New Driving Licence Rules 2024: All you need to know
The Hindu
New driving licence rules simplify process, no RTO test needed, penalties for driving without licence, eco-friendly measures introduced.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced new driving licence rules from June 1, 2024, bringing significant changes aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining a driving licence.
1. No RTO driving test required: One of the most notable changes is that applicants no longer need to take a driving test at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Instead, the driving test can be conducted at accredited private driving schools. If the applicant passes the test at these schools, they will receive a certificate, which can then be used to apply for a driving licence without undergoing further testing at the RTO.
The Centre will issue certificates to private players authorising them to conduct the driving test. However, in the absence of a certificate from an accredited school, the candidate will have to appear for driving test at an RTO.
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2. Penalties: Driving a car without a valid licence now incurs a penalty that can go as high as ₹2,000. Severe punishments for minors driving include a ₹25,000 fine and potential action against the parents, along with the cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate.
3. Eco-friendly approach: The Ministry plans to phase out 9,000 outdated government vehicles and raise emission standards for other vehicles. These measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular pollution and promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
4. Procedure unchanged: The procedure for submitting an application for a driver’s licence remains unchanged. The Ministry, however, has simplified the paperwork required for obtaining a new driving licence. Applicants now need fewer documents, which vary depending on whether they are applying for a two-wheeler or four-wheeler licence, reducing the need for physical checkups at RTOs.