To drive two-wheeler or four-wheeler legally on the roads, an Indian driving licence is mandatory. However, a permanent driving license cannot be received right away. There is a separate process for it.

• Age Limit For Drivers License In Texas
• Florida Dmv

The minimum age may vary depending on vehicle type. This list refers to the minimum driving age for a motor vehicle with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kg and designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver (not including a trailer).

An individual who wants to drive any type of motor vehicle in India has to get his/her learner's license first. A learner’s license is issued for learning. After a month of the issued learner’s license, the person has to appear for the test in front of an RTO authority, who upon proper examination, will declare if he/she has passed the exam or not.

Brief on Driving Licence India

A driving licence is basically an official document issued by the Government of India, permitting individuals to operate or drive a motorised vehicle such as a car, motorbike, truck, bus, etc., on a public road, without any supervision. In India, a driving licence is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or Regional Transport Office (RTO) of that particular state. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 states that no individual without the Driving licence is authorized to drive a motor vehicle in a public place.

Hence, if you wish to drive a motor vehicle like car or scooter on roads, you must first hold a valid driving licence in India. If you are practising to drive a vehicle, you must first get a Learners licence which will act as a provisional licence and then must take a test to qualify for getting a Driving licence. With the advent of online facilities that allow users to apply for a Driving licence from the comfort of their homes, getting a driving licence has become an easy task.

Types of DL in India

Depending on the type of vehicle a person uses, he or she can get a license for it. However, the eligibility requirements for every vehicle type will vary. The list of categories for which the driving license can be applied for are as follows:

Eligibility for Driving licence in India

The eligibility for driving licence in India depends on the class of vehicle and the type of driving licence. The eligibility criteria for different permanent Driving licence types in India are given below.

Document Required for Driving licence

To ensure that there is no delay in the application process, the documents that are to be submitted have to be valid and correct. The list of documents required for driving licence are:

• Age Proof (any one of the below given documents)
1. Birth Certificate
2. PAN Card
3. Passport
4. 10th Class mark sheet
5. Transfer certificate from any school for any class with date of birth printed on it.
• Proof of Address required for DL:
  • Permanent Proof of address (any one from the following):
    • Passport
    • Self-owned house agreement
    • Electricity bill (issued in applicants name)
    • LIC bond
    • Voters ID Card
    • Ration card
  • Current Proof of address (any one from the following):
    • Rental agreement and electricity bill
    • Rental agreement and LPG bill
• Other Requirements for Driving Licence:
  • Duly filled application form (to get the application form for driving licence, visit the nearest RTO or download it from the online portal for your state)
  • 6 passport sized photographs (when applying for Learners Licence)
  • 1 passport sized photograph (when applying for driving licence)
  • Application Fees
  • If you are staying in other cities, as current address proof, you can present the rental agreement with one recent utility bill copy which can be gas bill or electric bill.
  • Medical Certificate - Form 1 A and 1 which is to be issued by a certified Government doctor
  • For all applicants over the age of 40 years, a Medical certificate is mandatory.

How To Apply For Driving Licence Online?

Applying for a driving licence online is a simple process and involves only a few steps. Go to the official Sarathi website of the Road Transport & Highways Ministry. From the column named “Sarathi Services,” select “New Driving Licence.” You will be redirected to a new web page, which will have all the details about it. Read through the instructions. Download the form and fill all the required information.

Process To Fill The Driving Licence Application Form Online

The process for filling out an online application for a Learner’s Licence or Driving Licence is as follows:

• Visit the Sarathi website and download the driving licence application form.
• Fill in the form as per the instructions provided on the screen and click on ‘Submit’.
• In the case of minor applicants, the form is to be printed out and Part D is to be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian at the nearest RTO.
• Upload the documents to be submitted along with the application form (proof of age, proof of address, learner’s licence number).
• A Web Application Number will be generated after submission, which can be used to track the status of the application.
• Once the application has been processed, a notification will be sent via SMS.

How to Apply for a Driving licence in RTO or Offline in India?

The procedure to apply for a Driving licence in India is very simple and straightforward. The steps given below will help you understand how to apply for a Driving licence offline.

