Optional Grouping: Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,  which permits you to drive one or more types of vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, etc. on a public road, and it also serves as a proof of identification.

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

• You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
• Where your driving school from where you have taken your training^{(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} is located.

Please note that you can hold only one DL at a time.^{(( Section 6(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} Your DL will be valid throughout India, i.e you can use your DL to drive in any state in India.^{(( Section 13, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} See here for information on the time periods of validity.

Electronic Driving License 

Now, you can also carry an electronic copy of your Driving License in the DigiLocker or mParivahan app.^{(( Rule 139, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))} The electronic form of Driving License is just as valid as a physical copy. If you drive a motor vehicle without possessing a DL, you can be punished with jail time of up to 3 months and/or a fine of Rs. 5,000.^{(( Section 181, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}

You can get a DL only if:

• You are an adult^{(( Section 4(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} i.e. above 18 years of age.
• You hold a valid Learner’s License,^{(( Rule 14(1)(a), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}which is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued to you.
• You are not disqualified from holding a Driving License.^{(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} 
  

You can obtain a new DL, update your DL, renew your DL and get a duplicate DL. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

Sometimes, you may need to update certain details on your Driving License (DL), after which you will be given a new DL, and your old DL will be taken away. Please note that you do not have to take a driving test to update your DL. To update your Driving License, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 – You can update details like your name, address, etc., so you must understand the procedure for updating any specific detail in your state. The procedures and the documents required vary across states.

Step 2 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, and ask for the relevant application form. For example, in Gujarat,^{(( Department of Port and Transport, Government of Gujarat, http://rtogujarat.gov.in/process_licence.php#link4))} if you want to update your DL, you must make an application in Form L.L.D. with the details of the original DL and you must submit an application made on plain paper.

Step 3 – You should submit the relevant documents. For example, in Gujarat, you must submit  a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original licensing authority.

Step 4 – You should then pay the required fee for updating for DL. For example, in Gujarat, the fee is Rs. 200. This fee varies across states.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here. Read this government resource to know more

You can apply for a new Driving License (DL) in any state where:

• You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
• Where your driving school from where you have taken your training^{(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} is located

You must apply for a DL after 30 days^{(( Rule 15(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}and within 180 days^{(( Section 14(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}(6 months) of the issuance of the Learner’s License. Please note that you need either a learner’s license or a Driving Certificate from a driving school that has been accredited by a body notified by the Central Government .

Procedure for Applying In-Person ^{(( IndiaGov Archive, Obtain Driving License, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/howdoi.php?service=6))}

Step 1 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state

Step 2 – You should fill and submit the application form

Step 3 – You should submit the following.

• A valid learner’s licence issued by a the RTO, if any (original and a self-attested copy)
• 3 recent Passport size photographs^{(( Rule 14(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Proof of identification (original and a self-attested copy)
• Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
• The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – You should take the driving test, on the scheduled date, as conducted by the RTO/RTA,^{(( Rule 15(2), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))} which will certify your ability to safely drive and handle a motor vehicle.^{(( Section 9(3), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} However, you don’t have to take a driving test if you already hold a driving license, and the time between the expiry of that license and your application for a new license does not exceed 5 years.^{(( Section 9(3) (a)(i), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}

Step 5 – After passing the test, you should submit your passport sized photographs, or get a photograph clicked, and submit your finger impressions.

Step 6 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 7 – You can then collect your DL. Sometimes, the RTO/RTA may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO/RTA for the details on this step.

Online Procedure^{(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov10/newDLDet.do))}

Step 1 –  You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Driving License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill in the application form.

Step 3 –  You should upload the documents, which are the same as the ones mentioned above, and the fee,  and submit the application.

Step 4 – You should take a print-out of the filled application, along with the reference number, and submit it at the relevant RTO/RTA.

Step 5 –  You should take the driving test on the scheduled date,  as conducted by the RTO/RTA. The details of the test are given above.

Step 6 – After passing the test, you should submit your photographs and finger impressions.

Step 7 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 8 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this Delhi government resource to know more on driving licenses.

A Driving License (DL) is valid for a limited time period, based on which you have to renew it. Given below are the time limits for validity of a Driving License (DL), with respect to its issue or renewal:

• If you have not turned 30 years old, it will be effective till you turn 40 years old
• If you are between the ages of 30 and 50, it will be effective for 10 more years
• If you are between the ages of 50 and 55 , it will be effective for until you turn 60 years old
• If you are 55 years old or above, it will be effective for 5 more years

However, this varies across states. For example, in Delhi, a DL is valid for 20 years, or until you attain 50 years of age, whichever is earlier.^{(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Frequently Asked Questions, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/frequently-asked-questions))}

You must renew your DL 1 month^{(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal))} before this period has passed, if you wish to keep driving. You may do so in any state, through any appropriate authority.^{(( Section 15, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}  In some states like Delhi, you must do so within 1 year of the expiry of your DL, otherwise you will have to take a driving test.^{(( Section 15(4), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}  If the application is late for more than five years after the date of expiry of the licence, the applicant should undergo all the formalities to obtain a fresh licence.^{(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal))}

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

• You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
• Where your driving school from where you have taken your training^{(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} is located

Follow the steps given below to renew your DL:

Step 1 – You should visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state and fill in and submit the application form

Step 2 – You should submit the following^{(( Rule 18(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}

• 3 recent Passport size photographs.
• Driving License (original and a self-attested copy)
• Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.  Alternatively, you must submit a medical certificate, which you can download here, if you are over 40 years of age.^{(( Section 15(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}
• The prescribed fee. This varies across states.
• Any additional documents that might be required, according to the state you live in.

