AI SummaryFree Training for Vehicle Drivers provides expert driving instruction to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates in Uttarakhand to improve their skill sets, boost employability, and foster self-employment while enhancing road safety. Transport Department of Uttarakhand runs this scheme under the State Transport Department.
Free Training for Vehicle Drivers supports the professional growth of individuals from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. By offering high-quality, professional driving instruction, this scheme helps sharpen driving skills, gain confidence on the road, and explore new self-employment avenues.
This scheme, driven by the Transport Department of Uttarakhand, focuses on reducing the skill gap. For example, if Ramesh, a young graduate from the ST community, wishes to work as a commercial driver, this program provides him with the required professional training without any cost, making his path to a stable career much easier.
In 2026 the department has widened the scope of this free training. Besides SC and ST candidates, the training now covers Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and women candidates. The government has set a target to train 800 candidates this year, including a special focus on 75 women.
Free Training for Vehicle Drivers - Introduction
Transport Department of Uttarakhand has been giving free driving training through the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) at Jhajra in Dehradun. Earlier the scheme was limited to SC and ST candidates. Looking at the positive results, the department has decided to extend it to OBC, EWS and women as well.
For 2026 the training has also become residential. Trainees coming from far away places get hostel facility at the IDTR campus in Jhajra. The complete cost of training is borne by the Uttarakhand Transport Department, so no fee is charged from the candidates.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Training for Vehicle Drivers |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary States | Uttarakhand |
| Nodal Department | State Transport Department |
| Training Centre | Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR), Jhajra, Dehradun |
| Beneficiaries | SC, ST, OBC, EWS and women candidates |
| Benefit Type | In Kind (free residential training) |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
Through this program, candidates receive professional guidance to become skilled drivers. This training reduces the risk of road accidents and helps secure better job prospects. As a beneficiary, a candidate gains technical expertise that is important for private or commercial driving roles.
The training covers all types of vehicles, from Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) to heavy vehicles. For distant trainees, hostel facility is provided free of cost at the IDTR campus. The training also helps drivers become aware of safe driving practices on hilly roads, which is very useful for the Char Dham Yatra season.
Eligibility
To get benefit from this opportunity, a candidate should meet the following criteria:
- The candidate should be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- The candidate should belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC) or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. Women candidates are also eligible to apply.
Application Process
A candidate should follow the offline application process to enroll in the program.
STEP 1 - Visit the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) office at Jhajra in Dehradun to collect the application form in the prescribed format.
STEP 2 - Fill the application form correctly and attach the required documents as per the course chosen.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application form at the IDTR office. Officials will then scrutinize the application and verify the documents.
STEP 4 - Selection is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a batch is formed, classes begin at the IDTR campus.
Documents
Please carry the following documents based on the course selected:
For Light Motor Vehicle (Commercial Course):
- Aadhaar Card.
- Valid Caste Certificate.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- High School Certificate or 8th Class Transfer Certificate.
- Original Light Motor Vehicle (Non-Transport) Driving License, at least one year old.
For Heavy Motor Vehicle (Commercial Course):
- Aadhaar Card.
- Valid Caste Certificate.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- High School Certificate or 8th Class Transfer Certificate.
- Original Light Motor Vehicle (Transport) Driving License, at least one year old.
For Refresher Courses:
- Aadhaar Card.
- A valid driving license for Light or Heavy Motor Vehicles.
References
Documents - Transport Department, Uttarakhand
Approved Driving Training Schools (as on 30-06-2026)
FAQ's
What is the purpose of this scheme?
This scheme improves driving skills and creates self-employment opportunities for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and women candidates.
Who is eligible to apply?
Residents of Uttarakhand who belong to SC, ST, OBC, EWS categories, along with women candidates, are eligible.
What types of training are offered?
The program offers training for Light Motor Vehicles, Heavy Motor Vehicles, and Refresher Courses.
Is the training completely free?
Yes, all training provided under this scheme is offered at no cost, and hostel facility is also free for distant trainees.
Where is the training conducted?
Training takes place at the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR), Jhajra, Dehradun.
When can I apply?
A candidate can submit the application at any time of the year.
What if I do not have a caste certificate?
A valid SC, ST or OBC caste certificate is required to prove eligibility under the relevant category.
Can applications be submitted online?
No, the application should be submitted manually at the IDTR office.
How is the selection done?
Officials verify the documents and admit candidates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is there any stipend or monetary benefit?
No, this scheme focuses on providing free training rather than monetary support.