• The applicant has to obtain a Form 4 which is the application form for motor vehicle driving licence in india. The Form can be downloaded from the state transport website. Alternatively, the customer can also visit the nearest RTO to procure Form 4.
• Completely fill the application form and submit it with other documents like age proof and address proof at the RTO in the jurisdiction in which you live. Also, schedule a slot for Driving licence test at the RTO and pay the fee for taking the test.
• Be present at your Driving licence test center on the specified time and date. Once you clear the test, your driving licence will be awarded on the spot or will be sent to your registered address.
• Also, if you are taking driving lesson from a Driving school, the school will help you apply for a driving licence.

Format of Driving Licence in India:

The driving licence in India has a format. Let us understand this particular format by using an appropriate example:

Let us say that you stay in Bangalore and the vehicle you own has the licence plate number KA-01-2009-0004558 (reference use only).

Age Limit For Drivers License In Texas

• The first two characters KA indicate the state where the vehicle is registered. In this example, it is Karnataka.
• 01 is the city code.
• 2009 is the year when the licence was printed and given to the user.
• The following digits form the unique identification number for the user.

Test Procedure for Driving licence in India

You must undergo a driving licence which will test your driving skills and knowledge on road rules & signals and pass the test to get your driving licence. Here are some of the important points regarding the driving licence test procedure in India.

• You can apply for a permanent Driving licence after 30 days from the date of issuance of Learners licence. The application for permanent Driving licence must be filed within 180 days from the issue date of Learners licence.
• Submit all relevant documents (including driving licence test slot booking slip if you have booked the slot online) and pay the fees for taking the Driving licence test at the designated counter. Get the receipt and approach the allotted track cabin to take the test.
• You must be present in person for the Driving licence test at least an hour before the allotted time. You will have to take a test before or along with the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) at the designated track.
• Different states have different test tracks and procedures. Generally, for two wheelers, you will be asked to drive a two wheeler in a path designed in shape of number 8. Also, the Motor Vehicle Inspector will check if you are using indicators and relevant hand signals while driving. You will have to trace the shape of number 8 in your vehicle without your legs touching the ground.
• For a four wheeler driving licence, the Motor Vehicle Inspector will ask you to ride the car in a track and will note your skills. You must show proper hand signals, use the indicator and apply brakes wherever necessary. Also, shift the gears smoothly and use side & rear view mirrors while driving.

How long does it take to get the Driving Licence after passing the test?

To avail a driving licence test, you must follow a certain procedure:

• You must fill the online form and take an appointment at the RTO office for your learning test. A few multiple choice questions will be asked during your test at the RTO. You will find a wide range of questions on the website, which might be asked during your learning licence test. Once you pass that test, you will receive a receipt. With this receipt, you will have to collect your learning licence.
• After one month has passed from the date of issuance of your learning licence, you will have to take an appointment for a driving test. During this test, the questions that will be asked will be related to the vehicle for which you are getting the licence (two wheeler/four wheeler). Once you pass this exam too, you will get a receipt. This particular receipt will serve as your driving licence till the time you receive the real driving licence by speed post.

What to do if your Driving Licence is Lost?

Every driver in India needs to have a driving licence. Without this document you are not allowed to drive in the country. If you lose your driving licence, you will have to apply for a duplicate one to be able to drive.

Things to do if you lost your Driving Licence:

• Go to the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where you lose your driving licence.
• Lodge a complaint and make sure you get a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).
• Visit the Notary office to get an affidavit on a stamped paper. The affidavit will act as a proof that you took an oath before the concerned officer (executive magistrate/notary public/first class judicial magistrate) that your licence is lost.

You will have to pay a small fee for the notary service and the stamped paper.

How Does The International Driving Permit In India Works?

An international Driving licence is issued to a resident Indian who holds a valid Indian Driving licence. An international driving permit (IDP) allows an Indian citizen to drive motor vehicle in a foreign country. The international driving permit (IDP) has multiple language translation of the existing driving licence and is similar to a passport in appearance. Though the process for obtaining an IDP varies from state to state, the general process flow is mentioned below.

The application process for an international driving licence varies from state to state. Do get in touch with the nearest RTO or your State Transport department to know the complete application process and the list of documents required.

Why do you need a Driving licence in India?

Apart from the fact that a person must hold a driving licence to legally drive a motor vehicle in India, the uses of a driving licence are many. Here are some of the reasons as to why you need a driving licence in India.

• Important Document of Personal Identification

  Often, while travelling or visiting a pub, you are asked to display an ID. At this point, most of us conveniently reach into our wallets to pull our driving licences. So, another rather important purpose which a driving licence fulfils is as a widely recognized form of personal identification. Among other documents like passports, PAN cards, Voter ID Cards, Aadhar Cards, driving licences too are a widely accepted form of personal identification.

