Recent Changes in Driving Licences in India

Posted on: Mar 25, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Recent Changes in Driving Licences in India

New applicants may now receive their driver's licences without having to take any test drives, thanks to newly released guidelines. However, they must get adequate auto instruction from any of the government-approved vehicle training institutes. It is critical to receive training before earning a driver's licence since new drivers must know everything from how to operate a four-wheeler to the importance of car insurance policies.

The rules are effective from July 2021. This article provides details about everything you need to know about them.

What are the New Rules?

Obtaining a licence will no longer be dependent on taking and clearing the RTO driving exam, but rather on clearing a test at a government authorised institute following rigorous and methodical instruction.

The driving institute must renew its certification every 5 years. To reinforce the training procedure, the driving institution will be affiliated or accredited after the authority examines the following aspects.

1. For two-wheeler and three-wheeler auto training institutes, at least one-acre land needs to be available. Two acres are mandatory for heavy truck training.

2. There should be a stimulator as well as a test track for trainees.

3. The instructor should have a high school diploma and a minimum of 5 years of experience in driving cars.

4. The driving institute should have information technology as well as a biometric mechanism.

5. The driving institute should perform high-quality car driving exams by the curriculum provided by the transport authorities.

6. Light vehicle training should last 29 hours. The training needs to be finished within 4 weeks. The training will be separated into two sections: theory and practice. The theory takes 8 hours and practises driving takes 21 hours.

7. The training time for medium motor and heavy motor cars needs to be 38 hours. The full training must be finished within 6 weeks after commencement. Theory lessons will take 8 hours, while practical classes will take 31 hours.

What are the new types of Driver’s licences?

Vehicle Types	Usage	Driving licence Type
Motorcycles with engines of 50cc or less.	Personal	MC 50CC
LMV with engines of 50cc or more with gears.	Personal	MC EX50CC
Motorcycles with gears.	Personal	MCWOG/FVG
Motorcycles	Personal	M/CYCL.WG
LMV used for non-commercial reasons	Personal	LMV-NT
HMV	Commercial	HMV
HMV (Goods)	Commercial	HGMV
Heavy vehicle used for transport/ HMV (Passengers)	Commercial	HTV/HPMV
Medium Vehicles (Goods)	Commercial	MGV
LMV	Commercial	LMV
Trailers	Commercial	Trailers

What is the new Fees Structure?

Particulars	Particulars
Learner licence	200 INR
Renewal of Learner licence	200 INR
Permanent licence	200 INR
Renewal of Permanent licence	200 INR
International licence	1000 INR
Issue and Renewal of Driving Institute licence	10,000 INR
Issue of Renewed Driving Institute licence	200 INR
Issue of Driving Institute Duplicate licence	5,000 INR

How to apply for a Driver’s licence?

The new regulation issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport makes the application process via both online and offline means very simple.

Online Method:

1. Visit the online Parivahan Sewa portal.

2. Choose your current state and the driving licence type you are trying to apply for.

3. Fill out the application form, submit all relevant documentation, and settle the application fees.

4. Check your online payment status. Once completed, click on “Submit.”

5. Your application is finished. Your driver’s licence will be sent to your provided residential address via post.

Offline Method:

1. To apply offline, you need to visit your local RTO office and pick up the application form.

2. Fill up the application form.

3. Submit the completed application form along will the necessary paperwork.

4. Pay the application fees.

5. Your application is finished. Your driver’s licence will be sent to your provided residential address via post.

Requirement Documents:

Both online and offline means of application needs the application to submit some relevant documentation along with the application form. The requirements paperwork includes

1. Proof of Age-

● Birth Certificate

● PAN Card

● Passport

● Employer Certificate

● Educational Certificate

2. Proof of Address-

● Aadhar Card

● Rent Contract

● Passport

● Recent Utility Bills

● Ration Card

● Insurance Policy Certificate

3. Passport-sized Photograph

4. Application Form Number 4

5. Medical Certificate (Form Number 1 and 1A)

Can you acquire car insurance policies if you do not have a valid driver's licence?

A driving licence is an important document that proves you are eligible to drive. The driver must carry his/her driving licence while driving. In the same way, the owner-driver must cover his/her four-wheeler with a third party car insurance policy. This car insurance policy ensures that your legal liability to any third party in the event of an accident is covered. However, it is impossible to get one without having a valid driving licence. At the moment of purchasing your preferred car insurance plan, you will be required to submit a copy of your driver’s licence and other relevant paperwork. Thus, if you fail to submit the documents, the car insurance provider will reject your policy application.

Conclusion

As the incidence of traffic accidents continues to rise, the government has made steps to provide long-term effective remedies. A standardised method of driving training will go a long way toward attaining this aim. It is critical that we give our young generation proficient driving skills rather than making them unfamiliar with the traffic laws. Only qualified candidates will be awarded driving licences under the new standards, making our roads safer than they are now. If you are applying for a driving licence for your brand new car, it is highly recommended to consider buying a comprehensive car insurance plan. It will be your financial safety car in case something goes wrong on the road.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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