Driving Licence
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Holding a valid driving Licence in India is a legal mandate to operate motor vehicles on public roads. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 governs the issuance, renewal, and use of driving Licences.
Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the country are responsible for administering driving Licences. This document signifies your understanding of traffic laws, your driving proficiency, and your commitment to road safety.
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You can access driving license services such as application, download, status check, and slot booking by clicking the above button.
Application Procedure
Feeling unsure about starting your driving license application? Don't worry! Below, we outline clear steps for applying online or offline in India, making the process straightforward:
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In accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, every individual driving a vehicle on public roads in India must possess a valid driving Licence (DL).
Online Procedure
- Step 1: Start by visiting the Sarathi Parivahan' official website at parivahan.gov.in.
- Step 2: Locate the 'Driving License Related Services' option under 'Online Services'.
- Step 3: Choose your state from the available options.
- Step 4: Click on 'Apply for Driving Licence' on Sarathi Parivahan portal to begin the application.
- Step 5: Follow the instructions and click 'Continue' to proceed.
- Step 6: Complete the application form, upload required documents, schedule your test slot, and make the payment.
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Book your driving test slot on the Sarathi Parivahan portal by clicking the "Appointments" menu and following the instructions.
- Step 7: Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) at the appointed date and time for the test.
- Step 8: Upon passing the test, your driving Licence will be sent to your registered address.
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Before applying for a driving licence, ensure you have a learner's licence. If not, apply for one first. You can apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days, but no later than 180 days from receiving your learner's licence.
Offline Procedure
- Step 1: Obtain the application form (Form 1 for Learner Licence and Form 4 for Permanent Licence) from the state transportation website or your local RTO office.
- Step 2: Fill out the form, submit it along with age and address proof documents at the RTO office, pay the fees, and schedule your driving Licence exam.
- Step 3: Attend the driving test as scheduled. Upon passing, your driving Licence will be dispatched to your registered address in 30 days.
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Alternatively, seek assistance from your driving school staff to streamline the process.
Check Driving Licence Status
You can physically go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where you submitted your application and inquire about the status in person. Or you can follow the below steps to check the status online:
- Step 1: Visit the official website: parivahan.gov.in.
- Step 2: Under 'Online Services', select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.
- Step 3: Choose your state.
- Step 4: Click on 'Application Status'.
- Step 5: Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha.
- Step 6: Click 'Submit' to view your application status.
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Additionally, you can check your DL status on the Parivahan portal by entering your Driving Licence Number, Date of Birth, and Verification Code - Click to Check Status.
Download
Did you know you can legally use a digital copy of your driving Licence in India? The below steps will help you learn how to download an official soft copy through authorized government platforms.
Using Parivahan Portal
- Step 1: Go to the official website, parivahan.gov.in.
- Step 2: Navigate to 'Driving Licence Related Services' under 'Online Services'.
- Step 3: Select your state.
- Step 4: Under 'Driving Licence', choose 'Print Driving Licence'.
- Step 5: Provide your date of birth, application number, and captcha.
- Step 6: Click 'Submit' to access and download your driving Licence in PDF format.
Using DigiLocker
- Step 1: Visit the official DigiLocker website at digilocker.gov.in.
- Step 2: Log in using your Aadhaar number, username, or mobile number.
- Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and log in.
- Step 4: Enter the 6-digit security PIN.
- Step 5: Click 'Submit' to access your account.
- Step 6: From the 'Issued Documents' menu, select 'Driving Licence'.
- Step 7: Enter your DL number to download the soft copy in PDF format.
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Before downloading your driving licence from the DigiLocker issued section, you must fetch your licence using your DL number and date of birth on DigiLocker.
Renewal of Driving Licence
The validity of a DL is typically 20 years, extending until the individual reaches 50 years of age. Renewing your driving Licence before its expiry is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain the legal right to drive. Below are the ways you can do the same:
Online Process
- Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website.
- Step 2: Select 'Driving Licence Related Services' under 'Online Services'.
- Step 3: Choose your state.
- Step 4: Click 'Apply for DL Renewal'.
- Step 5: Proceed and provide necessary details like Date of Birth, DL Number, and captcha.
- Step 6: Visit the RTO with required documents for verification.
- Step 7: Upon verification, the renewed DL will be issued within 15 days.
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DL Number can be entered in various formats. For example, if the DL Number is RJ-14/DLC/00/41056, it could be entered as any of the following: RJ14 20000041056, RJ1420000041056, RJ14 /2000/0041056, or RJ-1420000041056.
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If you are over 40 years old or if your driving license includes transport category vehicles, and you're applying for renewal, ensure you have Form 1-A signed by an authorized registered medical practitioner (MBBS doctor).
Offline Process
- Step 1: Collect Form 9, Form 1, and Form 1-A.
- Step 2: Fill the forms with necessary details.
- Step 3: Visit the RTO with required documents for verification.
- Step 4: Submit the forms and documents.
- Step 5: Upon verification, the renewed DL will be issued within 15 days.
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You can download forms related to driving licenses by clicking on the link: Click to get Form related to DL.
