Driving School: How to Choose One and What the ADTC Rules Say

What an Accredited Driver Training Centre is

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified mandatory requirements for Accredited Driver Training Centres through G.S.R. 394(E) dated 7 June 2021, effective from 1 July 2021. The legal basis is Section 12 of the Motor Vehicles Act as amended in 2019: a person who completes an accredited training module is eligible to obtain a driving licence for that type of vehicle.

Key points from the official notice:

• ADTCs must have simulators and a dedicated driving test track.
• Candidates who pass the test at an accredited centre are exempted from the driving test at the RTO when applying for a licence.
• ADTCs can also run remedial and refresher courses.

An amendment, G.S.R. 714(E) dated 20 September 2022, made accreditation renewable for five years, added a more detailed two wheeler syllabus, and said trainees must pass the test of competence to drive to get the proficiency certificate.

Driving school certificate and your licence

If your school is not accredited, you still take the normal driving test at the RTO after your learning licence has been held for 30 days.

Two wheeler driving school: what to look for

Two wheeler driving schools and scooty classes are popular with first time riders, including many women learning on a gearless scooter. The 2022 ADTC amendment added a more detailed two wheeler syllabus for accredited centres, so ask any school what its course covers. A good two wheeler course should include:

• Balance, braking and slow riding before you go on the road
• Wearing a helmet correctly: under Section 129, every person above four years of age on a motorcycle must wear protective headgear
• Lane discipline, signalling and looking over your shoulder
• Traffic lights, hand signals and road signs

Decide early whether you need a gearless or geared licence class; the two wheeler licence guide explains the classes.

How to choose a driving school near you

1. Check its licence or accreditation. Ask whether it is a state licensed driving school or an accredited ADTC, and ask to see the certificate.
2. Look at the vehicles. Ideally, cars have dual controls and two wheelers should be in good condition, with valid RC, insurance and PUC.
3. Meet the trainer. A calm trainer who explains rules clearly matters more than the number of sessions.
4. Ask about the route. Training should include real traffic, not only an empty ground.
5. Get the fees in writing. Driving class fees are set by each school, so compare what is included before you pay.

Questions to ask about driving class fees

There is no official fee for driving lessons; each school sets its own charges. Before joining, ask:

• How many sessions, and how long is each one?
• Does the fee include help with the learner licence and driving licence applications, or only training?
• Are government fees for the LL, test and licence included or extra? (The official fees are listed on our driving licence fees page.)
• Is the vehicle for the RTO test included, and is there a charge for extra practice?
• What certificate will I receive at the end?

Remedial and refresher training

Driving schools are not only for beginners. The rules link training to several situations:

• Under Section 9(5), as amended in 2019, an applicant who fails the driving re-test must complete a remedial driver training course.
• Under Section 19, refresher training is required before a suspended or revoked licence is returned.
• Rule 8A CMVR requires e-rickshaw and e-cart applicants to complete at least ten days of training.

Accredited centres are allowed to offer remedial and refresher courses.

Opening a driving school

Some readers search for a driving school licence. Under Rule 32 CMVR, the central fee for issue or renewal of a driving school licence is ₹10,000, and a duplicate driving school licence is ₹5,000. Accreditation of an ADTC follows the 2021 rules and the 2022 amendment. Contact your state transport department for the application process, which this guide does not cover.

Rules your trainer must follow too

Regulation 37 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017 says the driver shall not use a handheld mobile phone, and that trainers and supervisors also must not use phones while teaching. A good trainer will also insist that you wear a seat belt or helmet from the first lesson and will teach the traffic rules as you drive.