A driving license is an official document issued by the Indian government that permits an individual to drive a motor vehicle on Indian highways. This document attests to the person’s eligibility to operate a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, bike, bus, etc., unsupervised. Often abbreviated as DL, a driver’s license certifies that you have completed the necessary courses and exams and are fully conversant with all applicable traffic laws.
The Regional Transport Authority or Regional Transport Office of the state in which you live is responsible for issuing driving licenses in India. A driver’s license provides you with the identify of the vehicle’s owner along with a passport-sized photo and registration number. It must bear the rubber stamp, the officer-in-charge’s signature, and the name of the office from where it was issued.
When learning to drive in India, you must first get a learner’s license before applying for a license.
Why its necessary to apply for Driving License?
For some people, driving is a passion, but for others, it’s one of the greatest ways to travel comfortably and easily. You can go anywhere you want to while you can drive on a road, but you can’t receive your license to thrill unless your driving license is still active. In India, obtaining a driving license is a requirement for everyone who want to ride or drive a motor vehicle. Driving or riding a motor vehicle without a license is prohibited by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
No one is permitted to ride or drive on a road without a valid driver’s license, according to the act’s rules.
Kind of Driving License in India
There are four kind of driving license issued to the people of India.
- Learner’s License
- Commercial Driving License
- Permanent Driving License
- International Driving Permit
How to Apply for Driving License in India?
Go to sarathi.nic.in, the official Sarathi website. Select “New Driving license” after clicking on “Sarathi Services.” Go over the information and get the form. Fill out the form in accordance with the instructions, then submit it. Before submitting the form, make a note of the application number.
You will receive an SMS after submitting your application with the status of your driving license. To schedule your learner’s license exam, select “Appointment for LL test” from the “Online Transaction with Sarathi” option. By clicking “Appointment for LL test,” you may select the day and time of your test.
You will need to bring the necessary documentation, such as evidence of residency and proof of age, to the test.
How to Apply for Driving License Offline in RTO?
- Obtain the application (Form 1 for Learner License and Form 4 for Permanent License), which is the Indian form required to drive a motor vehicle.
The form is available for download from the state transportation website or pick it up from the closest RTO office. - Fill the form and turn it in to the local RTO office together with your proof of address and age. Request a driving license test appointment from the RTO staff and pay the associated costs.
- Arrive at the driving license testing location at the specified time and day. Your driver’s license will be mailed to your registered address after you pass the test.
Driving License Categories in India
In India, the vehicle type you drive determines the type of license you receive. The eligibility requirements, however, could alter based on the vehicle’s class.
Documents Needed in India to Get a Driver’s License
The following list of documents must be submitted with your application for a driver’s license:
- Provide Proof of Address.
- Proof of permanent address.
- House consensus
- LIC policy bond
- Voter ID card
- Food card
- Utility bill issued in the name of the applicant
- Aadhar Card and Passenger Proof of temporary residence
Proof of Age:
- Pan card and birth certificate
- Passport
- SSC certificate
- Birthdate printed on school transfer certificate
Additional paperwork needed to obtain a driver’s license:
- Three passport-sized photos while requesting a learner’s permit
- Three passport-sized photos when requesting a permanent driver’s license
- application costs properly completed application
- A medical certificate is required for applicants who are older than forty.
What is the process for passing the driving license exam?
- In India, you have to pass a test that measures both your driving prowess and your familiarity with traffic laws and regulations in order to get a driving license. After 30 days from the date your learner’s license was issued, you can apply for a permanent driver’s license. Following the expiration of the 30-day learner’s license term, the application must be submitted within 180 days.
- Arrive early—at least one hour early—for the test. Pay the fees at the counter and turn in any necessary documentation. If you made an online appointment, you will need to turn in the test booking slip. There are variations in exam protocols among states. A motor vehicle inspector will be present during the test. The “Forward 8 shaped track test,” “Parallel Parking test,” “Reverse S test,” or “Drive backwards on S-shaped track” are typically required of you.
- When taking a test on a two-wheeler, make sure your feet stay off the ground. When taking a test on a car, use the rearview mirror, provide the correct hand signals, and transfer gears smoothly. Additionally, you will need to take a written exam in which you will be tested on your knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. The written exam will be administered online if you are applying for a driver’s license online.
- Upon passing both exams, you will obtain a receipt that, up until a copy of your driving license is sent to you by expedited mail, will serve as your temporary license.