Driving Licence: Online & Offline Application Process
To operate a motor vehicle as an Indian citizen, you must have a valid driver’s licence. A driving licence is a government-issued document that allows a vehicle owner to freely operate his car on Indian roadways. Due to an increase in the number of accidents caused by unlicensed individuals over the years, the Government of India has enacted stringent penalties and punishments for those who drive a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
Furthermore, if you drive a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s licence, you will be unable to seek insurance in the event of an accident. So, to assist you in obtaining a driving licence here is a guide on obtaining a driving licence.
Driving Licence Eligibility in India
| Type of Permanent Driving Licence | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles without gear (with a capacity of up to 50 cc) | The applicant must be at least 16 years old and have parental or guardian agreement if he is under the age of 18. |
| Motorcycles equipped with gear | The applicant must be 18 years old or older. |
| Commercial Heavy Vehicles and Transport Vehicles | The applicant must have finished eighth grade. The applicant must be 18 years old or older (in some states, the minimum age limit is 20 years). |
| General Requirement | The applicant must be familiar with traffic laws and regulations. The applicant must provide legitimate proof of age and proof of address.Driving Licence (DL) Online Application process |
How to Apply for Driving Licence (DL) Online?
To apply for a new Driving Licence, follow the instructions given below:
- Go to Parivahan Sarathi Portal to make a state selection.
- From the dropdown menu, choose the state where you want to apply.
- On your screen, a variety of services will be displayed. Choose “Apply for a Learner’s Licence”
- Complete the application form with the necessary details.
- Upload any required documents, such as proof of identification and proof of address.
- Upload a photo of yourself and your signature.
- Schedule a driver’s licence verification appointment.
- Make the necessary payments.
- Re-check the status of your payment.
- Generate a payment receipt.
How to Apply for Driving Licence (DL) Offline?
- You can also apply for a driver’s licence in person at the RTO office closest to you.
- Following that, you must complete the required documents and submit them with your application form.
- Identity proofs, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship are the paperwork you’ll need.
- After that, you must go to the RTO office to take your online test.
Documents Required for Driving Licence Application Form
Regardless of whether you apply for a driver’s licence in person or online, you’ll need the following documents:
- Age proof, such as (birth certificate, PAN card, school certificate, passport)
- Address proof, such as a utility bill (electricity or water bills, bank passbook, ration card, voter ID card, passport)
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of current residence (electricity bill, bank statement, telephone bill, etc)
- The following forms are available via state RTO centres, or portals:
- Form of application
- Declaration of physical fitness
- 1 passport-sized photos Application
- Driver’s Licence Medical Certificate Form
Driving Licence (DL) & Learner’s Licence (LL) Fee structure
| Type of Issue | Fees (in Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Driver’s Licence | 200 |
| Driver’s Licence Test | 300 |
| Driver’s Licence Renewal | 200 |
| Learner’s Licence Application | 200 |
| Renewal of Learner’s Licence | 200 |
| International Driving Permit | 1000 |
| Issuing Renewed Driver’s Licence | 200 |
| Appeal against RTO Fee | 500 |
Driving Test Procedure
Step 1: The application form CMV 4 can be obtained from the information counter or downloaded from the internet. If you choose to receive it at the counter, you will need to provide three passport-sized photographs.
Step 2: To be qualified for a driver’s licence, you must present the following documents:
- A valid learner’s permit
- All of the necessary paperwork for the vehicle in which you intend to take the driving test. This comprises the
- Registration Certificate, Insurance Certificate, Tax Card, PUCC and, if the vehicle is a transportation vehicle, the Fitness Certificate and any other connected documents.
- If you’re taking the exam in a transport vehicle, you’ll additionally need a certificate in the form CMV 5 from
- your Driving Training School.
- Pollution Under Control Certificate
- Application form that is completely filled out
- Passport-size photos taken recently
- For diesel vehicles, the permissible emission limit has been significantly reduced with the BS6 norms. For diesel vehicles, the limit for NOx is 250mg/km in BS4 norms whereas, with BS6 norms, it has been reduced to 80mg/km.
Step 3: You must travel to the RTO office and pay a cost of Rs. 40 for a DL book in order to take the driving licence test. A fee of Rs. 50 is also required for the Driving Test. The application and supporting materials must be submitted to the RTO. *Revised cost for DL Test in January – 2017 – Rs. 300 OLD Fee for Driving licence Test – Rs. 50
Step 4: After that, the driving test will take place. A few traffic rules will be introduced to you. If you passed the driving test with flying colours, the testing authority will confirm the status of your driver’s licence. If you pass the test, the Asst. R.T.O. will issue an order for the issuance of your driver’s licence. If you’re one of the applicants who passed the test and paid the fees, you’ll be sent to a room with a computer where your photo will be taken. Between 4.30 and 5.30 p.m. the next day, you will obtain your driver’s licence.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Going for a Driving Test
Obtaining a driver’s licence is a significant milestone in most people’s life, and it is one that they anticipate with great joy, anticipation, and even fear. There’s no certainty that you’ll pass your driving test, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of passing.
The following tips will help you pass your DL test easily:
- Be punctual and get to your test centre beforehand so you are not frazzled.
- If feasible, schedule a driving lesson on the day of your exam so you may go over any manoeuvres or get answers to any last-minute queries.
- Check that you have all of the necessary documentation and that your vehicle is properly outfitted and meets the test requirements.
- If you don’t understand something during the examination, be calm and simply ask the examiner to repeat it.
- Panic will cause you to lose attention and make mistakes.
- Make sure you’ve practised on a number of different roadways. If you want to prevent any unpleasant shocks on test day, you’ll need a combination of main and local roads, country lanes, and dual carriageways.