Gujarat RTO Delays Leave Applicants Facing ₹800 Fees and Fresh Driving Tests

Driving licence renewal applicants across Gujarat are facing higher fees and fresh driving tests as delays in clearing pre-2010 licence backlog applications leave their licences expired, following a centralisation order issued a month ago without a fixed disposal deadline.

The Gujarat Transport Department centralised approval of backlog applications through a circular directing inspectors at Ahmedabad’s Subhash Bridge (Regional Transport Office) RTO, Vastral, Bavla and Gandhinagar RTOs to process applications from other districts. However, the absence of a prescribed time limit has left applications pending, causing inconvenience and financial losses for applicants.

Delays Push Renewal Costs From ₹400 to ₹800

Applicants whose licences expire while awaiting approval must pay more than the standard renewal fee of ₹400, with the cost rising to ₹800 or more, according to the source material.

The delay also forces applicants to restart the process and take the driving test again. With appointments for AI-based driving test tracks reportedly unavailable for up to two months, applicants face further delays before they can complete the renewal process.

The backlog clearance process is intended for driving licences issued before 2010, for which a backlog entry is required before renewal. The centralisation was introduced to speed up the process, but the lack of a deadline has left applicants uncertain about when their files will be cleared.

Around 300 Applications Arrive Every Month

Ahmedabad and Vastral RTOs receive around 300 applications every month for the renewal of licences issued before 2010. Despite the regular inflow, applicants from other districts are facing delays in obtaining approval. The absence of a clear disposal timeline has added to the pressure on applicants whose existing licences are nearing expiry or have already expired.

Ahmedabad RTO Officials Shift Responsibility to Gandhinagar

Local Ahmedabad RTO officials have defended their position by stating that the circular was issued directly by the Transport Commissioner's office in Gandhinagar.

They have maintained that the department itself is responsible for monitoring and supervising the process, arguing that the local office does not bear direct responsibility for the delay.

Meanwhile, applicants continue to bear the consequences of the administrative bottleneck, including higher renewal costs, repeat driving tests and prolonged waits for appointments. The absence of a fixed deadline for clearing pending applications remains the central concern in the backlog disposal process.