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Driving License

Check out all driving license information in India, how to check and apply for a driving license, get a renewal, online form, and other details at IndianAuto.

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I. What is a driving license?           

A driving license is an official document (usually, in plastic and measures a credit card’s size) which allows a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles like truck, bus, car or motorcycles on the road.

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II. What are the different types of driving licenses in India?

There are four types of driving licenses in India. These are listed below.

1. Learner’s license

Before getting a permanent driving license, you are issued a learner’s license. The validity of this type of license is 6 months. You need to improve your driving skills and should be accompanied by a mature driver within this period of time.

2. Permanent license

When the 6-month waiting period is over, you will be issued a permanent driving license by the local RTO office. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and he/she should pass the driving test. The permanent license is issued for private vehicles like motorbikes and cars and proves that the authority RTO is assured of the applicant’s driving skills.

3. Commercial driving license

This type of driving license is issued for the drivers of heavy vehicles which are utilized to transport goods or passengers. To own a commercial driving license requires a higher level of skills since these drivers are responsible for not only their safety but also that of others.

4. International driving permit

A person who wants to drive a vehicle in a foreign country needs to own an international driving license. You need to own a permanent driving license at first; however, this type of license is only valid for one year. When it has expired, the applicant needs to apply again.

III. What are driving license categories in India?

Refer to the table below for a detailed representation of driving license categories and vehicle class in India.

Licence Class

Vehicle Type

MC 50cc

Vehicles which have a maximum engine capacity of 50cc

LMV-NT

Vehicles that fall under the Light Motor Vehicle Category and are non-transport vehicles

FVG

Vehicles that do not have gears (mopeds and scooters).

MC EX50CC

Vehicles that have gears and an engine capacity of at least 50cc

MCWG

Vehicles that have or do not have gears

HGMV

Vehicles that are used for goods transport

HPMV

Vehicles that are used for passengers transport and have an All India Permit

IV. What are the eligibility criteria for taking a driving test in India?

The eligibility criteria for taking a driving test in India vary, depending on the vehicle class and driving license you want to apply for.

Types of Permanent Driving Licence

Eligibility Criteria

Motorcycles without gear (with a maximum capacity of 50 cc)

The minimum age of the applicant must be 16 years old. If he/she is under the age of 18, he/she must have the permission from the parents or guardians.

Motorcycles with gear

The minimum age of the applicant must be 18 years old.

Transport Vehicles and Commercial Heavy Vehicles

The minimum age of the applicant must be 18 years old and he/she has to pass the 8th-standard test.

V. What are the documents required for obtaining a driving license in India?

You need to prepare the following documents for obtaining a driving license in India.

  • Age Proof (Birth Certificate, Passport, Transfer certificate, Passport and PAN Card)

  • Permanent Proof of address (Passport, Self-owned house agreement, electricity bill, etc.)

  • Current Proof of address (Electricity bill and rental agreement, LPG bill and rental agreement)

  • Application Form

  • 7 passport-sized photographs

  • Application fees

  • Medical Certificate

VI. How to apply for a driving license in India?

1. How to apply for a driving license online?

  • Visit your state’s Sarathi website and download the DL application form;

  • Fill in the form and then Submit;

  • For the minor applicants, print out the form, fill in Part D, and have it signed by the guardian/parent at the nearest RTO;

  • Upload all the other required documents;

  • After the submission has been completed, a Web Application Number will be generated to track the application status;

  • A notification will be sent via SMS after the application has been processed.

2. How to apply for a driving license offline at RTO?

  • You can apply for a permanent driving license between 3 months and 6 months from the day when the Learner’s license is issued. Below is the procedure to apply for a driving license offline at RTO.

  • Fill in the Form 4 application and prepare all the other required documents to submit them at the local RTO;

  • You will be scheduled a slot for the driving test and need to pay a small fee on taking the test;

  • If you pass the test, you will be either awarded with the license on the spot or get it by post;

  • If you are taking the test in a driving school, you will be supported in the application process by the operators.

Above is a detailed representation of the definition, types, eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process of driving license in India. If you are interested in this topic, do not hesitate to visit IndianAuto.

VII. FAQs

1. If I obtain a driving license in New Delhi, will it be valid all over India?

Yes. A driving license issued at any RTO in India can be used all over India.

2. Should I prepare a medical certificate when I apply for a driving license in India?

If you are below 50 years of age and are applying for a non-transport license, you are not required to submit a medical license. However, car owners who are over 50 years old or applying for a transport license must prepare a medical certificate.

3. What to do if I fail the driving license test?

If you fail the test, you can apply to retake the test after 7 days.

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