The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced significant changes to the driving licence rules in India, effective from June 1, 2024. These new measures aim to simplify and streamline the process of obtaining a licence, making it more efficient and accessible for citizens.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a driving licence, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old to obtain a permanent driving licence. For commercial driving licences, the applicant must be at least 20 years old.
- Learning Licence: The applicant must have a valid learner’s licence.
- Residence and Age Proof: The applicant must provide proof of residence and age, such as a voter’s ID, passport, or birth certificate.
- Fitness Certificate: The applicant must obtain a fitness certificate for transport vehicles, if applicable.
Application Process
The application process for a driving licence in India has been simplified. Here are the steps to follow:
- Online Application: Apply for a driving licence online through the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
- Manual Application: Alternatively, applicants can visit their respective Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to submit a manual application.
- Submission and Demonstration: After submitting the application, the applicant must visit the RTO to demonstrate their driving skills for license approval.
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Fees and Charges
The fees for various driving licence services are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| 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 | Rs 500 |
| Renewal of Hazardous Goods Vehicle Auth. | Rs 200 (or Rs 300 + Rs 1,000 per year or part thereof from the expiration of the grace period for late renewal) |
| Driving Instruction School Licence Issue/Renewal | Rs 5,000 |
| Appeal Against Licensing Authority Orders | Rs 500 |
| Change of Address or Other Particulars | Rs 200 |
New Features
The new driving licence rules in India include several key features:
- Private Driving Schools: Applicants can now take their driving tests at private driving training centers, which must meet specific requirements such as having at least 1 acre of land and access to a suitable testing facility.
- Stricter Penalties: Penalties for driving without a valid licence have become more stringent, with fines ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000, and heavy fines up to Rs. 25,000 for parents if a minor is found driving.
- Streamlined Documentation: The documentation process for obtaining a driver’s license has been simplified, with specific requirements communicated to applicants in advance based on their license type.
