Patna: Securing a permanent driving licence in Bihar has become significantly more challenging, as the Transport Department rolls out a new system aimed at increasing road safety and eliminating paper-only approvals. From now on, applicants must undergo a real-time driving test on automatic hi-tech tracks.
Under the new rules, simply filling out a form will no longer suffice. Applicants will be evaluated through a live driving test designed to assess their actual driving skills. The system has already been launched in Patna and Darbhanga, with additional rollouts planned for Gayaji, Chapra, Bhagalpur, and Purnia in the first phase. A total of 26 districts already have automated tracks, while construction is ongoing in 10 others.
Test duration has been fixed: 40 to 69 seconds for two-wheelers, and 3.5 to 4 minutes for four-wheelers. Any deviation from traffic rules or inability to complete the test within this timeframe will result in failure.
In case of failure, applicants must wait seven days before reapplying, and will have to pay again—Rs 800 for one vehicle category or Rs 1,150 if both are attempted and failed.
The Transport Department has also increased the number of daily test slots from 200 to 300. With this, an estimated 3,42,000 people are expected to obtain their permanent driving licences every month. A centralised monitoring system will oversee the entire process to ensure fairness and transparency.
According to Patna District Transport Officer Upendra Kumar Pal, the new system puts an end to the era of paper-based approvals. “Now, only those who can truly drive will be granted licences,” he said.
Key fees under the revised process include Rs 740 for a learning licence, Rs 2,300 for a permanent licence, and Rs 690 for learning licence renewal. If an applicant does not apply for a permanent licence within six months of receiving a learning licence, the latter will be rendered invalid.
