Getting your driver’s license is the first step to start legally driving your car. We have already gone through the types of driving licenses in India to give you an idea of the different driving licenses available in the country. In this article, we provide a detailed guide of how to apply for a driving license as well as the driving test you are required to pass before getting your license.
How to Apply for a Driver’s License in India?
Just learning how to drive doesn’t make you road legal. You have to have a license if you want to drive. This is very important as driving involves many critical aspects like road rules, understanding of signs and symbols and the most important, safety of oneself and other drivers.
So, now that you know how to drive let us guide you through the process of applying for a license.
Step One – Apply for a Learning License
A permanent driving license isn’t given directly, you get a learner’s license first. This is done to give you time to brush up on your driving skills and road knowledge. To get a learner’s license you should be 18* years of age or older, should be literate and physically fit. To apply for a Learner’s License visit this portal https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
*For driving a non geared motorcycle up to 50cc the age requirement is 16 years and the applicant should have their parents’ consent.
On the portal you will have to:
- Select your state
- Select the learning license option
- Fill in the form
- Upload the documents that are required
- Pay the fees
- Verify the payment status
- Get a printout of the receipt
- Book a learning license test slot
- Clear the written test
- Get your Learning License
Refer to the video to get a full understanding of how to apply for your Learner’s License.
One thing to note here is that you have to pay special attention while choosing the Class Of Vehicle (COV). One can choose multiple COVs based on their use. Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and Motorcycle with gear (MCWG) are the most commonly used.
You’ll have to score a minimum of 60% on your written test to secure a Learning License, which is given immediately. In case you don’t, you can reapply for the test.
Once you get your Learner’s License you can drive a vehicle with a red ‘L’ sticker pasted on the front and the rear of the vehicle. You cannot take passengers with you, only the person who is teaching you driving may accompany you and the same applies on a two wheeler as well.
Step Two – Apply for a Permanent Driving License
The Learning License is valid for a period of 6 months pan India from the date of issue. During this period you can brush up your driving skills or apply for a permanent driving license after a month.
To apply for a driving license the below given procedure applies.
- Go to the portal
- Select your state
- Select the Driving License option
- Fill in the application
- Upload the documents
- Book a slot for driving test
- Pay the fees
- Verify the payment status
- Get a printout of the receipt
- Clear the driving test
- Receive your Permanent Driving license via speed post
If you fail your driving test, you can apply again after a period of seven days.
You can apply for a Commercial Driving license once you have a permanent driving license. The criteria for a Commercial Driving License is different from that of a permanent driving license. The applicant has to be at least 18 to 20 years of age, be an 8th class pass out and have a certificate that shows they have learnt driving from a government certified driving school. Since driving transport vehicles requires a lot of skill, these licenses are renewed every 3 years. Wherein the applicant goes through the whole process again.
Which Driver’s License to Apply?
There are 4 types of driving licenses in India:
- Learning License
- Permanent Driving License
- Commercial Driving License
- International Driving Permit
Learning License: You cannot apply for a permanent or a commercial license directly. In both the cases you will have to apply for a learner’s license. This is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and you can either apply for a permanent license 30 days after the validity expires or after a month of its issuance.
Permanent Driving License: Apply for this license if you want to drive for personal purposes like taking kids to school, going for a ride, shopping, etc.
Please note that you can ferry passengers in your vehicle with your permanent driving license. However, the vehicle should have a commercial number plate. The permanent driving license is the most commonly used license as it caters to a variety of needs. It is valid for a period of 20 years or till the age of 50 years, whichever is earlier.
Commercial Driving License: Apply for this license if you want to transport goods or a large number of passengers. A commercial license which gives you the liberty to transport goods via a Light Goods Vehicle (LGV), Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) or a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) or ferry passengers via a Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle(HPMV). This license is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.
International Driving Permit: If you want to drive in foreign lands or abroad apply for this permit. The International Driving Permit allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign land. This document is printed in many languages for the authorities to understand that you can drive in their land. The permit is valid for one year, it cannot be renewed, one has to reapply to get it again.
Documents required for a Driver’s License
Address Proof (Any one) | Permanent * 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 (Any one) | * Birth Certificate * Pan Card * Passport * SSC Certificate * School transfer certificate with date of birth printed on it. |
Other Documents | * 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. |
Note: Keep originals and copies of the documents when applying for a Learning or a Permanent Driving License. When applying for a permanent license keep your original Learner’s License handy.
