Explained: how you can get a driving licence without a test at the RTO

Getting a driving licence will no longer require you stand in a long queue at the regional transport office waiting for your driving test.

Come July 1 and according to the new rules mandated by the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry candidates who receive their training from accredited driver training centres and pass the test held there will not have to take a driving test when applying for a licence. Driving tests are currently conducted at RTOs.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, these accredited centres should be equipped with simulators and dedicated driving test track to provide high-quality training.

The duration for a light motor vehicle driving course in such centres will be 29 hours in the span of maximum 4 weeks from the date of commencement of the course.

The duration for medium and heavy motor vehicle driving course will be be 38 hours in the span of 6 weeks.

The govt notification said that the course will be divided into theory and practical. Drivers will also be taught some basic aspects about ethical and courteous behaviour with other road users

These centres will also provide remedial and refresher courses as per the requirement of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The centre will also be allowed to provide industry-specific specialised driving training.

While announcing the new rules, the ministry had said that shortage of skilled drivers is one of the major issues in the Indian roadways sector and that a large number of road accidents occur due to lack of knowledge of road regulations.

The driving centre will receive accreditation for a period of 5 years after which it will have to be renewed.

So, if you have been avoiding getting a driving licence because of the time-consuming process this might just be what you were looking for.