New Driving Licence Rules in India 2025 Everything You Should Know

  • 17 Nov, 2025

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced several new driving licence rules in 2025 to make the licensing system simpler, faster, and more transparent. If you drive a two-wheeler or four-wheeler in India, understanding these updates is extremely important.

1. Major Update: RTO Driving Test Is Not Mandatory Anymore

Earlier, every applicant had to visit the RTO and give a physical driving test.
But under the new driving licence rules 2024–25:

You can complete both training and driving test at an authorised private driving school.

If you pass the test there:

  1. No need to visit the RTO for the driving test

  2. The school will upload your test result to the RTO database

  3. Your licence will be approved faster

2. Learner’s Licence (LL) Process Is Now Fully Online

The LL process has become smooth and fully digital. Anyone can apply from home using Aadhaar eKYC.

New features:

  1. Online LL application through Parivahan

  2. Online LL test with MCQs

  3. Same-day LL download

  4. Option to retake the test

  5. 24/7 availability

This update saves time and reduces RTO crowding.

3. New Mandatory Training Hours

To improve road safety, MoRTH has fixed minimum training hours for driving courses.

Light Motor Vehicle (Car)

  1. 21 hours practical

  2. 8 hours theory

Two-Wheeler:

  1. 15 hours practical

  2. 4 hours theory

This ensures that every driver gets proper training before the licence is issued.

4. Updated Driving Licence Fee Structure

Although fees vary by state, the average charges are:

  1. Learner’s Licence: ₹150–200

  2. Driving Test Fee: ₹300–500

  3. Smart Card DL Fee: ₹200

  4. Driving School Charges: location-based

5. Strict Penalties Under the New Rules

India’s road safety laws are now stricter. Here are the updated penalties:

  1. Driving without a licence: ₹5,000

  2. Learner riding without L-plate: ₹1,000

  3. Minor caught driving: ₹25,000 fine + FIR for parents

  4. Expired licence: challan + possible retest

Driving without a valid licence is now a serious offence.

6. Updated Rules for DL Renewal

If your driving licence is expiring soon, keep these points in mind:

  1. 30-day grace period

  2. Late fee after 30 days

  3. If expired for more than 1 year → retest required

Renewal can be done online through the Parivahan portal.

7. International Driving Permit (IDP) Made Simpler

The new IDP rules are easier and more user-friendly:

  1. Apply online

  2. Re-issue allowed if lost

  3. Minimal RTO visits in most states

Frequent travellers benefit a lot from this update.

8. RTO Information Is Now Fully Digital

You can check everything online, including:

  1. Driving licence status

  2. Vehicle details

  3. RC history

  4. e-Challan

  5. Insurance validity

Platforms like RTO Vehicle Information India are helping millions of users access updated vehicle and licence details easily.

Conclusion

The new driving licence rules 2024–25 make the entire DL process smoother, transparent, and more efficient. Whether you are applying for a new licence or renewing an old one, understanding these updates will save you time, effort, and unnecessary RTO visits.

These changes focus on safety, digital convenience, and better training making Indian roads safer for everyone.

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