Driving Test Procedure
The driving test has two parts written and practical. The written test is taken when you apply for a Learner’s License and the practical driving test is taken when you apply for a Permanent Driving License.
The written test consists of multiple choice questions that will test your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. You need to score at least 60% to pass the test.
The practical driving test on the other hand needs to be completed in full tests are as follows:
- Ability to Parallel Park: This task tests your parallel parking skills. Park your car in reverse alongside a curb in a marked parking space.
- Ability to drive forward on an ‘8’ shaped track: This task tests your ability to handle multiple corners and curves. You’ll have to drive forward on an 8 shaped track, without stopping or straying from the route marked in yellow arrows..
- Ability to drive forward on a road that has an upward gradient: In other words driving up a slope. Here your braking skills will be put to the test, you should be able to stop and go on the slope without any backward movement.
- Ability to drive backward on an ‘S’ shaped road: This test will check how well you can drive via your mirrors. In short your coordination with the vehicle you are driving will be put to the test. You cannot look outside and will have to rely on your rear and side view mirrors completely.
However, the Union Transport Ministry has introduced an easier way of getting a driver’s license – without giving a DL test at the RTO. This is possible through Accredited Driving Training Centers, these centers will make license procurement easier and faster for citizens, furthermore these centers will not only teach the art of driving but also test the candidate. By passing the test at these centers and getting their pass certificate, the candidate won’t have to appear for an RTO driving test and will be eligible for a permanent driving license.
The driving test for a two-wheeler is a bit different. Let’s take a look.
There is only one skill test for a two wheeler and that is driving through a serpentine track without stopping or putting your feet on the ground.
How to apply for Duplicate Driver’s License
If your driving license gets lost or stolen you can apply for a duplicate driving license. Given below is the process of applying for a duplicate driving license.
- Go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do and select your state
- Select the duplicate driving license option
- Fill the form
- Upload the documents
- Pay the fee
- Verify the payment status
- Get the receipt
- Your Duplicate Driving License will reach your home via speed post
You don’t have to appear for a driving test in case of a duplicate driving license.
Summary
A driver’s license is one of the most significant milestones for every new driver. It gives you the license to drive on Indian roads and enjoy the freedom of the road at your pace. The process to get a driver’s license in India is simple, involving getting a learner’s license first before becoming eligible for a permanent driving license. Once you pass your driving test at the RTO or a registered driving school, you will receive your driving license and become road legal.
FAQs about How to Apply for a Driver’s License in India – Everything you need to know
How can I apply for a Driving License?
To apply for a driving license test, you will first have to acquire a Learner Driver’s License. You can apply for this on the Sarathi portal. Once you have learnt how to drive, you can apply for a permanent Driver’s License on the Sarathi portal. You will be required to complete a driving test to test your driving ability and to confirm your driver’s license.
Q. Can I apply for a driving license offline?
A. Yes, of course. You can apply for any license offline as well if you don’t mind the queues. The process is the same as online. You will have to visit your local RTO, fill in the form, produce hard copies of documents, pay the fees, attend the test and receive your learner license or receipt in case of permanent driving license.
Q. What test is there for a Commercial Driving License?
A. There is only one test for the commercial driver license and that is going forward and reverse on a track. The vehicle should not touch the line under any circumstances. This is done as the driver has already learned his skills from a government certified motor training school which in itself certifies the driver’s ability.
Q. Is there any test for an International Driving Permit?
A. No. Your Permanent Driving License is proof enough to show that you are skilled in driving. An International Driving Permit conveys this to the authorities in foreign land.
Q. What are the fees for applying for a License?
- Learner’s license – ₹200
- Learner’s license renewal – ₹200
- International driver’s license – ₹1,000
- Driving License Fees – ₹200
- Driver’s License Test – ₹300
- Driver’s License renewal – ₹200
How many types of Driver's License are there in India?
There are 4 types of driver’s license in India:
- Learning License
- Permanent Driving License
- Commercial Driving License
- International Driving Permit
How many days after the driving test will I get the Driver's License?
Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your Driver’s License within seven working days.
What is the age limit for Driver's License in India?
The minimum age limit for Driver’s License in India is 18 years. However, an individual can apply for a Learner Driving License at the age of 16 years.
