uphill/downhill driving.
- 8 hours of theory: Traffic rules, road safety, causes of accidents, first aid, and fuel economy.
This training will ensure that new drivers become practical and aware of the rules.
Stricter Fines and Stricter Action
The new rules also increase penalties:
Fine for driving without a valid license: Now ₹2,000.
Stricter action against underage driving: Fines can be up to ₹25,000, along with the risk of legal action against the parent or vehicle owner and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC).
This measure is designed to promote road safety and responsible driving.
What are candidates required to do?
- Enroll in an authorized driving training institute.
- Complete the course and obtain a certificate from the institute.
- Apply for a license from the RTO based on the certificate.
- Do not allow minors to drive and supervise children.
Conclusion
The new rules simplify and secure the driving license process—reducing congestion at RTOs and encouraging trained drivers to be more responsible on the road. Furthermore, stricter penalties will help improve road safety. If you are going to get a license, then prepare to get the certificate by taking training from an authorized training center.
