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Driving Licence in India
A driving licence is an official document that allows a person to drive a vehicle in India. According to the law, you must have a valid driving licence (DL) from your local RTO to drive legally. You can apply for a DL either online or by visiting the office.
In this guide, let's read more about how to get a driving licence in India, its types, who can apply, fees, and other details.
Why a Driving Licence is Important in India
- 01
It is required by law
In India, you must have a driving licence to drive any vehicle legally. It shows that you are trained and allowed to drive.
- 02
Driving without a licence is punishable
If traffic police stop you and you don't have a valid DL, you may have to pay a big fine. In some cases, you could also go to jail.
- 03
It gives you legal permission to drive
A driving licence proves that the government has tested your driving skills. It means you are allowed to drive on public roads.
- 04
It works as an ID proof
A DL has your name, photo, age, and address, so it can be used as identity proof at many places.
- 05
Accepted like Aadhar, PAN, or Voter ID
Just like other ID cards, a driving licence is accepted in banks, government offices, and at airports as valid personal identification.
- 06
Needed for insurance claims
If your vehicle is in an accident, the insurance company will ask for your driving licence. They won't approve your claim without it.
Types of Driving Licences in India
Learner's Licence
A learner's licence is the first step to becoming a driver. It is given to people who are still learning how to drive. This licence is valid for 6 months and allows you to practice driving with the help of an experienced driver. However, you are not allowed to drive alone, on highways, or at night without someone guiding you.
Permanent Licence
After learning how to drive and passing the driving test, you can apply for a permanent licence. This licence has no special restrictions and allows you to drive your chosen type of vehicle on Indian roads. It shows that you are now a safe and responsible driver who understands traffic rules.
Commercial Driving Licence
If you want to drive a vehicle for work, like a taxi, auto-rickshaw, truck, or bus, you need a commercial driving licence. This licence is meant for people who drive as a job. You will need to go through extra training and pass more tests, which include learning about rules for heavy or public vehicles and how to treat passengers properly.
International Driving Licence
If you plan to drive in another country, you will need an international driving licence. This licence is accepted in many countries and is valid for one year. To get this licence, you must already have a valid permanent driving licence in India.
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Licence
This licence is for small and light vehicles like cars, jeeps, vans, and auto-rickshaws. It is the most common type of driving licence in India. Many people start with this licence, and later, if needed, they can apply for a commercial licence.
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) Licence
This licence is for big vehicles such as buses, trucks, and lorries. Because these vehicles are large and harder to control, you need special training and have to pass tougher driving tests. People who drive these vehicles for work must have this licence to drive safely and legally.
Who Can Get a Driving Licence in India?
To apply for a driving licence in India, you must meet these simple rules:
- Your age must be at least 16 years to get a licence for a gearless two-wheeler (like a scooter).
- To get a licence for a car or bike with gears (LMV – Light Motor Vehicle), you must be 18 years or old.
- For a commercial vehicle (like a taxi, truck, or bus), you must be at least 20 years old and have passed 8th class in school.
- You must have a valid learner's licence before applying.
- You must pass the driving test to get your final driving licence.
Documents Needed for Getting a Driving License
You need to show some documents when applying for a driving licence in India. Here's what you will need:
| ID Proof (Any one of these) | Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, or Voter ID. |
| Address Proof (Any one of these) | Electricity bill, Passport, Ration card, or Rent agreement |
| Age Proof (Any one of these) | Birth certificate, 10th class mark sheet, or Passport |
| Application Form | Form 1 for learner's licence or Form 4 for permanent licence |
| Photos | 2 to 4 recent passport-size photos |
| Learner's Licence | Needed when applying for a permanent licence |
| Medical Certificate | Form 1A, only if you are over 40 or applying for a commercial licence |
| Fee Receipt | Proof that you have paid the application fee |
Cost of Getting a Driving Licence in India
Here is the estimated cost of getting driving licence in India:
| Type of Services | Costing |
|---|---|
| Learner's License | Rs. 150 |
| Driving License | Rs. 200 |
| License Renewal | Rs. 200 |
| International Driving Permit | Rs. 1,000 |
Note:You can check the exact fees for your state on your state's RTO website.Most fees can be paid online easily.For the latest information about fees and steps, it's best to visit the official Parivahan website.
How to Apply for a Driving License in India (Offline and Online)
Applying for a driving licence in India is easy and can be online and offline. Just follow these steps:
Online Process
- 1Go to the Parivahan Sewa website.
- 2Now click on "Driving Licence Related Services" under the menu.
- 3Choose the state where you want to apply for the licence.
- 4Then, click on "Apply for Driving Licence".
- 5Fill out your details like your name, age, and address.
- 6Upload the necessary documents - like ID proof, address proof, and your learner's licence.
