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Get your driver’s license without visiting the RTO!

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Published on July 16, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Getting a driving license is almost like a rite of passage on the road to becoming an adult. However, as exciting it is to get your driving license, it is an equally nervy event when you have to go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and line up for the test. Luckily, that is all about to change.

The Road Transport Ministry has undertaken a technological drive that aims to modernise the entire driving school system, at par with the best global standards. Not only is this in alignment with the vision of Digital India, but it also aims to produce better drivers, to ensure better road accident statistics.

According to the Ministry’s Road Accidents data in 2019, a total number of 4,49,002 accidents took place in the country leading to 1,51,113 deaths, and 4,51,361 injuries. This places India at the top of the list in terms of number of road accident deaths in the world, accounting for nearly 11% of accident-related deaths globally.

Over-speeding is responsible for the maximum number of road accidents and road accident deaths. Driving on the wrong side, lane indiscipline, and drunken driving accounts for 9-12% of deaths. While 72% of road accidents involved valid driver license holders, there was an 18% increase in road accidents involving drivers without a license. All these point to a lack of proper driving etiquette, and opportunities for better training and evaluation.

How will the existing process of getting a license change?

Currently, you need to enroll with a driving school and learn to drive on a learner’s license. Then, you are required to appear at the RTO for a practical demonstration as instructed by the authorities. Based on your performance, you are passed or failed, and accordingly given your license or asked to take the test again at a later date. But you don’t need to go through that anymore.

• Accredited training centres

  Now, the Ministry intends to appoint and equip accredited training schools with the latest technology, complete with simulators and a test track, IT and biometric system, and a carefully curated syllabus. It has informed applicants to register for a driving license at these recognised state-of-the-art training schools. The accredited driver training centres will impart proper training and knowledge to candidates, and will also evaluate them against the given guidelines, after passing which, they will get their license without having to take a driving test at the RTO.   

• Course duration

These training centres will not be limited to light, medium and heavy motor vehicles, but will also provide industry-specific training to interested candidates. The driving course for light vehicles, divided into theory and practical, will be for 29 hours for four weeks. For medium and heavy vehicles, the course will last for 38 hours for six weeks. These centres will also provide remedial and refresher courses.

When does this come into effect?

The initiative comes into effect from 1^st July 2021. Candidates can now register with authorised training centres, to begin their driving journey.

With a standardised syllabus and training module, it is expected that the new generation of drivers will be more aligned with proper driving etiquette, resulting in fewer road accidents, and deaths.

Also, once you get your license and your first vehicle, note that it is mandatory to avail motor insurance. With insurers adopting the latest technology, you can easily avail car insurance online, or even bike insurance online. With insurance, you will be financially protected against third party damages, and if you avail a comprehensive motor insurance policy, damages done to your own vehicle will be covered too. Here’s wishing candidates a bright training period and safer roads.           

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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