Driving Licence: Registration, Rules, Eligibility & Download DL/LL

When we talk about the most crucial documents in your wallet, a driving licence always embraces a special place. In India, driving any vehicle is only legal if you have a valid driving licence, vehicle registration, and other documentation. You can obtain these papers from government authorities while visiting their offices. 

Besides, a significant advantage of having a driving license is that it serves as one’s identity. This blog will walk you through the importance of a driving licence in India, including eligibility, documentation, fees, and much more.

Importance of a Driving Licence in India

A driving licence is a formal document provided by the Indian government that allows a person to operate a specific type of vehicle for which they have a driver’s licence. Therefore, it is vital to reactivate the expired licence at least one month before its expiration date, as required by the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. If you have not applied for a driving licence extension and are still driving with an outdated licence, you will be regarded as a punishable offender and fined per the law. 

Benefits of Driving Licence in India

The benefits of a Driving Licence in India are as follows:

• The ability to apply for a driver’s licence from anywhere.
• Obtaining vehicle-related services such as taxation, road taxes, number plate reservation, and more.
• Online booking and modification of driving test time slots.
• Access to the authority’s rules, laws, regulations, and accomplishments over the years.
• You can use your driver’s licence as identity proof in other fields such as banking, insurance, medical care, etc.

Types of Driving Licences in India

Understanding the various types of driving licences will assist you in determining which type of licence you should apply for and the vehicle you will drive in future. 

• Learner’s Licence: The Road Transport Authority provides a learner’s licence before a permanent driving licence. The validity period is up to six months, so you must prove your driving skills within the given time frame.
• Permanent Licence: A learner’s licence holder is eligible for a Permanent Licence after proving their skills during a driving test. This licence doesn’t have limits and is only available for certain vehicles like two vehicles, cars, etc. Moreover, the applicant age should be 18 years old or above. Thus, Permanent Licence holders must follow strict road guidelines and drive responsibly and considerately.
• Commercial Driving Licence: Individuals who want to drive commercial vehicles for their livelihood must obtain a commercial driving license. It includes vehicles such as taxis, auto-rickshaws, trucks and buses. This licence necessitates extensive practical tests and theoretical instruction in commercial driving laws and client service.
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Licence is required for persons who intend to drive in international nations. This is accepted in several countries and acts as a legal document allowing the possessor to drive abroad. However, it will remain valid for one year after it is issued. A valid permanent licence is required to file for an international driving licence.
• Light Motor Vehicle Licence: This driving licence type is applicable to light motor vehicles. For instance,  two vehicles, cars, jeeps, vans and auto-rickshaws. It also refers to the baby steps to getting a Commercial Driving Licence.
• Heavy Motor Vehicle Licence: Individuals who operate heavy vehicles such as trucks, lorries, and buses are required to hold a Heavy Motor Vehicle Licence. These vehicles’ magnitude and possible risks require specific training and rigorous examinations.

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence in India

The table below highlights the basic eligibility criteria for a Driving Licence in India.  

Document Required for Driving Licence

To apply for a driving licence in India, you must submit the following documents as per your transport or non-transport vehicle.

• Age Proof (Birth certificate/ Matriculation school certificate)
• Identity proof (Voter ID/ Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Passport, etc.)
• Address proof (Electricity and Water bill, Ration card, etc)
• Learner’s licence
• Application form 4
• Application form 5 (In case, applying for a commercial driving licence)
• Three recent passport-size photographs
• Car insurance proof
• Medical Certificate 

Fess for Driving Licence and Learner Licence

The table depicts the fees for a Driving Licence in India.

How do You Apply for a Driving Licence (DL) in India?

There are two methods available for applying for a Driving Licence mentioned below: 

• Online 
• Offline

Online

Follow the steps given below to apply for a driving licence online:

Step 1: Visit the official website to apply for a driving licence in India. 

Step 2: According to your preference, select the state. After selecting the particular state, you will redirected to the page. 

Step 3: To apply for a Driving Licence, firstly, you need to apply for a learner’s licence. After getting an approved under learner licence, you are eligible for a driving licence. 

Step 4: Click on the ‘Continue’  button, and a new webpage will open. Fill out the credentials such as Learner’s Licence Number and Date of Birth (DOB). 

Step 5: Select the date and time for the driving licence test. Only after clearing the test you will get a driving licence. If you fail, try the same process again after some time. 

Step 6: Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) on the scheduled date with official documents and Fee Slip. 

Offline

Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO office from your location.

Step 2: Collect the Application form and fill out the required credentials.

Step 3: After filling out the form, attach the required documents as asked and submit them. 

Step 4: Pay the fees and select the driving licence date. 

How to Check the Driving Licence Status?

Step 1: Go to the original website to check the driver’s licence status.

Step 2: Select the ‘Application Status’ option present on the menu bar. 

Step 3: You will redirected to the new page, enter the details such as application number, DOB, and Valid Captcha and submit it. The current status of the application will be displayed on the screen.

How to Apply for Renewal of A Driving Licence?

The driving licence renewal can be carried out in two different ways: online and offline. You can follow the steps mentioned below and select the most convenient method of your choice.

Offline

Every vehicle owner should hold an updated driving licence. Thus, they must renew their driving licence by visiting the nearest RTO. You must follow the steps given below.

• Visit the nearest  RTO office and deposit all the required documents and NOC form (No Objection Certificate) while filling out the application for the Driving Licence renewal. 
• Make sure to provide all the valid information and a recent passport photograph.
• After paying the fees, you can easily book a slot for a driving licence test (in case of a change date, provide a medical certificate).
• Once you clear the online test, your driving licence renewal process will be completed.

Online

For the online method, follow the below-mentioned steps for driving licence renewal. 

Step 1: Go to the official website of parivahan[dot]gov[dot]in 

Step 2: Select the ‘Online Services’ option from the menu bar and then choose the ‘Driver’s Licence Related Services’ option.

Step 3: Choose the state from where you wish to issue your driver’s licence.

Step 4: A new page will appear. Click on the ‘Apply for DL renewal’ option from numerous given services.

Step 5: Further, a new page and all the guidelines will be given to you. Fill out the required details.  

Step 6: Enter the Driving licence number, your DOB and the valid CAPTCHA. 

Press the ‘Proceed’ tab, and you will be redirected to a new page where you will be required to fill out the application form. 

Step 7: Upload all the required documents, along with your recent photograph and signature.

Step 8: Now, complete and confirm the fee process. After this, your application will be displayed on the screen so you can verify the details. You can also download the acknowledgement slip for future reference. 

Dont miss It!

Categories of Driving Licences in India

The table highlights the different categories of Driving licences in India. 

Who Issues a Driving Licence in India?

In India, driver’s licences are issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Any state RTO can grant a driving licence valid throughout India for a particular vehicle type. 

A candidate can apply for a driver’s licence at the RTO in the area where he or she is located. It is critical to obtain a valid driving licence through government-mandated channels because a driving licence is the most crucial document.

To Sum Up

India has grown in every way since liberalisation, whether it’s the people, technology, or economic growth. This has immediately affected the steadily increasing number of motor vehicles on the road. A driving licence is an identification granted by the Indian government that allows people to operate several vehicles on the road. However, without a Driving Licence given by an approved Regional Transport Office (RTO), no one can constitutionally operate a vehicle on Indian roads.

FAQ’s about Driving Licence in India