To drive lawfully in India, you must possess a valid driver’s license (DL). According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a person cannot operate a motor vehicle in a public setting if their driver’s license is invalid. It is a punishable offence.
Kinds of driver’s licenses
There are four different kinds of driver’s licenses available:
- Learner’s License (LL): In order to apply for a commercial or permanent license, you must hold a learner’s license. The applicant and permanent license may be applied for either one month following the LL’s issue or thirty days following its expiration. This is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
- Permanent Driver’s License: This is necessary for private transportation needs, including driving a child to school or another person shopping. This is good for 20 years, or until the applicant becomes 50, whichever comes first.
- A commercial driver’s license is required in order to move products in a medium-, light-, or heavy-duty vehicle (MGV), as well as to transport people in a heavy-passenger motor vehicle (HPMV). The duration of this is three years.
- An international driving permit, which is only good for a year, is necessary in order to drive in foreign countries. After it expires, candidates must reapply since it cannot be renewed.
How to Apply in India for a Driver’s License
There are two methods to apply for DL:
Modes: Online, Offline
How to Register Online for DL
The steps that need to be taken in order to apply online for a DL are listed below:
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- Step 1: Go to parivahan.gov and click.
- Step 2: Choose the “Driving Licence Related Services” option under the online services page.
- Step 3: Decide the State you want to apply from.
- Step 4: Select the option to “Apply for Driving Licence.”
- Step 5: Fill out the application information.
- Step 6: Upload the required papers as scanned copies.
- Step7: Submit the application and pay.
- Step 8: Schedule a time for your driver’s license exam
- Step 9: Show up for the test at the scheduled time.
- Step 10: If the candidate passes the exam, their driver’s license is sent to their home.
Applying for DL Offline: A Guide
The steps involved in applying for a DL offline are as follows:
- Form 4, the application for an Indian driving license, is what you need to obtain. The Form is available for download on the official website of state transportation. As an alternative, you can get Form 4 by going to the closest RTO.
- Complete the application and bring it to the closest RTO together with any supporting documentation, such as proof of address and proof of age.
- Make the application fee payment.
- Schedule a time to take the driving test.
- In the RTO Office, administer the test.
- If you pass the exam, you will receive a driver’s license.
Why Should You Apply Online for a Driver’s License (DL)?
Applying for your DL online is the best option because it is faster and more convenient than doing everything by hand. After correctly completing the form, you can easily download the license application form from the internet and provide it with all the required documentation. After all goes according to plan, you may take the test and get your license.
Crucial things to keep in mind
The following are some essential elements to keep in mind:
- Only personal automobiles may register online with LL; vehicles used for business transportation cannot do so.
- A single application form can be used to apply for LL for many categories of vehicles.
- No matter the type of vehicle, all cars must pass the preliminary test.
Dos and Don’ts
This is all that has to be done:
- After completing the form, be sure there are no mistakes or omissions.
- Make sure you have the original paperwork with you when you take your driving test.
- Keep in mind that a learner’s permit is only good for six months.
You should not perform the following things:
- If you attach false papers to your application, you risk facing legal consequences.
- When applying for a driving license, don’t forget to provide a copy of your learner’s license.
- Never drive or ride without a legal license or the necessary paperwork on you at all times, even when you’re just getting started.
- Never operate a vehicle by yourself if someone else has a permanent driver’s license.
The paperwork needed to apply for a driver’s license
The paperwork needed to apply for a driver’s license is as follows:
To prove your age, choose any of the following:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of school matriculation
- Authenticated passport copy
- Pan Card/Passport
Use any of the following to prove your address:
- Voter ID Card Food Stamp
- A valid passport
- LIC policy bond
- Pay slips from the State or Federal Government
Additional records:
- A license for learners
- Form 4 of the application
- If you’re applying for a commercial driver’s license, use Application Form 5.
- Three passport-sized photos
The following are the necessary documentation for your car that you must provide with your application for a driver’s license:
- Certificate of Registration
- Proof of auto insurance
- Certificate of fitness (for transport vehicles)
- Evidence of tax payments
Fees for DL and LL
You can pay the fee either through SBI challan or online. The DL fees for the different categories of license are given below:
| Licence Issued | Fee |
| Address Change | Rs.200 |
| Learner’s License (LL) Issue | Rs.150 |
| LL Test Fee | Rs.50 |
| Driving Licence Issue | Rs.200 |
| International Driving Permit Issue | Rs.1,000 |
| Driving Licence Rebewal | Rs.200 |
| Driving school licence issue and renewal | Rs.10,000 |
| Fee for appeal against RTO | Rs.500 |
| Issuing driving schools with duplicate licence | Rs.5,000 |