Driving Licence

Having a driving license is mandatory if you wish to drive any vehicle on roads. It is one important document which is issued by the Government of India permitting the individuals to drive two-wheeler or four-wheeler vehicle on public roads without any supervision. Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or Regional Transport Office (RTO) is the authority responsible for issuing the driving license in India.

Thus, to drive motor vehicles on roads, it is important to hold a driving license. Driving license is also issued to those who are in the learning process of driving. It is called as the learner’s license. After one month of issuance of the learner’s license, the person has to clear the driving test in the presence of RTO authority who decides if the person has passed the test or not.

The process of obtaining a driving license is easy now with an online application process.

TYPES OF DRIVING LICENSE IN INDIA

On the basis of the vehicles driven by the person, the driving license issued also varies. The different categories for which the DL can be applied in India are:

• Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 CC or less than 50 CC
• Motorcycles with gear, motorcycles with a capacity of 50cc or more, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) including cars
• All Motorcycles types including Motorcycle with gear
• Motorcycles of any CC but with no gears - including scooters and mopeds
• Light Motor Vehicle not for transport purposes
• Light Motor Vehicle intended for commercial purposes
• Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle (also referred to as All India driving permit for trucks and cars or open licence)
• Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle
• Candidates holding a heavy vehicle driving licence can apply for heavy trailer licence

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR OBTAINING a DRIVING LICENSE IN INDIA

The eligibility criteria for obtaining permanent DL in India are:

• Motorcycles without gear (with a capacity of up to 50 CC): The applicant must be minimum 16 years old and should also have the consent of parent/guardian if he is below18 years old.
• Motorcycles with gear: The applicant must be 18 years old.
• Commercial Heavy Vehicles and Transport Vehicles: The applicant should have completed 8th standard and must be at least 18 years old (in some states, the minimum age limit is 20 years)

The applicant should have valid address and age proof and must be conversant with the rules and regulations of traffic.

Document Required for Driving licence

The applicant needs to submit some documents along with the application process. These documents are:

Age Proof: The applicant can submit any one of the documents mentioned below as the age proof.

• Birth Certificate
• PAN Card
• Passport
• 10th Class mark sheet
• Transfer certificate from any school for any class with the date of birth printed on it.

Proof of Address: The applicant needs to submit any of the following document as address proof.

Permanent Proof of address (any one from the following):

• Passport
• Aadhaar Card
• Self-owned house agreement
• Electricity bill (issued in applicants name)
• LIC bond
• Voters ID Card
• Ration card

Current Proof of address (any one from the following):

• Rental agreement and electricity bill
• Rental agreement and LPG bill

Other Requirements for Driving Licence:

The applicant needs to submit the following along with the documents.

• Duly filled the application form
• 6 passport size photographs (when applying for Learners Licence)
• 1 passport-sized photograph (when applying for driving licence)
• Application Fees
• Medical Certificate - Form 1 A and 1 which is to be issued by a certified Government doctor. It is mandatory for applicants who are more than 40 years old.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DRIVING LICENCE?

ONLINE

To apply for the driving licence online,

1. Visit the official Sarathi website of the Road Transport & Highways Ministry.
2. Under the ‘Sarathi Services’ column, select ‘ New Driving Licence’.
3. A new web page will open with all the details. Read the instructions thoroughly.
4. Download the form. Fill it completely with correct and valid information.
5. Fill the form according to the instructions given on the screen. Click on ‘Submit’.
6. If the applicant is a minor, print the form and fill the part D. The guardian needs to sign it at the nearest RTO.
7. Upload all the required documents online along with application form.
8. Post submission, you will be issued a Web Application Number which can be used for tracking the application status.
9. After processing the application, the applicant will receive an SMS notification.

OFFLINE OR BY VISITING THE RTO

The applicant can also apply for the driving licence by directly visiting the RTO. The whole process is easy and simple.

• Obtain the application form (Form 4) by either downloading it from the state transport website or by visiting the nearest RTO.
• Fill in the form completely and submit the required documents at the RTO.
• Schedule a slot for the DL test and pay the fees for it.
• Reach the Driving Licence test centre on specified date timely. Once you clear the test, you will be awarded your driving licence either on the spot or will be sent to your registered address.

Test Procedure for Driving licence in India

To attain the driving licence, the applicant needs to undergo a driving test wherein he is tested for his driving skills and knowledge about signals and rules to follow while driving. If you pass the test, you get your driving licence. 

How long does it take to get the Driving Licence after passing the test?

Follow the procedure mentioned below to avail the driving licence test.

• Fill the form online and book your appointment for the learning test at the RTO office. The test includes multiple-choice questions. After you pass the test, you will be handed a receipt. Collect your learning licence by showing the receipt.
• Take an appointment for the driving test after 30 days from the date of issuance of the licence. The test includes basic questions about the vehicle for which you are applying for the licence. After you clear this test, you will get a receipt which will act as your DL until you receive your actual licence by speed post.

What to do if your Driving Licence is Lost?

If by chance you lose your driving licence, you can get a duplicate issued so that you can legally drive in India. Keep in mind the following points if you lose your Driving Licence:

• Lodge a complaint at the police station which comes under the jurisdiction of the area where your DL was lost. Get a copy of the FIR.
• Get an affidavit on stamp paper that you lost your licence. This will incur a small fee.

Why do you need a Driving licence in India?

A driving licence is one important document and upholds many uses apart from legally giving you permission to drive on the public roads. Some reasons to  get a Driving Licence in India are:

• Important Document of Personal Identification

Your driving licence is one important personal ID which you can carry all the time in your wallet. It is equivalent to other valid personal identification documents like Aadhar Card, Passport etc.

• Make Commuting Easier

Having a valid driving licence leaves from the hassle of using public transport. If you own a vehicle and knows how to drive it, then driving licence gives you permission to take on the roads. A driving licence thus makes your commuting easy and comfortable.

• Compulsory Legal Requirement

Driving licence is a compulsory thing to hold if you are planning to sit on the driving seat of the car in India or abroad. It is an indication that you are skilled to drive the motor vehicle efficiently on the roads.

As a responsible citizen, one should always get oneself a driving licence if they wish to drive any motor vehicles. This is not just for the safety of self but for the safety of others on the roads as well. Apart from this, owning a driving licence gives you additional personal identification proof. And if you ever seek a loan, you can visit the LoansJagat portal, submit your DL as the identity proof and can get loan application processed quickly.