Driving Licence
In India, it is permitted to drive a two- or four-wheeled vehicle on a public road only with an Indian driver’s licence. In India, a learner’s licence is a prerequisite for operating any kind of motor vehicle.
A learner’s licence is given to someone who wants to learn to drive. Following the issuance of their learner’s permit, the person has one month to take the exam in front of an RTO authority. The RTO authority will decide whether or not the candidate passes the test following a comprehensive examination.
Overview of Indian driving licences
It is necessary to have an Indian driver’s licence to ride or drive a car on public roads. A permanent driver’s licence, however, cannot be obtained immediately. For it, there is a different procedure. In India, before operating any type of motor vehicle, one must first get a learner’s licence. A learner’s licence is given for educational purposes.
The person must take the test in front of an RTO official one month after receiving their learner’s licence; after completing a full investigation, the official will decide whether or not the person passed the exam.
Why Is a Driver’s Licence Required in India?
In addition to being required to legally operate a motor vehicle in India, a driver’s licence serves the following purposes:
Vital Personal Identification Document
A valid ID is usually required to enter areas with high levels of security. Since a driver’s licence is a commonly used form of personal identity, you can use it as identification.
Mandatory Statutory Requirement
You need to have a valid driver’s licence to drive in India or even outside. An essential document that certifies your ability to operate or drive a motorised vehicle is your driving licence.
Essential Elements of a Driver’s Licence
To determine if a driver’s licence is real or false, you can check for specific characteristics in it. The following is a list of the key characteristics that assist in telling a fake license from a real one:
- The driver’s licence photo further qualifies it as a form of acceptable photo identification.
- The licencing body shall provide a distinct registration number for the licence.
- The name of the office that was created and granted the licence.
- The issuing officer’s signature and rubber stamp on the RTO.
Driving Licence Types
India issues four distinct categories of licences:
- Learner’s Licence
- Commercial Driving Licence
- Permanent Driving Licence
- International Driving Permit
Learner’s Licence
- The Road Transport Authority (RTA) issues a learner’s licence to the applicant before awarding them a permanent driving licence.
- The duration is up to six months.
- To receive this licence, the applicant has to pass a short test and provide the RTO with valid paperwork.
- It is required of the candidate to hone his driving abilities over six months.
- The applicant may prolong his learning licence if he still lacks confidence in his ability to drive.
Permanent Driving License
- After the learner’s licence time expires, the RTA issues a permanent driving licence to the applicant if they meet the conditions.
- The candidate must pass the driving test and be at least eighteen years old to meet the requirements.
- If he doesn’t pass the driving exam, he can retake it in seven days.
Commercial Driving Licence
- Heavy vehicle drivers, such as those operating trucks and delivery vans, are expressly granted this commercial driver’s license.
- The applicant must meet the following requirements: they must be at least eighteen (18 years old in some states; some maintain a minimum age of twenty years); they must have completed their education up to the eighth grade; they must have valid documentation; and they must already hold a learner’s license.
International Driving Permit
- This permission, which attests to the fact that the motorist has a valid driver’s licence and is permitted to drive abroad, can be obtained by anybody who wishes to drive abroad. To help authorities determine the person’s eligibility, the permission is printed in numerous languages.
- One has to apply at the local RTO and have a valid permanent driver’s licence to receive this permit. It cannot be renewed after the first year and must be reapplied for after that.
Document Required for Driving Licence
To avoid delays in the application process, the required paperwork must be authentic. The following is a list of documents needed to obtain a driver’s licence:
Age Proof (any of the papers listed here)
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- PAN Card
- 10th-grade report card
- A transfer certificate bearing the date of birth from any school for any class.
Required Proof of Address for DL: Permanent Address Verification (any of the following):
- Passport
- Adhaar Card
- Self-owned home lease
- Electricity bill (issued in the name of the applicant)
- LIC bond
- ID Card for Voters, Ration Card
Additional Requirements for a Driver’s Licence:
- Properly completed application (to obtain a driving licence application, go to the closest RTO or obtain one online from your state’s webpage)
- Six passport-sized photos (for learner’s licence applications)
- One passport-sized picture (for driving licence applications only)
- Application costs.
- If you are staying in a different city, you may provide a copy of a recent utility bill—either an electric or gas bill—along with the rental agreement as verification of your current residence.
- Forms 1A and 1A, the Medical Certificate, must be provided by a government physician with certification.
- A medical certificate is required for all candidates who are above 40.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence (DL)
Online Process
To apply online for a driver’s licence, you need to complete the steps listed below:
- Go to https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en as the first step.
- Step 2: Select “Related Services for Driving Licences.” It is located under the “Online Services” menu.
- Choose the state in step three.
- Click “Apply for Driving Licence” in step four.
- Step 5: Select “Continue.”
- Step 6: After that, you must complete the application, upload the necessary files, schedule a test time, and make the payment.
- Step 7: Go to the RTO at the time and date you’ve chosen.
- Step 8: The licence will be mailed to the registered address when you pass the exam.
Offline Process
You will find it simpler to comprehend how to apply for a driving licence offline if you follow the steps outlined below:
- Acquire the application form, which is Form 1 for Learner’s Licence and Form 4 for Permanent Licence in India. The form is available online at the state transport website or the local RTO office.
- Fill out the form completely and submit it to the local RTO office along with identification proving your age and residence. Request a date for your driving license exam from the RTO officials and pay the associated costs.
- Make sure you get to the driving licence test place on the appointed day and time. If you pass the test, your driver’s licence will be mailed to the address you registered.
How Do I Check the Status of My Driving Licence?
To view the status of a driver’s licence online, use the procedure listed below:
- Go to https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en as the first step.
- Step 2: Select “Related Services for Driving Licences.” It is located under the “Online Services” menu.
- Choose the state in step three.
- Click “Application Status” in step four.
- Step 5: Fill in the captcha, date of birth, and application number.
- Step 6: After selecting “Submit,” the application’s status will be shown.