Attn driving schools: Telangana makes registering on Sarathi portal mandatory

Hyderabad: Transport Department has asked all driving schools to register on the Sarathi portal. The move is aimed at curbing fake driving schools and improving the quality of driver training.

The officials said that the step will help ensure that only qualified institutes operate and that proper training standards are followed.

Currently, all services related to learner’s licences and driving licences are being handled through the Sarathi platform. Citizens can use the portal to book online slots and access various transport department services.

As part of the new initiative, driving schools that provide training to aspiring drivers will also be integrated into the portal. The decision will bring transparency and help eliminate unauthorized training institutes that have mushroomed across the city, officials said.

Check on Fake Driving Schools

Hundreds of driving schools have been operating without adhering to prescribed standards. According to regulations, instructors must possess technical qualifications such as an ITI diploma and adequate driving experience.

In addition, training programmes should include 25 sessions per month, covering both practical driving lessons and theoretical classes on road safety, traffic rules, and driving techniques.

However, many institutes reportedly ignore these requirements. Instead of providing comprehensive training, some schools merely allow learners to handle the steering wheel for a few days, often just a week to ten days, before declaring them trained.

These unauthorized schools are charging ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 for such inadequate training. Officials warn that this practice results in many drivers taking to the roads without proper skills or road safety awareness.

Portal to Ensure Accountability

By mandating registration on the Sarathi portal, the Transport Department aims to ensure that only institutions meeting all eligibility criteria can operate. Schools will be verified before being allowed to register, which officials say will significantly reduce the spread of fake training centres.

The move is expected to improve driver competence and enhance road safety.

‘Vahan’ Portal From March 23

Alongside Sarathi, the Transport Department will also roll out the Vahan portal from March 23 for vehicle-related services such as registrations, transfers, and other citizen services.

With the implementation of the Vahan and Sarathi portals, most transport department services will be available online, except for driving tests and vehicle fitness inspections, which will continue to be conducted physically.

Officials say the digital shift will make services faster, more transparent, and accessible to the public.