New driving licence rules to come into effect from June 1

Obtaining a driver’s licence in India has always been a tussle, either with the lousy RTO operations or other bureaucratic-hurdles. However, that is set to change with the implementation of new driving licence rules from June 1 onwards. The new rules promise to make the process more streamlined and make it more efficient for the applicant.

To begin with, under the new rule, applicants will now be given the option to take their driving test at accredited driving schools across the country. Upon clearing the test, the accredited driving schools will also be allowed to issue the certificate which will be permissible in RTOs for the issuance of licence. This would reduce the burden on the RTOs thereby improving overall efficiency while also giving applicants an option for the driving test.

Ensuring that strict protocol is conducted in the accredited driving schools, the rules also contain guidelines for such schools to be met. The driving school should have at least 2 acres of land for four-wheeler vehicle training and the trainer should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 5 years of driving experience and proficiency in biometrics and IT systems.

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Moving to the training sessions, applicants for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence would receive a training of 29 hours over 4 weeks, including 8 hours of theory and 21 hours of practical training. In the case of Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV), the training spans for 38 hours over 6 weeks, which includes 8 hours of theory and 30 hours of practical training.

Furthermore, the new rules also introduce stricter penalties for drivers driving without a valid driver’s licence. Those who are found driving without a valid licence will be given a penalty of INR 2,000. In case a minor is found driving, a fine of up to INR 25,000 will be handed to the minor’s parents. In addition, the vehicle registration certificate will be cancelled and the minor will be unable to apply for a driver’s licence until 25 years of age.

In order to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles, MoRTH has also decided to eliminate approximately 9,00,000 government vehicles and replace them with cleaner vehicles emitting considerably lower emissions. This rule works in conjunction with the implementation of stringent emission norms for new passenger vehicles, further cutting down on CO2 emissions.