New Delhi: In a bid to overhaul the cumbersome process of obtaining a driver’s license in India and enhance road safety measures, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced significant reforms set to come into effect from June 1, 2024. These reforms aim to streamline the process, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure better-trained drivers on Indian roads.

Key Highlights of the Revised Regulations:

1. Driving tests at accredited private schools: The traditional mandatory driving test at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) will be replaced by the option to take the test at authorized private driving schools. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive a certificate, eliminating the need for further testing at the RTO.

2. Stricter penalties: The new rules introduce stricter penalties for driving without a valid license, with fines now reaching up to ₹2,000. Minors caught driving will face more severe penalties, including a ₹25,000 fine, potential action against parents, and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate.

3. Eco-friendly initiatives: The MoRTH is implementing eco-friendly measures to reduce vehicular pollution and promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This includes phasing out 9,000 outdated government vehicles and raising emission standards as part of broader environmental efforts.

4. Simplified application process: The paperwork required for applying for a driver’s license has been simplified. Additionally, the Ministry has announced a revised fee structure for various types of licenses, effective June 1, 2024.

Revised fee structure:

- Learner’s license: ₹200
- Learner’s license renewal: ₹200
- International license: ₹1,000
- Permanent license: ₹200
- Permanent license renewal: ₹200
- Issue of a renewed driver’s license: ₹200

How to apply for a license online:

The introduction of an online platform has made the application process more convenient for applicants. Here are the steps to apply for a license online:

1. Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
2. Select the concerned state.
3. Click on “New Driving Licence” from the “Driving Licence” menu.
4. Enter your “Learning Licence Number” and “Date of Birth” to proceed.
5. Fill out the application form.
6. Click on the next button to proceed.
7. Visit RTO on the scheduled date with the original documents and fee slip.

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Udupi: Two men who are learned to have broken into Mahishamardini Temple at Kadiyali early Saturday morning were held by the locals on being alerted by the security guard and handed over to the police.

The thieves are said to have threatened the security guard with a knife, as he raised a ruckus on noticing the duo entering the temple, before escaping from the spot. The locals rushed to the temple premises and, on checking the CCTV camera footage, they found that two men had entered the premises and also escaped from there. Further, the locals looked for the thieves and found them near a petrol bunk in Kadiyali.

One of the thieves is learned to have developed a seizure and collapsed. His associate, who attempted to help him, escaped from the spot on noticing the people coming after them.

The locals, on finding that the health condition of the man who had collapsed was critical, reportedly gave him first aid and took him to the Ajjarakadu District Hospital with the help of social activist Nithyananda Olakadu.

They also succeeded in finding the second thief and handed both the men over to the police. The thieves are found to be natives of Kerala.

The security guard of the temple was lauded for his timely action.