Can private driver agencies issue DLs under the new regulations? The center explains

Driving license rules: The Center issued a clarification in response to recent media reports about alleged changes in the rules for issuing driving licenses from June 1. The explanation covers the rules and regulations applicable to Accredited Driver Training Centers (ADTC) and other driving schools. In a press release, the ministry emphasized that from June 1, 2024, there will be no changes to the existing regulations.

Driving License Rule: Center on ADTC

The ministry said the ADTC regulations were introduced in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) on June 7, 2021, and are effective from July 1, 2021. The rules, Rules 31B to 31J of the CMVR, lay down standards and procedures for the accreditation of driver training centers. The Ministry also noted that Art. 12 of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 1988, which deals with the licensing and regulation of driving schools, has been amended by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019.

Driving license rules: No new rules introduced

The 2019 amendment added subsections (5) and (6) which specifically deal with schools or institutions accredited by a body notified by the central government, the ministry added. The ministry said accreditation for ADTC can only be granted by the concerned state transport authority or an authorized agency notified by the Center on the recommendations of the testing agencies mentioned in Rule 126 of the CMVR, 1989.

“A certificate issued by the ADTC on successful completion of a course (Form 5B) under sub-rule (iii) of Rule 31E CMVR, 1989 shall exempt the holder of such certificate from the requirement to pass the driving test as proviso to sub-rule (2) of Rule 15 CMVR, 1989 ” – said the ministry.

On the other hand, other driving schools established under Rule 24 CMVR, 1989, which have less stringent requirements compared to ADTC, issue another certificate (Form 5) on completion of the course as per sub-rule (d) of Rule 27 CMVR, 1989 r.

However, this certificate does not exempt its holder from the requirement for a driving test under the same proviso in Rule 15. The Ministry reiterated that the final authority to issue a driving license rests with the driving license issuing authority, notwithstanding the said exemptions. Applicants for a driving license must attach Form 5 or Form 5B to their applications as appropriate.

(With inputs from ANI)