How To Apply For Driving Licence - Check Online/Offline Steps

onMarch 18, 2023

A driving licence is a legal document that certifies a person’s ability to drive a car on public roads. A vital first step towards responsible driving is getting a licence. In addition to granting independence and freedom, a driver’s licence also guarantees their own and other road users’ safety.

In India, obtaining a driving licence is a multi-step process that may be finished both online and offline. In this post, we’ll guide you through the procedure for requesting a driving licence in India.

Step 1: Learn the Traffic Rules and Regulations

It’s important to be familiar with traffic laws and regulations before applying for a driving licence. For the sake of preventing accidents and lowering deaths, it is essential to know traffic laws and regulations. To comprehend the movement of traffic and safely travel the roads, it is also essential to be familiar with the road signs, signals, and markings.

The Central Motor Vehicle Regulations of 1989 and the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 both provide a summary of the laws and rules governing traffic safety. Detailed information on traffic laws, road signs, signals, and markings, as well as the consequences for breaking them, is provided in these publications.

Anyone may learn about traffic laws and regulations through a variety of internet sites. The Sarathi and Vahan websites, which give details on the driver’s licence, registration certificate, and other associated services, have been introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The portals also include online study materials and practise exams to aid people in preparing for the learner’s licence examination.

A number of private organisations and driving schools also provide driving instruction courses that combine classroom instruction with on-the-road training. For those who are new to driving and need help learning the fundamentals, these classes might be beneficial.

Step 2: Apply for a Learner’s License

The next step towards obtaining a driving license in India is to apply for a learner’s license. A learner’s license is a provisional license that allows an individual to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. The learner’s license is valid for a period of six months and can be obtained by individuals who are above the age of 16 years. There are two ways to apply for a learner’s license in India – online and offline. 

To apply for a learner’s license online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Sarathi portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Learner’s License | Parivahan Sewa | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India).
  2. Select your state and click on “Apply Online” under the “New Learners License” tab.
  3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
  4. Upload scanned copies of your identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents.
  5. Book a slot for the learner’s license test.
  6. Pay the application fee online using a debit or credit card.

Once the application is processed, a learner’s license test is conducted, which includes a written test and a driving test. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the applicant’s knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. The driving test assesses the applicant’s driving skills and ability to navigate the roads safely.

To apply for a learner’s license offline, follow these steps:

  • Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your state.
  • Collect the learner’s license application form from the RTO office or download it from the Sarathi portal.
  • Fill in the application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
  • Attach photocopies of your identity proof, address proof, and age-proof documents.
  • Submit the application form and the required documents to the RTO office.
  • Then book a slot for the learner’s license test.
  • After that, pay the application fee at the RTO office.

When the application has been processed, a written and driving exam for a learner’s permit is given. Multiple-choice questions on the written exam gauge the applicant’s familiarity with traffic laws and regulations. The applicant’s ability to drive safely and traverse the roadways is evaluated during the driving test.

Step 3: Practice Driving

Once you have obtained a learner’s license, it is crucial to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. Practice driving in a safe and controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot or a quiet street, before venturing out on the roads.

While driving in practice, it’s crucial to adhere to traffic laws and regulations and pay attention to road signs, signals, and markings. To build experience and confidence, practice driving at various times of the day and in various weather situations.

Guidelines for practising driving:

● Always fasten your seatbelt when driving.

● Keep a safe distance from other cars and stick to the speed limit.

● Use your indicators, pay attention to the signs, and drive inside the designated lanes.

● Avoid any distractions, including using a phone, listening to loud music, and eating while driving.

● Watch out for or Pay attention to other drivers, bikers, and other road users.

Step 4: Apply for a Permanent Driving License

After a person has driven for a sufficient length of time, they may apply for a permanent driving licence. A perpetual driver’s licence is valid for the holder for 20 years or until they turn 50, whichever comes first. A permanent driving licence may be applied for by those who are at least 18 years old and have held a learner’s permit for at least 30 days.

Documents Required for Applying for a Driving License:

When applying for a driving license in India, you need to submit certain documents as proof of your identity, address, and age. The documents required are as follows:

Proof of Identity:

You can submit any one of the following documents as proof of your identity:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Voter ID Card
  • Driving License of another category
  • Any other document issued by the Central or State Government
  • Proof of Address.

You can submit any one of the following documents as proof of your address:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Voter ID Card
  • Ration Card
  • Driving License of another category
  • Any other document issued by the Central or State Government
  • Proof of Age.

You can submit any one of the following documents as proof of your age:

  • Birth Certificate
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • Any other document issued by the Central or State Government

To apply for a permanent driving license online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Sarathi portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Permanent License | Parivahan Sewa | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.)
  2. Select your state and click on “Apply Online” under the “New Driving License” tab.
  3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
  4. Upload scanned copies of your learner’s license, identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents.
  5. Book a slot for the driving test.
  6. Pay the application fee online using a debit or credit card.

After the application is processed, a driving test is conducted, which assesses the applicant’s driving skills and ability to navigate the roads safely.

To apply for a permanent driving license offline, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your state.
  2. Collect the permanent driving license application form from the RTO office or download it from the Sarathi portal.
  3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
  4. Attach photocopies of your learner’s license, identity proof, address proof, and age-proof documents.
  5. Submit the application form and the required documents to the RTO office.
  6. After that, book a slot for the driving test.
  7. Now pay the application fee at the RTO office.

After the application is processed, a driving test is conducted, which assesses the applicant’s driving skills and ability to navigate the roads safely.

Step 5: Renewing The Driving License

A driving license is valid for a period of 20 years or until the age of 50 years, whichever is earlier. After the validity period expires, one needs to renew the driving license. It is important to renew the driving license before its expiry date to avoid any penalties or fines.