• Make Commuting Easier

  Commuting these days is an extremely stressful activity. Using public transport might not be everyones cup of tea. Also, owning a vehicle provides you with the freedom of being mobile, as and when you need. Considering that, if you wish to purchase a car or motorbike to commute, you will need to obtain a driving licence prior to doing so.

• Compulsory Legal Requirement

  If you wish to drive, in India or even abroad, you are required to hold a valid driving licence to do so. A driving licence is an important document indicating your ability to operate or drive a motorised vehicle.

Driving Licence Valid As ID Proof For Exchanging Old Notes

After the PM announced a ban on Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes, people have been rushing to the banks to exchange their old notes. When you go to exchange your old Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes, you can show your Driving Licence as identity proof. Please note that the original document has to be shown at the counter while exchanging the notes.

FAQs on Driving Licence

1. How do I start the application process for driving licence?

   First of all, you must hold a valid Learners licence to be able to apply for a driving licence. To apply for a driving licence, you can get in touch with the Regional Transport Office for your area. Alternatively, you can also visit the online portal for the Transport Department of your state or city to get more details on driving licence application process.

2. Suppose I get a driving licence in bangalore, will it be valid throughout India?

   Yes, a driving licence obtained in any RTO in India is valid throughout the country.

3. What is the validity period for a Driving licence in India?

   Generally, in India, driving licences are valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till the holder attains 50 years of age, whichever comes earlier. A driving licence for commercial vehicles is valid for up to three years.

4. Should I produce a medical certificate to obtain a driving licence in India?

   If you are under 50 years of age and if you are applying for non - transport licence, you do not require a medical licence. But, applicants over 50 years of age must produce medical certificate. Similarly, applicants of Transport vehicle licence must produce medical certificate irrespective of age.

5. What happens if I fail the driving licence test?

   In case you fail the driving licence test, you can apply for a re test after 7 days.

6. How to apply for a Learner's License?

   If you want to apply for a Learner's Licence which is also called as Learning Licence, you can do it online or offline. If you choose to do it online, you will have to visit your state transport official website and download the Form 1 and Form 1A. Both the documents have to he scanned and uploaded in the computer to submit the application. Once you submit the application, you will be allowed to choose the date and time when you will be taking the learning licence test. Once the appointment is fixed, you will have to be present in the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO) to take the learning licence test.

   If you choose to apply for a learning licence offline, you will have to visit the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO) and collect Form 1 and Form 1A, duly fill the form, and submit it with the respective fees in the counter. Once you submit the application, you will be allowed to choose the date and time when you will be taking the learning licence test. Once the appointment is fixed, you will have to be present in the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO) to take the learning licence test.

In India, a driving licence is an official document that authorises its holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on highways and some other roads to which the public have access. In various Indian states, they are administered by the Regional Transport Authorities/Offices (RTA/RTO). A driving licence is required in India by any person driving a vehicle on any highway or other road defined in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

A modern photo of the driving licence can also serve many of the purposes of an identity card in non-driving contexts (proof of identity (e.g. when opening a bank account) or age (e.g. when applying for a mobile connection).

Background[edit]

Applications for a provisional driving licence can be made from the age of 16. Valid for driving a moped or gearless motorcycle (with a capacity of up to 50 cc) from aged 16,^[1] and a car from aged 18 or older to drive any other type of vehicle.^[2] The common 'All India Permit' allows the licensee to drive throughout the country.^[3] For driving commercial/transport vehicles, one should obtain endorsement (and a minimum age of 20 years, in some states) in the driving licence to effect under s.3(1) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Until a driving test (which consists of three sections: verbal or written test (depending on the state), road sign test followed by a supervised driving examination)^[4] has been passed a driver may hold only a provisional licence and be subject to certain conditions.

The conditions attached to provisional licences of a particular category of vehicle are:^[2]

• L-plates must be conspicuously displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Learner drivers of a particular category and transmission type of vehicle must be accompanied by somebody who has held a full driving licence for that category and transmission type, except in the case of solo motorcycles and vehicles of certain categories designed solely for one person.
• Motorcycle riders must not carry any pillion passenger.
• Bus drivers must not carry any passenger except a person giving or receiving instruction.

