Driving Licence - Eligibility & Documents Required
In India, a driving licence is an official document that authorises an individual to operate various types of motor vehicles on Indian roads. This is a mandatory document to drive legally in India and is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA). Read on to know more about it.
Types of driving Licence issued in India
- Learner's Licence: In India, this type of licence is issued to individuals learning to drive. This licence is valid for a period of six months. After six months, the learning licence holder must apply for a permanent driving licence.
- Permanent Driving Licence: This type of licence is issued to individuals who pass the driving test conducted by the RTO. It allows the holder to drive a specific category of vehicle.
- Commercial Driving Licence: This type of licence is issued to individuals who drive commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, or taxis.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): This type of licence is issued to those Indian licence holders who wish to drive in foreign countries.
Categories of Driving Licence in India and classification of vehicles:
In India, the driving licence is issued to individuals based on the category of the vehicle they wish to operate. The below listed table has details of different categories of vehicles along with the type of driving licence required to operate them:
Licence Type | Licence class | Type of Vehicle |
Permanent Driving Licence | MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50cc) | Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less |
MCWOG/FVG | Motorcycles with any engine capacity, but without gears, including mopeds and scooters | |
LMV-NT | Light motor vehicles that are used for non-transport purposes | |
MC EX50CC | Motorcycles with gear, Motorcycles with a capacity of 50CC or more, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) including cars | |
MC With Gear or M/CYCL.WG | All motorcycles even with gear | |
Commercial Driving Licence | MGV | For medium goods vehicle |
LMV | Light motor vehicles including motorcars, jeeps, taxis, delivery vans | |
HMV | Heavy Motor Vehicles | |
HGMV | Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle | |
HPMV/HTV | Heavy passenger motor vehicle/Heavy transport vehicle | |
Trailer | Person holding heavy vehicle driving licence can apply for heavy trailer license |
Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence in India
The eligibility for driving licence in India depends on the class of vehicle and the type of driving licence. The criteria for different licence types are given below:
Types of Vehicles allowed | Criteria |
Vehicles without gears with engine capacity up to 50cc | 16 years of age and parental consent. |
Vehicles with gears | 18 years of age.Must be aware of the traffic rules and regulations. |
Commercial vehicles | 20 years of age (18 years of age in some states)Should have completed formal education till 8th grade.Should be trained from government or government- affiliated training centre. |
Document Required to apply for a Driving Licence
The below listed documents are required to apply for a driving licence in India:
- Age proof: Birth certificate, School leaving certificate, Passport, PAN Card, etc.
- Identity proof: Aadhaar card, PAN Card, Passport, etc.
- Address proof: House agreement, Electricity bill, Aadhaar card, Ration card, Passport, etc.
Other document required when applying for a driving licence in India:
- 3 passport size photographs while applying for a learner's license
- 3 passport size photographs while applying for a permanent driving licence
- Application fees
- Duly filled application form
- A medical certificate is compulsory for applicants of and above 40 years of age.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence
You can apply for a driving licence either online or offline. Read on to know more about the procedure:
Online Procedure
To apply for a driving licence online, the below-mentioned steps must be followed:
Step 1: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en.
Step 2: Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’. The option can be found under ‘Online Services’.
Step 3: Select the state.
Step 4: Click on ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.
Step 5: Click on ‘Continue’.
Step 6: Next, you will need to fill in the application, upload the documents, book a slot to take the test, and pay the fee.
Step 7: Visit the RTO on the date and time you have selected.
Step 8: Once you have passed the test, the licence will be sent to the registered address.
Note: As per the new rule, the applicants can also complete their driving test at an accredited private school. Giving the driving test at the RTO is no longer compulsory.
Offline Procedure
The method listed below will make it easier for you to understand how to apply for a driving licence offline -
Step 1: Obtain the application form, which is the Indian driving licence form (Form 1 for Learner License and Form 4 for Permanent License). The form is available online at the state transportation website or at the nearby RTO office.
Step 2: Fill out the form and deliver it to the RTO office in your area along with evidence of age and address. Request a date for your driving licence exam from the RTO officials, and pay the associated costs.
Step 3: Arrive at the driving licence testing location by the scheduled time and date. Your driving licence will be sent to your registered address if you pass the exam.
Alternatively, the staff at the driving school where you are taking lessons can assist you in getting your licence.