To renew your driving license online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Sarathi portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Renewal | Parivahan Sewa | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India)
  2. You will need to completely fill out specific mentioned Forms or form of application for the renewal of your driving license.  
  3. Select your state and click on “Apply Online” under the “Renewal of Driving License” tab.
  4. Fill in the application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
  5. Upload scanned copies of your driving license, identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents.
  6. Pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card.
  7. After the application is processed, the renewed driving license will be sent to the applicant’s address through registered post.

To renew the driving license offline, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your state.
  2. Collect the driving license renewal application form from the RTO office or download it from the Sarathi portal.
  3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
  4. Attach photocopies of your driving license, identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents.
  5. Pay the renewal fee at the RTO office.

After the application is processed, the renewed driving license will be issued to the applicant immediately.

Penalties For Violation Of Traffic Rules

It is important to follow the traffic rules and regulations while driving. Violation of traffic rules can result in penalties or fines. Here are some common traffic violations and the penalties for them:

  • Driving without a license – Rs. 5,000
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol – Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment
  • Over-speeding – Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000
  • Using a mobile phone while driving – Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000
  • Jumping a traffic signal – Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000

Conclusion

Applying for a driving license in India can seem like a daunting task, but by following the steps mentioned above, one can easily obtain a learner’s license and a permanent driving license. It is important to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver and follow the traffic rules and regulations to ensure road safety.

In addition to obtaining a driving license, it is important to maintain the validity of the license by renewing it before its expiry date. One can avoid penalties or fines by renewing the driving license on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Minimum Age to Apply for a Driving License in India?

In India, the minimum age to apply for a driver’s licence is 20 years old for a vehicle without gears and 18 years old for a vehicle with gears.

When requesting a driving licence, the candidate must be at least the aforementioned minimum age and possess a current learner’s permit. Everyone who is at least 16 years old for a motorbike with gear and 18 years old for a motor vehicle without gear is given a learner’s licence.

In India, applicants seeking commercial driving licences (CDLs) must be at least 18 years old for light motor vehicles (LMVs) and 20 years old for heavy motor vehicles (HMV). Along with completing all other qualifying requirements, the candidate must also have finished eighth grade and passed a driving test.

2. What are the Documents Required for Applying for a Learner’s License in India?

To apply for a learner’s permit in India, you must provide proof of age, proof of address, and two passport-sized pictures. Together with the documents mentioned above, candidates must also provide original copies of their Aadhar cards, passports, voter IDs, PAN cards, and degrees. 

The candidate’s application must be accompanied by a consent letter from their parents or legal guardians if they are under the age of 18.

3. Can I Apply for a Driving License Online in India? 

In India, obtaining a learner’s permit is a requirement before applying for a driver’s licence. Following the issuance of a learner’s permit, you must pass the driving test.

All new drivers in India must possess a learner’s permit before being issued a driving licence. It enables the applicant to learn about and practise driving under the supervision of a licenced driver. A learner’s licence is given after passing a written test on traffic rules and regulations.

4. How Long Does it Take to Get a Driving License in India?

Depending on the state and RTO office, getting a driving licence in India might take a variety of times. After passing the driving exam, it typically takes 1-2 weeks. The applicant could occasionally need to make several trips to the RTO office for the driving test, document verification, and biometric verification. This may lengthen the process of obtaining a driver’s licence.

Also, the applicant must wait a set amount of time (often a week) after failing the driving exam before retaking it. This might make acquiring a licence much more difficult.

5. What is the Validity of a Driving License in India? 

A driving licence in India is valid for 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever comes first. Every five years after that, it must be renewed. For commercial permits, which must be renewed every three years, the period of validity is shorter. A learner’s permit usually has a six-month expiration date but can be extended for an additional six months if necessary.

 It is crucial to keep in mind that a driving license’s validity might vary depending on the kind of vehicle and licence category. A licence for a transport vehicle, for instance, may have a shorter term of validity than one for a personal vehicle.

6. Can I Use a Foreign Driving License in India?

Unrestricted use of a foreign driver’s licence is permitted in India. But, it must be changed into an Indian driving licence after a specified amount of time. Depending on the nation of issue, a foreign driver’s licence is only valid in India for a specific amount of time. Typically, it is good for a year beginning on the day of arrival into India.

To convert a foreign driving licence into an Indian driving licence, the applicant must present all necessary documentation, including their passport, visa, original driving licence, and a medical certificate if necessary. They also need to pass a driving test and pay the application fee.

7. How Many Times Can I Apply for a Learner’s License in India?

In India, you are permitted to apply for a learner’s permit an unlimited number of times. On the other hand, you must wait at least 7 days between two consecutive tries. Also, the applicant must pass the exam for a learner’s permit prior to the permit’s expiry. If they fail to do so, they must reapply for a new learner’s permit and go through the entire process.

It is crucial to thoroughly prepare for the exam and confirm that all the necessary paperwork is in place before submitting an application for a learner’s permit. Time might be saved and more tries avoided by doing this.

8. Can I Apply for a Driving License Without a Learner’s License in India?

In India, obtaining a learner’s permit is a requirement before applying for a driver’s licence. Following the issuance of a learner’s permit, you must pass the driving test. All new drivers in India must possess a learner’s permit before being issued a driving licence. It enables the applicant to learn about and practise driving under the supervision of a licenced driver.

A learner’s licence is given after passing a written test on traffic rules and regulations. It is only good for a specific amount of time—typically six months—and can be extended if required. The candidate can submit a driving licence application after completing the necessary practice hours and accumulating enough driving experience.

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