A driving license is necessary if you wish to drive a vehicle in India. Driving without a license is a punishable offense.
Let us look at the process of applying for a new driving license:
How to Apply For A Driving License?
A driver’s license will not be issued without a valid learner’s license. Thus, the first step towards acquiring a drivers license is to get the learner’s license issued, undergo training, pass the learning license online test, and then apply for driving license.
Documents Required For Learning License
- Physical Fitness Declaration [Form 1].
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Medical certificate [Form 1-A].
- Age Proof
- Address Proof
There are a couple of ways in which you can apply for driving license. Let’s take a look at these methods:
Applying For A Driving License Online
The online application of driving license is facilitated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This is a convenient way of applying for the license and you can access the website from anywhere.
- Visit the Parivahan website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Select the Indian state in which you reside
- Navigate to driving license
- Click ‘Apply online’ and select ‘New Driving License’
- A set of instructions on the application process will be displayed. Read these instructions and click ‘Continue’.
- Options like Learner’s License, a Foreign DL, or a Defense License will be displayed. Check the relevant box and proceed
- Now you will be asked for the license number and date of birth
- Click OK after filling these details
- Next, fill your personal details like name, age, and current residential address.
- You need to be ready with the soft copies of documents like address proof, age proof, and identity proof.
- The soft copy of your passport size photograph and signature are also required
To acquire a driving license successfully, you need to pass the driving license test. While applying for the same, you will be asked to visit the RTO and appear for a practical test. It will test your knowledge of driving a vehicle.
- During the application process, select your preferred timing for appearing for the test i.e book the test slot.
- Next, make the necessary payments and submit the application.
- An application number will be generated after you click on submit. Do not forget to note it down as it will be required for future references. Also, you can use this number to track the status of your application.
Applying For Driving License Offline
Some people prefer to apply for a driving license offline. In this method, you need to personally visit the Regional Transport Office and complete the procedure. Refer to the set of documents mentioned below. Visit the nearest RTO with the hard copies of these documents. Each document needs to be self-attested.
Get the driving license application form from the driving license department of the RTO by paying nominal charges. Fill the form duly, attach your recent photographs, sign the application and submit it to the relevant office in charge. After the process is complete, you will be given a temporary license which can be used instead of your permanent driving license. You can expect to receive your driving license via post within a month.
Documents Required For Driving License
The following list of documents need to be submitted when applying for driving license:
- Learner’s License
- License Application [Form 9]
- Proof of address
Anyone of the following document can be submitted as address proof
- Ration card.
- Voter’s identity card [EPIC Card].
- Life insurance policy.
- Utility bills like electricity, telephone bill, gas bill.
- State or Central Government issued payslip.
- Proof of age
Anyone of the following can be submitted as age proof
- Pan Card.
- School matriculation certificate.
- Voter’s identity card [EPIC card].
- Birth certificate.
- Driving school certificate [for transport vehicle]
- Documents related to the vehicle to be used for the exam
- Passport-sized photograph
Remember that you cannot drive alone on a learners license, you have to be accompanied by a permanent license holder until you become one. Always carry a relevant license while driving a vehicle.