Transport Department mandates driving school registration on Sarathi portal

The Transport Department has made Sarathi portal registration mandatory for all driving schools in Hyderabad to curb malpractices. Digitisation, including Vahan integration, will streamline learner and permanent licence processes, ensure proper training, and monitor fees and school compliance.

Hyderabad: In a move aimed at bringing greater transparency and accountability to driver training and licensing procedures, the Transport department introduced a new rule mandating all driving schools to register on the government’s ‘Sarathi’ portal. The decision is part of a broader plan to digitise services and eliminate malpractices in the system.

Transport department officials said that the ‘Vahan’ portal has also been made operational recently and efforts are underway to integrate driving schools with the Sarathi platform. This linkage is expected to streamline the entire process from learner’s licence to permanent driving licence through an online, slot-based system.

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The move comes against the backdrop of regular complaints about unauthorised and substandard driving schools operating across the city.

As per estimates, of around 350 driving schools currently functioning, over half are reportedly violating norms. Many lack qualified instructors with technical backgrounds, such as ITI or diploma certifications and fail to provide the mandated practical and theoretical training.

Learners, as per regulations, are required to undergo at least 25 hours of practical driving training along with classes on road safety and traffic rules. However, officials found that several schools are cutting corners by completing training in just a week to ten days, often treating the process as a mere formality.

There are also allegations that these institutions are charging exorbitant fees ranging between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000, without offering proper training. In some cases, they reportedly assure applicants that driving tests are not necessary and claim they will manage the issuance of licences through unofficial channels.

“With the new system in place, only those driving schools that meet prescribed eligibility criteria will be allowed to register and operate through the Sarathi portal,” said a senior official from the Transport department.

Transport authorities believe that digitising the process will not only curb unauthorised practices but also ensure better monitoring of training standards and fee structures.

What is Vahan?

It is an online platform that deals with vehicle-related services and maintains a national database of vehicle registration details.

Uses:

– Vehicle registration (new/transfer)

– Registration Certificate services

– Vehicle ownership details

– Road tax and permit services

How to Use:

– Visit the Parivahan website and select Vahan services

– Choose your state and RTO

– Enter vehicle details (registration number/chassis number)

– select the required service (RC renewal, transfer, etc.)

– Upload documents and pay fees online

Track application status

What is Sarathi?

It is meant for driver-related services and manages driving licence issuance and related processes.

Uses:

– Learner’s Licence application

– Driving Licence application/renewal

– Slot booking for driving tests

Licence updates

– How to Use:

– Go to the Parivahan portal and select Sarathi services

– Choose your state

– Click on the desired service (LL/DL application)

– Fill in personal details and upload documents

– Book test slot

– Pay fees and note application number

Track status online

What is Parivahan portal?

It is the central umbrella portal that integrates both Vahan and Sarathi services and provides access to all transport-related online services in one place.

Uses:

– Entry point for Vahan and Sarathi

– Online payments and application tracking

– Access to transport services across India

How to use:

Visit the Parivahan website

Select category: Vehicle Services (Vahan) or Driving Licence Services (Sarathi)

– Choose your state

– Proceed with the required service

– Complete application, upload documents & pay fees

-Track status through the same portal