After passing a driving test, the provisional licence may be surrendered in exchange for a full Indian licence for the relevant kind of vehicle. Full car licences allow use of mopeds, motorcycles and cars.

A licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till the licence holders turns 50 years of age, whichever happens earlier. The driving licence is required to be renewed after expiry of its validity.^[5]

Theory testing[edit]

Tests on basic driving rules are conducted at the RTOs when an individual applies for provisional licence. The theoretical test in India consists of basic road sign questions, which are the same for car and motorcycle tests:

• Multiple choice questions – 15 questions with a choice of possible answers. At least 09 questions should be answered correctly to pass this section.
• Verbal or written test (depending on the state)

The theory test are completed on the computer, and both must be passed in order to pass the theory test.

Driving licence categories[edit]

This is a list of the categories that might be found on a driving licence in India.

• MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50cc) — motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less.
• MC EX50CC (Motorcycle more than 50cc) — motorcycles and (Light Motor Vehicle)CAR.
• MC Without Gear or M/CYCL.WOG (Motorcycle Without Gear) — all motorcycles, Scooters.
• MC With Gear or M/CYCL.WG (Motorcycle With Gear) — all motorcycles.
• LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) — including motorcars, jeeps, taxis, delivery vans.
• LMV-NT (Light Motor Vehicle—Non Transport) — for personal use only
• LMV-TR (Light Motor Vehicle—Transport) — for commercial transportation including light goods carrier.^[6]
• LDRXCV (Loader, Excavator, Hydraulic Equipments)-- for Commercial application of all hydraulic heavy equipments.
• HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle)
• HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)
• HTV Heavy Transport Vehicle (Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle, Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)
• TRANS(Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle, Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)
• TRAILERE — a person holding a heavy vehicle driving licence can only apply for heavy trailer licence

Most of the legislation regarding licensing is in the Rules of the Road Regulation and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Private/Commercial drivers should have an additional Badge if they are driving a taxi or any other public transport vehicle.scout

Points and endorsements[edit]

India uses cumulative points systems, broadly similar but different in detail in different countries, for offenders.

Points are given for driving offences by law courts, and the licence is endorsed accordingly.An Indian driving licence may be endorsed by the courts for various offences, not only for those committed whilst driving or in charge of a vehicle.^{[citation needed]} If the individual committing the offence does not hold a valid driving licence the driver is subject to be penalised or face imprisonment of up to 3 months.^[7]Violation of traffic signals, triple driving on motor cycle, using vehicles without registration or in unsafe condition may endorse and attract 3 negative points in each case.^[8]

In case of two-wheelers, helmet laws is mandatory for the main rider and the pillion rider. Offences such as for drink or drug driving are recorded on the licence and the offender is prosecuted and imprisoned.^[9]

Twelve points on the licence makes the driver liable to cancellation/suspension of driving licence for one year; accumulation of twelve points for the second consecutive time would lead to suspension of driving licence for five years.^[8]

Production[edit]

Drivers are legally obliged to carry a valid driving licence while driving. Under s.130 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; A police officer or any other official authorised by the government can ask for vehicle-related documents, and the driver should produce them within 15 days at the police station (or the concerned department).^[10]

The law permits officials to seize a licence, and issue a temporary one for a specified time. The law also allows the state government to set the fines or prison terms for minor traffic violations, and specifies who has the rights to enforce these rules.

Every driving licence has a maximum number of endorsements allowed. If the driver does not follow the traffic rules or causes any fault, then a penalty fine is issued and an endorsement put on the licence. An excessive number of endorsements may lead to cancellation.^[8]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^Vaibhav Ganjapure (12 August 2016). 'Not 18 years old? You can't ride bikes over 50cc'. Times of India. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
2. ^ ^ab'MOTOR VEHICLES ACT, 1988'(PDF). Retrieved 24 June 2016.
3. ^s.3 and 4 of Motor Vehicles Act 1988, India
4. ^'Foreign Drivers in India: Legal Aspects'. InterNations. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
5. ^'Renewal Driving License'. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
6. ^'Driving license / India Drive Safe'. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
7. ^'Traffic Offences and Penalties in India'. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
8. ^ ^abc'Stiffer fines, penalty points for traffic offences in the offing'. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
9. ^'Driving licence to be suspended for minimum of 3 months on traffic rule violation: Supreme Court panel'. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
10. ^'Transport Department'. Retrieved 24 June 2016.

External links[edit]

Florida Dmv