New Delhi: Here is good news for those looking to get their driving license! Now, you can get a license without taking a driving test at any regional transport office (RTO). However, it doesn’t come without a clause. Learners will get to avoid long queues and extended waiting periods at regional transport offices but have to undergo training at an accredited driver training centre and pass the test there.
What’s the new rule to get a driving license?
The Road Transport and Highways Ministry has notified that drivers will have to undergo training with accredited driver training centres where candidates will be provided high-quality driving courses, and once the test is cleared, they will be exempted from driving test at the time of obtaining a driving license.
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After the rules come into effect from 1 July, only those private driving training schools will get to function which have been granted accreditation either by the state transport authority or central government.
The MoRTH, also tweeted on their social media handle saying, "Shortage of skilled drivers is one of the major issues in the Indian roadways sector. A large number of road accidents occur due to lack of knowledge of road regulations.”
On its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has laid down rules for accredited driver training centers.
- The centre shall be equipped with simulators and dedicated driving test track to provide high quality training to candidates.
- Remedial and refresher courses, as per the requirement of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, can be availed at these centres.
- The candidates, who successfully pass the test at these centers, will be exempted from the driving test requirement at the time of applying for a driving license, which is currently being taken at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This will help the drivers in getting their driving license after completing training from such accredited driving training centers.
- These centers are allowed to provide industry-specific specialized training as well.
Under the new rules, the training schools will be required to renew their accreditation after every five years, as per the publication The Print. Training centres with two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light motor vehicles should have at least one acre of land.
For heavy vehicles, the centres should have at least two acres of land. The instructor should have cleared class 12 and have a driving experience of five years.