Fee structure of driving licence in India
The fee structure for driving licence in India is as given below:
Type of License | Revised Fees |
Learner’s licence | Rs. 200 |
Learner’s license renewal | Rs. 200 |
International licence | Rs.1,000 |
Permanent licence | Rs. 200 |
Permanent license renewal | Rs. 200 |
Issue of a renewed driver’s license | Rs. 200 |
How to Check the Driving Licence Status?
To check the driving licence status online, follow the process mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en.
Step 2: Click on 'Driving Licence Related Services’' The option can be found under ‘Online Services’.
Step 3: Select the state.
Step 4: Click on ‘Application Status’.
Step 5: Enter the application number, date of birth, and captcha.
Step 6: Click on ‘Submit’, The status of the application will be displayed.
Note: Alternatively, you can also visit the nearest RTO along with your application number to check the status of your driving licence.
Test Procedure for a Learner's Licence
The Learner's Licence test is conducted to check the applicant's knowledge about traffic rules and regulations along with basic driving skills. All the applicants are required to take the written exam for a learner's licence at the RTO Office.
Test Procedure for a Permanent Driving Licence
- For two-wheelers:
For the two-wheelers learner's license test, the candidate is typically required to operate a bicycle shaped like the number 8. This is a test of the applicant's usage of indications and signals. The applicant is required to finish his drive within the allotted time without setting foot on the ground.
- For four-wheelers:
The applicant is asked to drive in the shape of a number 8. In this test, the applicant's ability to manoeuvre forward and backwards, parallel parking, use of mirrors, gears and brakes, and judgement of the track are tested.
International Driving Permit in India
The Road Transport Authority (RTA) of India issues an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Indian citizens travelling abroad, allowing them to drive in any foreign country where the document is recognised as valid. When travelling on foreign roads, it is important to have your original driver's licence, passport, and International Driving Permit (IDP) with you.
It resembles a passport in appearance and is frequently issued in several languages depending on the requirements of the destination nation. An IDP is effective for a year. You must get it reissued if you require it for a longer period of time.
FAQs on Driving Licence
- Is it required to have my driver's licence with me at all times?
Yes, you must carry your driver's licence while driving as it's a legal document permitting you to operate a vehicle on the road.
- Can I access a driver's licence application form online?
Certainly, you can obtain a driver's licence application form online through your state's Motor Vehicles Department website.
- What are the consequences of driving without a valid licence?
Driving without a valid licence and getting caught by authorities can result in fines, imprisonment, and potential vehicle seizure. Additionally, driving without a valid licence can void your motor insurance coverage.
- How long does a permanent driver's licence remain valid after issuance?
A permanent driver's licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issuance.
- How can I check the dispatch status of a driver's licence in India?
You can track the application status of your driver's licence on the Parivahan portal.
- What does a driver's licence number consist of?
Each driver's licence has a unique 13-character number, including the state name, branch code, issuance year, and a Driver Profile ID.
- Is a medical certificate mandatory for obtaining a driver's licence?
Yes, obtaining a driver's licence typically requires the submission of a medical certificate.
- What is the penalty for driving a vehicle without a driver's licence?
Driving without a valid driver's licence can result in fines of up to Rs.5000, imprisonment for up to 3 months, or both.
- Can I update my address on my driver's licence online?
No, you cannot change your address on your driver's licence online, but you can apply for an address change online and visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for verification.
- Can I use my Indian driver's licence to drive in another country?
No, you cannot use your Indian driver's licence for driving in another country. You must obtain an international driving permit for that purpose.
- How long does it take to receive a permanent driver's licence in India?
Once you have passed the driving test, you can expect to receive your permanent driver's licence within 30 days by mail at the address you provided.
- How do I apply for a driver's licence?
To apply for a driver's licence, you must be at least 18 years old, in good physical and mental health, and follow a process that includes obtaining a learner's licence before the permanent one.
- How many types of driver's licences are there in India?
India has four types of driver's licences - Learner's, Permanent, Commercial, and International driving permits.
- How do I change the name on my driver's licence?
To change your name on your driver's licence, you need to submit an application with the required fee and supporting documents.
- What are the validity periods for driver's licences?
The validity periods for driver's licences in India vary based on the type, such as a learner's licence for 6 months and permanent licence for 20 years.
- What if I haven't received my driver's licence after two months?
If you haven't received your driver's licence within two months, you should visit the nearest office to check the status of your application.
- Can I use someone else's driver's licence to drive a motor vehicle in India?
No, it's illegal to use someone else's driver's licence to operate a motor vehicle in India, and doing so can result in legal penalties.
- Can you schedule a driving test appointment online?
Certainly, online booking for driving tests is available in certain states and cities.
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