Maharashtra Mandates RTOs to Review Inspectors Amid 10% Failure Rule

The Maharashtra Transport Commissioner has taken a bold step that could reshape the way driving licences are awarded across the state: any Regional Transport Office (RTO) where less than 10% of permanent licence seekers fail the driving test will be mandated to review the work of its motor vehicle inspectors. The directive, issued on December 3, flags a new standard for performance and introduces a tech‑driven audit aimed at tightening road safety standards.

Background and Why It Matters Now

Maharashtra has long grappled with a road safety crisis. Official data shows that from January 2019 to September 2025, 95,722 people lost their lives on roads in the state. A recent review of the 2025 accident statistics revealed 26,922 incidents and 11,532 fatalities by September 30, a marginal 0.8% increase in accidents but a 0.4% drop in deaths compared to the same period in 2024.

These figures underline a paradox: while advances in vehicle technology and infrastructure have trended upward, human error remains the dominant factor in traffic mishaps. In response, state transport authorities have been looking to enforce stricter testing protocols for those who wish to obtain permanent licences.

“Road safety is not just about better roads; it’s about better drivers,” said Vivek Bhimanwar, Maharashtra’s Transport Commissioner. “To bring out skilled drivers, we must audit the people who assess them.” The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are a direct response to the persistent high failure rates in some RTOs and the uneven quality of testing environments across the state.

Key Developments of the New SOPs

1. 10% Failure Threshold and Inspector Review

The SOPs stipulate that if a temporary or permanent license test group’s failure rate drops below the 10% benchmark, the Inspector of Motor Vehicles (IMV) and his assistant must undergo a “review” by the RTO and its deputy. The review is intended to assess whether testing standards are being upheld or if inadvertent laxity has seeped into the process.

2. Technological Upgrade of Test Tracks

Parallel to the audit mechanism, the department is rolling out Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) statewide. These high‑tech, simulation‑based tracks ensure uniformity in testing conditions, reducing variability that can occur on street‑based or small, inadequate testgrounds.

“These tracks will standardise the examination process, making it fairer for every candidate,” added Bhimanwar. As the ADTTs are being constructed, RTOs are urged to enforce the old rule of “strictly examine” under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

3. Digital and Surveillance Enhancements

• Online appointment booking for driving tests, reducing walk‑in queues.
• Mandatory presence of a designated IMV during every test.
• Installation of CCTV cameras at each test site within 30 days, funded via the District Planning Development Council or Road Safety Fund.

According to the SOPs, when a test is conducted on a road or open ground, special arrangements must be made to record the session, including ensuring that water, toilets, and basic amenities are available for both the examiner and the candidate.

Impact Analysis for Drivers and International Students

For residents, the new review process could mean a slightly longer wait in certain RTOs, but the upside is a higher quality of assessment that is less prone to error. For international students and expatriates who need a licence to drive in India—especially those coming for work or study—the stakes are higher.

Many foreign nationals rely on driver licences to navigate cities, attend classes, or commute to their employers. A lower failure rate could inadvertently result in stricter scrutiny that might be misinterpreted by some. Here’s what it could mean for you:

• Enhanced reliability of your licence: The 10% rule ensures that only capable inspectors conduct tests.
• Possible delays in test scheduling due to heightened oversight and installation of surveillance cameras.
• Increased transparency: With CCTV recordings available, the entire testing process is monitored, mitigating accusations of bias or misconduct.

Moreover, if the state is building ADTTs, the eventual testing experience could shift to a more technologically advanced environment. That means you may encounter a standardized layout, electronic fail/pass prompts, and perhaps a simulation‑based assessment, all designed to assess actual driver competence rather than rote procedural compliance.

Expert Insights and Practical Tips

Given the sweeping changes, it is crucial to prepare accordingly. Below are practical pointers from seasoned drivers, RTO officers, and legal experts on navigating the new SOP landscape.

• Check Your Testing Ground’s Certification: Before booking a slot, verify that the RTO location you choose has the requisite CCTV equipment and adheres to the 10% failure threshold audit. Some rural camps still operate on open roads—confirm the status of infrastructure and amenities.
• Know the ADTT Rollout Schedule: Keep tabs on the state government’s ADTT development map. If your preferred city is slated for a new track soon, consider applying there to benefit from a modern, simulational test.
• Use the Online Appointment System: Given the increased demand, the online booking portal will reduce wait times. Bookmark the portal and set up email or SMS alerts for slots.
• Bring Documentation: For international students, carry your passport, visa, and any relevant study permit. In some RTOs, these documents are required before test registration.
• Stay Informed About the 10% Review: If you are an aspiring test taker, the 10% rule usually benefits you by ensuring that only highly competent inspectors evaluate you. But if you are an inspector or a senior officer, be ready for a detailed audit if your local RTO’s pass rate hovers above the benchmark.

Expert Dr. Ramesh Sharma, a traffic safety consultant, cautions, “If an RTO’s failure rate consistently falls below 10%, it’s not always a bad sign. It can indicate that the testing process is too lenient. That’s why a review is essential – to make sure that the exam’s rigor is maintained.” Conversely, former RTO deputy Arti Patel raised concerns about the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at open‑road test sites. “The logistics can be daunting, especially in remote areas,” she remarked.

Looking Ahead: Future Implications and Next Steps

The mandate marks a paradigm shift in how road safety is enforced in Maharashtra. Here’s what to watch in the coming months.

• Full Deployment of ADTTs: The state’s promise to complete ADTTs across major RTO zones could standardise testing within three years, eliminating the “small ground” dilemma that many inspectors face.
• Policy Tweaks: Should the 10% rule prove impractical in certain districts (due to low enrolment or geographical constraints), lawmakers may revisit the threshold. Nonetheless, the core idea of inspector review will likely persist.
• Integration with National Road Safety Schemes: The new SOPs dovetail with central initiatives like the National Road Safety Mission, potentially garnering federal support and funding.

For international students, this means staying adaptable: as RTOs gain advanced technology and stricter oversight, the overall experience is likely to align more closely with global driving licence norms.

In conclusion, Maharashtra’s latest initiative positions the state at the forefront of driver training standards. Though some stakeholders, including retired officers, question the 10% rule’s fairness, the underlying goal remains— a safer road network achieved through better‑trained and better‑examined drivers.

Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.