Fees
To obtain and maintain a driving Licence, individuals need to fulfil certain requirements and pay prescribed fees. Below is the list for the same:
| Sl. No. | Purpose | Amount (in Rs.) |
| 1 | Issue of learner’s licence in Form 3 for each class of vehicle | Rs. 150.00/- |
| 2 | Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee, as the case may be | Rs. 50.00/- |
| 3 | For test, or repeat test, as the case may be, of competence to drive (for each class of vehicle) | Rs. 300.00/- |
| 4 | Issue of a driving licence | Rs. 200.00/- |
| 5 | Issue of International Driving Permit | Rs. 1000.00/- |
| 6 | Addition of another class of vehicle to driving licence | Rs. 500.00/- |
| 7 | Endorsement or renewal of authorisation for vehicle carrying hazardous goods | Rs. 1000.00/- |
| 8 | Renewal of driving licence | Rs. 200.00/- |
| 9 | Renewal of a driving licence for which application is made after the grace period | Rs. 300.00/- (Additional fee at the rate of Rs. 1000/- for delay of each year or part thereof reckoned from the date of expiry of the grace period shall be levied.) |
| 10 | Issue or renewal of licence to a school or establishment for imparting instructions in driving | Rs. 10000.00/- |
| 11 | Issue of duplicate licence to a school or establishment for imparting instructions in driving | Rs. 5000.00/- |
| 12 | An appeal against the orders of licensing authority referred to in rule 29 | Rs. 500.00/- |
| 13 | Any application for change in address or any other particulars recorded in the driving licence e.g. address etc. | Rs. 200.00/- |
Types of Driving Licences in India
- Learner's Licence (LL): This mandatory first step acts as your permit to learn the ropes of driving under the guidance of a Licensed driver. It's valid for six months, allowing you ample practice time to refine your skills and prepare for the permanent DL test.
- Permanent Driving Licence (DL): This is the official green light to hit the road independently. Permanent DLs come in various categories, each authorizing you to operate specific vehicle types:
- Motorcycle With Gear (MCWG): Permits you to ride motorcycles equipped with gear shifters.
- Light Motor Vehicle - Non-Transport (LMV-NT): This category covers personal vehicles like cars, jeeps, and SUVs.
- Transport Vehicles: Designed for those who plan to drive heavy commercial vehicles like buses and trucks. Requires additional qualifications and a specialized test compared to non-transport categories.
- Commercial Driving Licence (CDL): This Licence is essential for professional drivers who operate heavy commercial vehicles. To qualify, you'll need to undergo specialized training and pass a more rigorous driving test compared to the standard DL process.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP acts as a translation of your existing Indian DL, enabling you to drive in countries that recognize this permit. Keep in mind that IDPs are valid for only one year and cannot be renewed. You'll need to reapply for a new IDP if you wish to drive abroad again after the validity period expires.
Importance
- Legal Mandate: Driving without a valid DL is a serious offense. Traffic police are authorized to pull you over and issue fines / Traffic Challans, which can vary depending on the specific offense. In severe cases, you might even face imprisonment for driving without a Licence.
- Proof of Identity: A DL is a widely accepted form of identification across India. It can be presented for various purposes, such as opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or verifying your identity during travel.
- Insurance Validity: Most vehicle insurance policies require the driver to hold a valid DL that corresponds to the class of vehicle being insured. If you're caught driving without a Licence and get into an accident, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you financially responsible for damages.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a DL in India vary slightly depending on the type of Licence you are applying for:
- Minimum Age: The minimum age requirement is 18 years for both MCWG and LMV-NT categories. If you're aiming for a transport vehicle Licence, you will need to be at least 20 years old.
- Physical and Mental Fitness: You must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle safely. This is typically assessed by a certified medical practitioner, who will issue a medical certificate (Form 1A) if you meet the fitness standards. The medical certificate is mandatory for applicants over 40 years of age, but it's recommended for everyone to ensure they're in good health for driving.
- Pass Written Test on Traffic Rules: This computerized test evaluates your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. A thorough understanding of traffic laws is crucial for safe driving, and passing this written test is a prerequisite for obtaining both a learner's Licence and a permanent DL.
- Pass the Practical Driving Test: The practical driving test assesses your ability to handle a vehicle safely on the road. It typically includes maneuvers like reversing, parallel parking, and navigating intersections. During the test, you will need to show that you follow traffic rules and can control the vehicle well.
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For a driving license application, you'll need proof of address (like a passport or Aadhaar card), proof of identity (such as a PAN card or voter ID), a medical certificate (Form 1A), application forms (Forms 2, 5, 5A), and passport-sized photos.
Helpline
For any assistance, you can contact on:
| Issue Type | Support Email | Phone Number | Service Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration, fitness, tax, permit, fancy numbers, dealer issues | helpdesk-vahan[at]gov[dot]in | +91-120-4925505 | 06:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
| Learner License, Driving License | helpdesk-sarathi[at]gov[dot]in | - | - |
| mParivahan Related | helpdesk-mparivahan[at]gov[dot]in | - | - |
| eChallan Related | helpdesk-echallan[at]gov[dot]in | - | - |