Cost of getting driver’s licence increases 5-fold

Mumbai: Following revision of rates by the state government on January 6, the cost of learners’ and permanent driving licences is set to increase at least five fold.

The cost of a learner’s licence is expected to go up from the current Rs 30 to Rs 150; that of a permanent license is expected to rise from Rs 50 to Rs 300, and that of an international licence from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. The Union ministry of road transport and highways has amended rules related to fees charged by RTOs for various services as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.  

This is because the Union ministry of road transport and highways has amended rules related to fees charged by RTOs for various services under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 1989 with effect from December 29, 2016. Similarly, renewal of license will cost Rs 300 while a duplicate licence and addition of another class of vehicle on the license will cost Rs 500. Before the amendment, fees for all these were less than Rs 200. In another blow to those looking to register their vehicles, the cost now stands at Rs 5,000 instead of the earlier Rs 800 plus an additional charge of Rs 200 if the registered certificate is sought in the form of a smart card.

According to an RTO official, “We are currently happy that rates have been increased but come Monday, we’ll have to see how it will affect the day-to-day working. A lot of changes will have to be made on paper and most of the public will not know the changed rate.”