Patna: Obtaining a driving licence in Bihar is set to become more stringent, with the state government planning to make certified driving school training mandatory for all learner’s licence applicants from August 2026.
Under the proposed rules, applicants will be required to complete training at a government-approved or recognised private driving school before they can obtain a learner’s licence.
The proposal has been sent to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat for approval. Once cleared, the Transport Department will issue implementation guidelines to transport offices across the state.
Mandatory Training Before Licence
According to the Transport Department, applicants seeking licences for cars and motorcycles will have to complete a 21-day training programme, while those applying for heavy commercial vehicle licences will be required to undergo 30 days of training.
The training may be completed at government-run institutes or recognised private driving schools.
After completing the course, applicants will be required to upload their training certificate to the mParivahan portal.
Officials said the learner’s licence will be issued only after candidates pass the prescribed online or offline test and the training certificate is verified by the District Transport Office (DTO).
The department has warned that strict action will be taken against applicants found submitting forged training certificates.
State Plans More Driving Schools
With demand for certified training expected to increase, the Transport Department is planning to establish 200 driving training schools across Bihar.
Officials said approval has already been granted for 66 training centres, with additional institutions expected to be approved before the new rules come into force.
Focus On Road Safety
The Transport Department said the new policy is intended to improve road safety by ensuring that licence holders receive structured driving education before taking to the roads.
Officials said formal training would help learners understand traffic rules, road signs, lane discipline, safe driving practices and emergency response techniques, while also familiarising them with the driving test process.
Training vehicles equipped with dual controls are also expected to provide a safer learning environment for new drivers.
Licence Statistics
According to the state government’s Economic Survey, Bihar issued 4.32 lakh permanent driving licences and 5.84 lakh learner’s licences during the 2024–25 financial year.
Over the past five years, the state has issued 21.38 lakh driving licences.
Transport Secretary Raj Kumar said the implementation process is underway and that learner’s as well as permanent driving licences would be issued only after verification of the uploaded training certificate once the new system becomes operational.
