Driving licence: Features, types, uses, eligibility, and how to apply

For driving a four-wheeler in India, a driving licence is necessary. However, one cannot get a permanent driving licence straight away. You will need to apply for a learner’s licence before that. After about a month, you can apply for a permanent driving licence. Before getting your permanent licence, you will have to undergo a test in front of the RTO authorities; after they find you fit enough, your permanent licence will be produced. 

Features of a driving licence

• It has the photograph of the holder on it. This is what makes it an eligible ID proof.
• It needs to have a unique identification number on it.
• The name of the office from which it was issued is also mentioned.
• The rubber stamp and the issuing officer’s signature are also there.

Types of driver’s licence

• Learner’s licence
• Permanent licence
• Commercial driving licence

Learner’s licence

• The Road Transport Authority issues a learner’s licence that is valid for a period of six months.
• All the learner needs to do is submit the documents and pass a small test.
• During the six months period, the learner needs to polish their skills.
• In case it is required, you can get an extension on the learning licence online application as well. 

Permanent licence

• The RTA issues a permanent driving licence once you pass the driver’s test after the completion of at least one month after the learner’s licence.
• The learner should be 18 years or above.
• The learner can reappear for the test within seven days. 

Commercial driving licence

• This is a special licence issued for drivers of heavy vehicles like trucks and delivery vans.
• The driver should be above 18 years of age and trained in a government training centre or a government-affiliated centre should be educated till the eighth grade, and have valid documents pertaining to the same. 

Uses of a driver’s licence

• If you wish to drive, it is a mandatory document for you. Without it, you could be penalised for travelling on roads in India.
• It also acts as a document of personal verification. It is widely accepted in places where you need to display an ID.

Licence classes

Eligibility criteria

Documents required for DL apply

• Age proof: Birth certificate, PAN card, 10th class mark sheet, transfer certificate from school or any other institute.
• Proof of address: Passport, Aadhar card, LIC bond, voter ID, Ration card
• Current proof: Rental agreement and electricity bill.

Other requirements

• Duly filled out the application form
• Six passport-size photographs
• Application fees
• Rental agreement if you are currently staying in any other city.
• Medical certificate – Form 1S and 1, to be issued by a government-certified doctor. 
• If you are above 40 years of age, a medical certificate is mandatory.

DL application

You can apply via the online as well as the offline method by visiting the RTO office. 

Driving licence online application

For a new driving licence online apply, follow the steps below:

• Visit the official website.
• The home page opens up. 
• Choose the state from where you wish to apply for the licence.

• Click on apply for a driving licence.
• Enter the relevant details. 
• Upload the documents asked for. 
• Pay the application fee required.
• Book a suitable slot to take the test.
• Visit the centre and give the test. If you pass, the licence will be delivered to your home. 

See also: mParivahan App and Parivahan Sewa portal login and online vehicle related services

Offline application

• Collect Form 4 from the RTO office. 
• Fill in the relevant details in the form.
• Produce the relevant documents.
• Book a slot to take the test.
• Give the test at the RTO office.
• If you pass, the licence will be delivered to your home. 

Fees payable for DL application

Checking the driving licence Status

• On the main page of the website, click the Online Services tab
• Select Driving licence Related Services.

• Select the state from where you wish to apply for the test.

• Click on the application status option.
• Enter the required details.
• Click on Submit.

Testing procedure for DL application

• For learning licence apply (be it offline or learning licence online apply), your basic knowledge about traffic rules and signs is tested along with your basic driving skills. You must pass with flying colours for a learning licence online application to become successful.
• For a two-wheeler driving test, the applicant is asked to drive the two-wheeler around in the shape of eight. The use of signals and indicators is tested.
• For the four-wheelers as well, the applicant is asked to drive around in the shape of eight. 

International driving permit

An International Driving Permit is a document that is issued by the Road Transport Authority of India to allow Indians to drive vehicles outside the country. You must carry your IDP along with the passport to avoid any issues hereon in the future. It usually looks like a passport and is issued in various languages as per the applicant’s requirement and the country they are visiting. 

Duplicate licence

A duplicate licence can be issued if you lose your original licence. To avail of the same, you need to visit the RTO office and submit the documents after filling out the form. A licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue. 

Traffic fines

Traffic fines are penalties levied by the transport department on people if they break any traffic rules or regulations. This has been done to prevent road accidents and on-road deaths.

Also read: How to make a traffic challan payment?