The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently announced updated driving rules in India. The changed rules are made to tackle the issues of complexities and promote road safety. These rules will be applicable from June 1, 2023. Ezivote has simplified these rules so that you can update yourself with ease.

According to the new driving rules, people can opt for taking driving tests at the private driving schools. Taking these tests at 

the Government Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) is not mandatory. It is notable that these private driving schools will be the ones authorized by the government and will issue certificates required for getting the driving license. 

The prominent updates include the following:

• The current obligation to take driving tests at the government RTOs will be abolished. It solely depends on the individual if they want to give the driving test with the RTOs or go with private driving schools. The update rules aim to make the license obtaining process easier and faster for the citizens.
• Driving without a valid license will now result in substantial fines, with penalties increasing from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. Furthermore, if a minor is caught driving, their parents will face legal action and a significant fine of Rs 25,000. In addition, the vehicle's registration certificate will be revoked.
• The documentation required to obtain a driving license will be simplified. The Ministry will inform applicants in advance about the necessary documents for the specific type of license they wish to obtain.
• To promote environmental sustainability on India's roads, the Ministry plans to phase out 9,000 old government vehicles and enhance the emission standards of others.
• The application process for a driving license remains unchanged. Applicants can submit their applications online by visiting the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website at https://parivahan.gov.in/. Alternatively, they can visit their respective RTO to file the application manually.

Rules for opening a private driving school:

• The person opening a driving school should have a minimum of 1 acre of land (2 acres for four-wheeler training).
• Driving schools will be required to provide appropriate testing facilities.
• Instructors must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), at least 5 years of driving experience and be familiar with biometrics and IT systems.

License fees and charges

• Under the latest regulations, acquiring a learner's license (Form 3) comes with a fee of Rs 150, with an extra Rs 50 required for the learner's license test or any subsequent retests. For the driving examination, or in case of a retest necessity, the charge stands at Rs 300.
• Furthermore, the issuance of a driving license will incur a cost of Rs 200, while securing an International Driving Permit will be notably higher at Rs 1,000. Adding another vehicle class to an existing license will be charged at Rs 500.
• For individuals operating hazardous goods vehicles, the endorsement or renewal of authorization will be priced at Rs 200. Likewise, renewing a standard driving license will amount to Rs 200, but if done post the grace period, the fee will escalate to Rs 300, along with an additional Rs 1000 per year or part thereof from the expiry of said grace period.
• Driving instruction schools will face a substantial Rs 5,000 charge for issuing or renewing licenses without providing the requisite training, and a similar fee will be applicable for obtaining a duplicate license from these establishments.
• Filing an appeal against licensing authority orders pursuant to rule 29 will necessitate a payment of Rs 500. Additionally, modifying the address or any other particulars on a driving license will attract a fee of Rs 200.
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