Driving License
A driving license is an official document issued by the government of India, permitting an individual to drive a vehicle on Indian roads. This document certifies that the individual is eligible to drive or ride motorized vehicles such as a car, truck, bike, bus, etc., without any supervision. Commonly referred to as DL, a driving license specifies that you have undergone the required training and tests and are well-aware of all the traffic rules and regulations.
In India, a driving license is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the state you reside in. A driving licence contains a registration number and a passport size photo that gives you the identity of the owner of the vehicle. It must have a rubber stamp and the signature of the officer-in-charge along with the mention of the office it was issued from. In India, if you are learning to drive, then you should first get a learner's license after which you can get a permanent driving license.
How to Apply for Driving Licence in India?
How to apply for driving license online?
- Fill the form as per the instructions and submit it. Before submitting the form, note down the form application number.
- After submission, you will receive an SMS that will show you the status of your driving license application.
- Schedule your learner’s license test by clicking on ‘Appointment for LL test’ under the Online Transaction with Sarathi’ section.
- The ‘Appointment for LL test’ will let you schedule the time and date of your test.
- At the time of the test, you will have to carry the required documents i.e. the age proof and residence proof.
How to apply for driving license offline in RTO?
Minor’s income is added to parent’s income and taxed in the parent’s file. Parent can claim deduction of upto Rs.1,500/- in minor’s income.
- Get the application form (Form 1 for Learner License and Form 4 for Permanent license) i.e. the form of a motor vehicle driving license in India. You can download the form online from the state transport website or can get it from the nearest RTO office.
- Fill the form and submit it along with your age proof and address proof at the RTO office in your area. Ask the RTO officials to schedule your driving licence test and pay the fees for the same.
- Reach the driving licence test centre on the given date and time. On clearing the test, your driving license will be sent to your registered address.
- If you are taking driving lessons from a driving school, then the school officials can help you procure your license.
Driving License Details
Documents Required for Obtaining Driving Licence in India
Address Proof:
- House agreement
- LIC policy bond
- Voters ID card
- Ration card
- Electricity bill issued in applicant name
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- Temporary address proof (Registered Rental agreement and LPG bill/electricity bill)
Age Proof
- Birth certificate
- Pan card
- Passport
- SSC certificate
- School transfer certificate with date of birth printed on it
Other document requirements for getting a driving licence:
- 3 passport size photographs while applying for a learner's license
- 3 passport size photographs while applying for a permanent driving licence
- Application fees
- Duly filled application form
- For applicants above 40 years, a medical certificate is mandatory
What is the Test Procedure to get a Driving Licence?
- An application for a permanent driving license can be filed after 30 days from the issuance of your learner’s license. The application must be filed within 180 days after the 30-day period of the learner’s license is over.
- Appear early for the test, at least an hour before.
- Submit all the relevant documents and pay the fees at the counter. You will be required to submit the test booking slip if you have booked an appointment online.
- Different states have different test procedures. The test will be conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Inspector.
- Usually, you will have to undergo a ‘Forward 8 shaped track test’, ‘Parallel Parking test’, or ‘Reverse S Test’ or ‘Drive backwards on S-shaped track’.
- For a two-wheeler test, you should ensure that your feet do not touch the ground, while for car test, you should make use of rear-view mirrors, use proper hand signals and shift gears smoothly.
- You will also have to undergo a written test where you will be asked questions related to traffic rules and regulations.
- If you are applying for driving license online, then the written test will be conducted online.
- On passing both the exams, you will be handed over a receipt which will be your driving license for the time being until you don’t receive your driving licence copy by speed post.