- 7Pay the application fee online - the amount depends on your state.
- 8Book a slot for your driving test at your nearest RTO.
- 9Go for the test on the date you selected.
- 10If you pass the test, your application will be approved.
- 11Your driving licence will be sent to your home by post
Offline Process
You can also apply for a driving licence by visiting your nearest RTO. Just follow these simple steps:
- 1Step : Go to your nearest RTO and collect Form 2 (this is the application form for the licence).
- 2Step : Fill out the form carefully with all the required details.
- 3Step : Attach all the needed documents and submit them along with the form at the RTO.
- 4Step : Book a date and time for your driving test.
- 5Step : Go to the RTO and give the test on the booked date.
- 6Step : If you pass the test, your driving licence will be given to you.
How to Check Driving License Status in India Online
If you want to see the progress of your driving licence application, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1 : Go to the Parivahan Sewa website.
- Step 2 : Click on "Driving Licence Related Services" under the "Online Services" menu.
- Step 3 : Choose your state from the list. Then click on "Application Status".
- Step 4 : Enter your application number and date of birth.
- Step 5 : Fill in the captcha and click on Submit.
- Step 6 : You will now see the current status of your driving licence on the screen.
Driving Test Procedure in India
In India, there is a different driving test for each type of vehicle. Here are some of them:
Car Driving Test
When you take a driving test for a car, they check if you can:Follow traffic and road rulesDrive on shapes like "U", "H", "T", "8"Park the car beside the road (called parallel parking)Drive forward and backward on an "S" shaped road
Two-Wheeler/Three-Wheeler Test
When you take a test for a bike or auto-rickshaw, they check if you can:Follow traffic and road rulesRide on tracks shaped like "T" and "8" without touching your feet to the ground until you finish
How to Renew a Driving License?
If your driving licence is going to expire, follow these simple steps to renew it:
- 1 Step : Go to the Sarathi Parivahan website. Choose your state from the list.
- 2 Step : Click on the option that says 'Renew your DL'.
- 3 Step : Fill out the form, pay the fee, and download the receipt.
- 4 Step : Book a time to visit the RTO office if your state requires in-person checking.
After this, the RTO will check your details and send your new licence to your home by post in a few days.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving License
If you lost your driving licence, you can apply for a new (duplicate) one online. Here's how
Step 1
Go to the VAHAN Sarathi website.
Step 2
Click on the 'Driving Licence' section.
Step 3
Choose your state from the list.
Step 4
Click on 'Apply for duplicate DL'.
Step 5
Fill out the form and submit your application online.
Step 6
Go to your nearest RTO office with your documents, the receipt, and the application printout.
After they check your details, your duplicate licence will be sent to your home.
Disadvantages of Not Having a Driving License In India
Legal Trouble
If you drive without a licence, you can get fined. The police may also take your vehicle. In serious cases, you might have to go to court.
You Can't Drive Legally
Without a licence, you cannot drive in India. This means that you cannot use a car or bike to go to work, school, or anywhere else.
No Insurance Help
If you have an accident and don't have a licence, your insurance company may not pay for any damage or injury. You will have to pay all the costs yourself.
Hard to Get a Loan
Banks may not give you a loan for a car or bike if you don't have a driving licence. This can make it hard to buy a vehicle.
More Risk of Accidents
A licence shows you know how to drive safely. Without it, you might not know the rules well and could cause accidents.
Future Problems
If you are caught driving without a licence, you may get points on your record. This can make it harder to get or renew your licence later.
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FAQs
A driving licence is a legal document that lets you drive a vehicle in India. Without it, you cannot drive on the roads.
You must be at least 18 years old to get a driving licence for a car or motorcycle (gear) in India.
Yes, you can drive a gearless scooter or bike (up to 50cc engine) if you are 16 years old and have a special licence.
You can apply for a learner's licence at age 16 (for gearless 2-wheelers) or 18 (for cars and geared bikes).
No, you must wait until you are 18 years old to get a car driving licence in India.
Yes, the minimum driving age rules are the same across all states in India.
You need an ID proof (like Aadhaar or PAN card), address proof (like an electricity bill), age proof (like a birth certificate), and photos. You also need to fill out an application form and may need a medical certificate if you're over 40.
After passing the driving test, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to get your driving licence by post.
A learner's licence is a temporary licence given to people who are learning to drive. You can practice driving with someone who already has a valid driving licence.
Go to the Parivahan website, select "Driving Licence Related Services," choose your state, and click on "Application Status." Enter your application number and date of birth to check the status.
To renew your driving licence, go to the Sarathi website, fill out the renewal form, pay the fee, and book a time to visit the RTO if required. Your new licence will be sent to your home.
No, driving without a licence in India is illegal. You can face a fine, your vehicle may be taken by the police, and you might even go to jail.