A driving licence is an essential document for a citizen as it authorises them to be able to drive vehicles in the country. Driving without a driving licence is against the driving rules in India and invites penalty, in some cases even imprisonment. Therefore you should ensure that you get a driving licence made for yourself and your family members before hitting the roads.

Earlier, an application had to be made to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in an online mode or an offline mode and then a person had to visit the RTO to take their driving test. However, new driving licence rules 2024 say that you do not have to visit the RTO to take your driving licence test.

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What Do The New Driving License Rules 2024 Say?

The new driving licence rules 2024 say that an applicant no longer needs to visit the RTO to take their driving test and get a driving licence. The rule has been changed and now you can take your driving test with the help of private driving schools.

You can visit a private driving school and give your test to them. The test report received from them by the RTO will help you get your driving licence. Now, you no longer have to stand in queues and wait to take your driving test. You can give it to any driving school facility in your area or city.

What Are The Different Types Of Driving Licences In India?

There are four types of driving licences in India:

• Learner's Licence: This licence is given to people above 16. It indicates that the said person is currently learning to drive. It is valid for 6 months and after that, a person needs to obtain a permanent driving licence.

• Permanent Driving Licence: This allows the applicant to hold a specific category of vehicle as applied by them. This authorises them to drive that vehicle.

• Commercial Driving Licence: This type of licence is issued to individuals who drive commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, or taxis.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): This type of licence is issued to those Indian licence holders who wish to drive in foreign countries.

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What Is The Eligibility Criteria To Get A Driving Licence?

The eligibility criteria vary for different vehicles and their sizes. The criteria for a driving licence are given below:

Types of Vehicles allowed

Criteria

Vehicles without gears with engine capacity up to 50cc

16 years of age and parental consent.

Vehicles with gears

18 years of age. Must be aware of the traffic rules and regulations.

Commercial vehicles

20 years of age (18 years of age in some states)Should have completed formal education till 8th grade. Should be trained from a government or government-affiliated training centre.

Which Documents Are Required To Apply For A Driving Licence In India?

To make an application for a driving licence, some documents are required to verify the identity and issue the licence. The list of these documents is given below:

• Age proof: Birth certificate, School leaving certificate, Passport, PAN card, etc.

• Identity proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, etc.

• Address proof: House agreement, Electricity bill, Aadhaar card, Ration card, Passport, etc.

• 3 passport size photographs while applying for a learner's licence

• 3 passport size photographs while applying for a permanent driving licence

• Application fees

• Duly filled application form

• A medical certificate is compulsory for applicants of and above 40 years of age.

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How To Apply For A Driving Licence In India?

The application procedure for a driving licence in India can be completed in an online as well as offline mode. Follow the steps given below:

Online Mode

• Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en to start your application procedure.

• Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’.

• Select the state.

• Click on ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.

• Click on ‘Continue’.

• Next, you will need to fill in the application, upload the documents, book a slot to take the test and pay the fee.

• Visit the nearest private driving school or RTO office for a driving test.

• Once you have passed the test, the licence will be sent to the registered address.

Offline Mode

• Get the Indian driving licence form (Form 1 for Learner Licence and Form 4 for Permanent License) form from your RTO website.

• Fill out the form and deliver it to the RTO office in your area along with proof of age and address documents.

• Visit the nearest private driving school or RTO office for a driving test.

• If you pass the exam, your driving licence will be sent to your address.

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How To Check The Status Of Driving Licence?

You can check the application status of your driving licence by following the process given below:

• Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en to check your application status.

• Click on 'Driving Licence Related Services’' The option can be found under ‘Online Services’.

• Select the state.

• Click on ‘Application Status’.

• Enter the application number, date of birth, and captcha.

• Click on ‘Submit’, The status of the application will be displayed.

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Conclusion

If you have not gotten your driving licence yet, you must follow the rules and apply for it using the steps given above. Driving without a licence can make you liable under the Motor Vehicles Act and you can incur a fine of up to Rs. 25,000. So save yourself from getting fined and get your driving licence now!

For more information, queries or grievances, drop a mail at helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in or dial +91-120-4925505 to reach out to concerned RTO authorities.

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