How to obtain a driving license in India?
The Government of India has made it mandatory for individuals to acquire a driving licence before you start driving a two-wheeler or four-wheeler, legally within the borders of the country. Motor training is absolutely essential if you have never driven any kind of motorised vehicle before. Therefore, start the process by enrolling yourself in a driving school.
Get a Learner's Licence
There are several local operators or even branded operators such as the Maruti Suzuki Driving School that can help you with driving lessons. Subsequently, motor training schools help you to apply for a learner's licence which is issued to any individual meeting their eligibility requirements and who wishes to develop their driving skills. Before a permanent licence is given, you need to complete your driving test within a month of the issuance of the learner’s licence.
So, what is an Indian Driving Licence?
It is an official document that is issued by the Government of India, allowing individuals to operate or drive a motorised vehicle on any public roads without any kind of supervision. The Regional Transport Authority or the RTA has the power to issue the licence. It is stated in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 that without a valid driving licence, an individual is not authorised to operate any bike or car on any public road.
Know More about the Types of Driving Licences in India
The eligibility criteria of the permanent driving licence vary based on the type of vehicle. Therefore, you should apply for the appropriate type of licence depending on the type of vehicle you intend to drive. Here is a list: -
- Motorcycles with engine capacity of 50 cc or less
- Motorcycles with gear, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) including cars
- Light Motor Vehicle for non-transport purposes
Eligibility/Requirements to obtain a driving licence
The class of the vehicle and the type of driving licence is determined by meeting the outlined eligibility requirements
- The applicant must be at least 16 years old and must have the consent of the parents or the guardian if he is less than 18 years old before applying for a licence for gearless two-wheelers having a capacity of up to 50 cc
- The applicant should be at least 18 years old if the individual wants to apply for a licence to drive motorcycles or a lightweight four-wheeler for non-commercial purpose In addition to the above, the applicant has to submit the following:
- An age proof document that may be shown through a birth certificate, PAN Card, Passport, class 10th mark-sheet or a transfer certificate from any school with the date of birth printed on it
- A permanent address may be proven via submitting copies of either the Passport, Aadhaar Card, self-owned house agreement, electricity bill issued in the applicant’s name, LIC bond, Voter ID card or Ration card
- Current address proof may be provided in the form of a rental agreement and electricity bill or rental agreement and LPG bill
Additional requirements for the application must be met, such as: -
- A duly filled out application form
- 6 passport-sized photographs for the Learner's Licence
- 1 passport-sized photograph for the permanent driving licence
- Application fee
- A medical certificate issued by a certified Government doctor. This is mandatory for applicants above the age of 40 years
Applying for a Driving Licence
A driving licence in India may be applied through an online process via the official Sarathi website of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. An offline application is also available to do so; just submit all the required documentation to the nearest RTO
This will be followed by reserving time in order to appear for the Driving licence test at the RTO. Complete the process by paying the fee in order to take the examination.
The procedure of testing for a driving licence in India
An officer will be present in person during your test and will closely examine your driving abilities. This may be followed by a licence test where you may be asked questions on traffic rules and regulations. Post this, the RTO will declare if you have successfully managed to clear the examination of your four-wheeler driving test.
Remember that your driving licence is also a valid identity proof recognised by the Government of India. Being in possession of this document certifies that you are qualified and authorised to drive anywhere within India.