Can A Person Be Fined For Teaching Driving On Public Roads?

Teaching driving on public roads without proper authorization is a violation of traffic rules in India. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates that driving instructors must be certified and registered to teach driving. This ensures that learners are adequately trained in road safety and are aware of traffic laws before operating a vehicle independently. Unauthorized teaching can pose significant road safety risks.

Legal Implications and Penalties

Requirement for Licensed Driving Instructors:

According to Section 13 of the Motor Vehicles Act, any person who teaches driving on public roads must be a licensed driving instructor. The instructor should be authorized by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and possess the necessary qualifications, including having a valid driving instructor’s license.

Teaching Without Authorization:

If an individual is found teaching driving on public roads without the appropriate certification or authorization from the RTO, they can face a fine under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The fine for this violation can be ₹500 to ₹1,000, depending on the region and severity of the violation. Repeated offenses may lead to more severe penalties.

Driving Schools and Learner’s Permits:

Driving schools are regulated and must have the appropriate license to operate and train learners on public roads. Learners are also required to have a learner's permit before driving on public roads, as stipulated in Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Teaching driving without these credentials is a violation of the law and can lead to penalties.

Impact on Road Safety:

Teaching driving on public roads without a licensed instructor increases the likelihood of traffic accidents and violations of road safety rules. Untrained drivers may not be aware of essential traffic regulations, leading to a higher risk of accidents, especially in busy or congested areas.

Role of Driving Schools:

Authorized driving schools ensure that learners are properly trained on road rules and driving techniques. These schools provide vehicles with dual controls for the safety of the instructor and the learner. Unlicensed driving instructors may not follow such safety measures, putting both the learner and other road users at risk.

Legal Action Against Unauthorized Instructors:

In some cases, unauthorized driving instructors may also face legal action for operating an unregistered business or practicing without the necessary permits. If they are found to be operating in an unsafe manner, the authorities may suspend or revoke their ability to teach driving in the future.

Example:

In 2020, a man in Delhi was fined ₹1,000 for teaching his friend how to drive on public roads without a valid instructor’s license. The traffic police noticed the violation during a routine check when the learner was driving without a permit, and the instructor had no official credentials. The man was not only fined but also warned that continuing to teach driving without proper certification could lead to more severe consequences.