Step 3 – You can then collect your renewed DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

You need to get a Learner’s License before you can apply for a Driving License. Given below is the online and in-person procedure for obtaining a Learner’s License:

Procedure for Applying In-Person

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should go to the RTO/RTA Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state.

Step 2 – You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the required documents.

• Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• 3 recent Passport-sized photographs^{(( Rule 10, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
• The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – Thereafter, you should take and pass a preliminary learner’s test,^{(( Rule 11, Central Motor Vehicles Rules))} which will test how well acquainted you are with traffic procedures, familiarity with the vehicle, etc. ^{(( Rule 11(2)(d), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))} For example, in Delhi, this is the syllabus of the test.

Step 5 – You must undergo a medical examination, where colour-blindness and movement of limbs will be examined.

Step 6 – If you pass your tests, you can collect your Learner’s License once it is ready. Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

Step 7 – You can also check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Online Procedure

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Learner’s License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill out the application form.

Step 3 –You should upload the relevant documents, given above.

Step 4 – You should submit the application.

Step 5 – You should take a print-out of the application along with the reference number and submit it at the relevant RTO.^{(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov2/sarathiHomePublic.do))}

Step 6 – You should take and pass the learner’s test. The details are given above in Step 4 of the offline procedure.

Step 7 – You should undergo a medical examination. The details are given above in Step 5 of the offline procedure.

Step 8 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 9 –  You can collect your Learner’s License.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

If you have lost or damaged your Driving License (DL), you can apply for a duplicate DL, in which case you will be given a new DL.

Follow the steps given below for a duplicate DL:

Step 1 – You should inform the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, from where you obtained the original DL, that you have lost/damaged your DL, and apply in writing for the issuance of a duplicate DL.

Step 2-  You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the following:^{(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Duplicate Driving License, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/duplicate-driving-licence))}

• FIR of the lost DL
• Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
• Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)^{(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.
• Any additional documents that might be required, according to your state.

Step 4 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you are unable to obtain a duplicate license or your state does not allow it, you can apply for a new one, but you will have to demonstrate that you tried to get a duplicate license, and that it wasn’t possible for you to get it.^{(( Section 9(7), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

A Learner’s License^{(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Learner License, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/learner-licence))} is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months, which legally allows you to practice driving on Indian roads, as long as you are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Driving License.^{(( Rule 3(b), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))} Please note that you must be 18 years old before you apply for a DL for a vehicle other than a transport vehicle, so you need to get your Learner’s License renewed or get a new one, depending on the regulations of your state, if you get your Learner’s License before you turn 18 years of age. For example, in some states you can get your learners license after the age of 16 years to drive a motorbike of 50 cc with the permission of your parents or guardian.

You can apply for a DL in any state where you either live or ordinarily conduct business, or where a school of driving is located from where you have taken your training.^{(( Section 8(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} The DL is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,.

Criteria for Grant of Learner’s License

Any person can be granted a Learner’s License, if you meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 16 years of age^{(( Section 4(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}
• Your parents/guardians have given consent, in case you want to drive a motorcycle without gear^{(( Section 72, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; Rule 12, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• You are not disqualified from holding^{(( Section 8(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} a Driving License

Precautions to be taken while Driving with a Learner’s License

You should take the following precautions while driving a motor vehicle with a learner’s permit:

• You are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Driving License who will be able to control or stop the vehicle, if necessary^{(( Rule 3(b), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• The letter “L” is painted, in the front and the rear of the vehicle, or a sign is affixed with the letter “L”. The painting should be at least 18 centimeters square, and the letter “L” should be at least 10 centimeters high, 2 centimeters thick and 9 centimeters wide at the bottom.^{(( Rule 3, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}
• You are not carrying any passengers with you, if you are on a motorcycle, except your instructor.^{(( Rule 3, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}

Penalty for Underage Driving

There is a strict penalty in place for those who allow minor persons to drive their motor vehicles without following the provisions mentioned above. Further, the juvenile will be punished under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, in addition to the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.^{(( Section 199A(6), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}

You can get a new Learner’s License, get it renewed or get a duplicate. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

As a Learner’s License is valid only for 6 months, you need to get it renewed or get a new one once that period has passed.

You can renew your Learner’s License, which is valid for 6 months, or obtain a new one after the date of its expiry, depending on the rules of your state. This procedure varies across states, so you should check the rules specific to your state. For example, in Haryana, you can renew your Learner’s License only once.^{(( IndiaGov Archive, Obtain Driving License: Haryana, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/service_detail.php?formid=151&service=6))}

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

If you have lost or damaged your Learner’s License, you can get a duplicate Learner’s License with your application number and date of birth. Follow the steps given below to get a print-out of your Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and select the State. This will redirect you to a page that will ask you for your application number and date of birth.

Step 2 – You should fill in the required details.

Step 3 – You can then print your Learner’s License.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more