How to get a Driving License in India !!!

How to get a Driving License in India?

Many of us know that it is mandatory to have a driving license if you want to drive your two wheeler or four wheeler in Indian roads. But, most of us are not aware of the procedure to obtain a driving license and the documents required to apply for a driving license. Especially for NRIs who are returning back to India, obtaining an Indian driving license again can be tricky. Read on to find more about the procedure to obtain driving license in India.

Why do I need a Driving License in India?

A driving license, popularly known as DL in India, is an official document certifying the license holder’s qualification to drive a motor vehicle of a particular category on Indian roads. The Central Government’s Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 states that any person who is operating a motor vehicle on Indian roads must have a valid driving license issued by the concerned State Government’s Regional Transport Office or Transport Authority (RTO or RTA). If you wish to drive a motor vehicle of any kind in India, you must either have an International driving license or an Indian driving license.The minimum age to obtain a driving license in India is 16 years for motorcycles with a power of 50CC or less and 18 years for all other kinds of vehicles.

Each state has its own RTA or RTO office in all major towns and cities from where driving license can be obtained and renewed.

Types of Driving License in India

In India, two types of driving license are issued to the motorists - a permanent license and a learner's license (LL). One must obtain a Learner’s license before getting a permanent license. if the applicant has an International driving permit (IDP) or a valid driving license from another country, the learner’s license is not necessary.

When it comes to permanent license, three types are issued in India.

• Heavy Motor Vehicle License - This type of permanent driving license is specially issued to individuals operating buses, lorries, tourist coaches, trucks and cranes.
• Light Motor Vehicle License - This type of driving license is for operating taxis, auto rickshaws, sedans, cars and sports utility vehicles.
• Motorcycle License - THis type of permanent driving license is issued to individuals for driving scooters, mopeds and motorbikes.

One must obtain a learner’s license first and then proceed to take the tests for obtaining a permanent license.

How to Obtain a Learner’s License in India?

A learner’s driving license is mandatory for all individuals who have not applied for or previously held a permanent license in India or abroad. A learner’s license is valid for six months and a majority of the Indian State Governments have minimum age criteria as follows.

• 16 years - for motorcycles with engines capacity 50 CC or less and no gears. This criteria needs the consent of a parent or a guardian.
• 18 years - For light motor vehicles and motorcycles with gears
• 20 years - For heavy motor and transport vehicles like buses, trucks and lorries.

Applicants who fulfill the minimum age requirements can apply for a Learner’s license with the application form and required documents. The test details and policies differs state to state. The applicant must provide all required documents at the concerned state RTO or RTA.

Documents Required for Learner’s License

The applicant must submit the following documents at the concerned RTO or RTA to obtain a Learner’s license.

• Duly filled application forms. Application forms can be obtained from the web portal of state Government’s RTO.
• Age proof
• Address Proof
• Medical Certificate - the application form can be downloaded from the RTO website. This form must be filled by a registered physician.
• Application fees - this varies by State.

Test Procedure for Learner’s License

The Learner’s License can be obtained from the state RTO after submitting all necessary documents along with the application form. The applicants must pass a written tess or an online test on general road rules and road signs. Generally, the Learner’s License is issued on the same day if the applicant passes the test. A permanent license can be applied for within 6 months or after 30 days from the date on which the Learner’s License was issued.

How to Obtain a Permanent Driving License in India?

After obtaining a learner’s license, applicants must pass a driving test to get a permanent license. Each state RTO or RTA will have different testing standards and testing centres. For two wheelers, examiners usually ask the applicant to drive the figure of number 8 on a vacant plot. For four wheelers, the test might be conducted on a busy road to see if the applicant is well versed in road rules and also to check the competence of the applicant.

To obtain a permanent driving license in India, one must already possess a valid Learner’s License.

Documents Required for Permanent Driving License

Given below are some of the documents which might be asked when applying for a permanent driving license. However, the documents required might vary depending on the state.

• Duly filled application form for Permanent Driving License
• Documents of the vehicle to be used for driving tests - registration certificate and insurance documents
• Passport sized photographs
• If the vehicle being used for the test is not owned by the applicant, a letter of consent by the owner might be required.
• Application fees for Permanent Driving License

Validity of Permanent Driving License in India

The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 also specifies the length of validity for three categories of permanent license. They are as given below.

• Transport license is valid for three years.
• Light motor Vehicle license is valid for 20 years until the holder attains the age of 50 or 20 years from the date of issue, whichever comes first.
• Motorcycle license is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder attains the age of 50, whichever comes first.

Renewing a Driving License in India

License duplications, alterations and renewal can be undertaken easily at the respective State RTO, RTA offices at which the original permanent license was issued. All permanent licenses must be renewed within 30 days of expiry and if the license has been expired for a period of more than 5 years previously, the RTO or RTA will insist on another test.

Obtaining a driving license in India is by all means, an easy process when compared to other countries in the world. With RTOs going online to file application and to offer other details, getting a driving license in India should not be a hassle at all.