The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced significant changes to India’s driver’s license procedure, effective June 1. These reforms aim to streamline the process, enhance safety, and reduce corruption and red-tapism, which have long plagued the system.
One of the most notable changes is the decentralization of the driving test. Applicants will no longer need to take the exam exclusively at regional transport offices (RTOs). Instead, they can choose the nearest center for their test. Private companies, certified by the government, will now be authorized to administer the driving exams, making the process more accessible and efficient.
Penalties for driving without a valid license have become more severe. The fine has increased to ₹2,000. For cases involving minors, a hefty penalty of ₹25,000 will be imposed, and the parents may face legal action. Additionally, the vehicle’s registration certificate will be canceled if a minor is caught driving.
The required paperwork for obtaining a driver’s license has been simplified. Applicants will be informed in advance about the exact documents needed for their specific type of license, reducing confusion and expediting the process.
In an environmental push, the ministry is also planning to phase out 9,000 outdated government vehicles and raise emission standards for other vehicles, aiming to make India’s highways more eco-friendly.
Despite these changes, the application process for a driver’s license remains the same. Applicants can still submit their applications online via the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ official website, https://parivahan.gov.in/, or visit the relevant RTO in person.
These new measures by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are expected to make the process of obtaining a driver’s license more efficient, reduce the scope for unethical practices, and improve road safety across the country.
