The Union Government has proposed an increase in the fees for issue and renewal of driving licenses by as much as four to ten times higher than the current prices. In addition, States may also levy additional costs to cover the costs of technology, automation and value added services used to issues licences and also to conduct driving tests.
Private vehicle driving licence will cost Rs. 1200 or more from the current fee of Rs. 320. Similarly, driving tests will also turn four-times costlier to go up to Rs. 10,000 from the current fee of Rs. 2,500. This will go even higher, if States charge additional fees.
The Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry, via the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016, on July 28, also sought to revise the fees paid for driving competence tests for all vehicle categories. Revised last in 2001-2002, Rs. 50 has hitherto been charged, which will now go up to Rs. 600 for a twin-test on two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Learner�s licences are not spared either, as it will cost Rs. 150 for all vehicle classes from the current fee of Rs. 30. Learner�s licence test fee will also cost Rs. 150.
Fees for the issue of smart-card driving licences will also be doubled to Rs. 400 from Rs. 200. Renewal fee of both smart-card and non-smart-card driving licences will also increase to Rs. 200, while it has been only Rs. 50 so far. The fees for issuing an international driving licence will also be doubled from the current Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. Changes in residential address and other personal details will also be charged Rs. 200.
The proposals have been accepted by the Ministry to cover costs for technology, automation and value added services, while the States may also add to the proposed steep prices.
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