Driving Licence – A Proof to Drive on the Road
As you learn to drive a car or ride a bike, the concerning question that comes into mind is driving licence, which is inevitable when you go outside. It’s proof that you know driving and the vehicle is yours. It was a hectic task to get a licence at once. Everything being online, it has now been a little easier than before. A driving licence is an official document that is assigned by the respective state government. After you get a licence, you are permitted to drive on the public road. If you don’t have one, then you will be fined for that.
Under the Motor Vehicle Act (1988), it’s a legal document. The process includes passing the preliminary test based on traffic rules. You first acquire a learner’s licence until you qualify for the final driving licence. A learner’s licence is also valuable for 6 months. By this, you are allowed to practise driving on the road but with a guide who has a permanent licence. The permanent licence, which is actually the main proof, is valid for 20 years.
Also Read: Get an International Driving Licence in India
Some questions may arise when you are thinking about applying for your driving licence. I’ll be discussing every detail which can appease your curiosity so that you can be aware of and take the right decision. First, let me discuss why do you need it?
Why you need a driving licence (DL)
Legal document
As you drive on the road, you need a valid driving licence. The government has a strict rule to obtain an authentic and the licence which hasn’t crossed its expiry date. If your driving licence expires, you need to renew for it.
Personal ID
Sometimes, there is a need to show your driving licence as it is considered as an equivalent proof to a PAN card, Aadhar Card, and Voter card. Some government offices, banks, airports, or travel booking offices want to see your driving licence as evidence of personal identification.
Types of driving licence in India
The most common types of driving licence in India is of 4 types. Not to be confused with too many kinds of licence, I will explain only 4 types which can be counted as the main type.
Learner’s licence
Before you obtain the permanent licence, you are assigned to use the learner’s licence, which is valid for only 6 months. You are learnt under guidance. After the expiry date, you need to proceed for the permanent driving licence test.
Permanent licence
After you pass the test, you will be issued a permanent licence, which is valid for 20 years. The RTO assigns this licence. If you are 18 or older, you can apply for this licence online or offline.
Commercial licence
The person who drives heavy vehicles is assigned to a commercial licence. The eligibility criteria are a bit different from a permanent licence. We see a lot of good carriage vehicles or buses. They need this kind of licence. To qualify for this licence, the person needs to clear 8th standard exam.
International licence
If you want to drive the vehicle outside India, you need to apply for an international driving licence. It’s valid for 1 year only. It can be applied if you have a permanent licence.
Different types of driving licence categories in India
There are different categories of driving licence which you are assigned to as per your vehicle.
- MC 50CC – engine capacity 50 cc or less than that.
- Motorcycles with gear that have the capacity of 50 cc or more, including LMV.
- Motorcycles without gear – scooter, mopeds.
- LMV means Light Motor Vehicle, which is categorized as Non- transport or commercial.
- HPMV stands for Heavy passenger Motor Vehicle refers to as All India driving permit for trucks and cars.
- HGMV stands for Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle, which includes trailers, trucks used for transporting goods.
Eligibility criteria for Indian driving licence (DL)
Eligibility criteria depend on your vehicle category.
- Motorcycles with gear – the applicant must be 18 years or older and concerned with the traffic rules.
- Motorcycles without gear – the applicant must be at least 16 years.
- Commercial vehicles – the applicant should have completed the 8th standard exam and at least 18 years; in some states, it is 20 years.
How to apply for an Indian driving licence (DL)
You can apply for a driving licence in India through online or offline mode.
Apply for driving licence Online
- Go to the Parivahan Sarathi website. https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
- Take your mouse over the Online Services menu.
- Now select Driving License related Services and click on it.
- Now go to select state menu and select your state.
- If you are a beginner, then click on the Apply learner’s licence. If you already have learner’s licence, you can apply for a driving licence.
- Upload whatever documents they need (PAN no, Aadhar card, etc.).
- You will get a number to check your application status.
- You will get an SMS after the application is processed.
Apply for driving licence Offline
- You have to download Form 4 from the RTO website, or you can visit their office.
- Fill the form with all the details.
- Submit it with all the documents at the nearest RTO office (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.).
- Book a slot for a driving test and pay the fees for that.
- If you clear the test, you will directly be given your driving licence receipt, which you can use until you get the real licence by speed post.
How to check driving licence application status online?
You can check the driving licence status easily through parivahan portal. Follow the below steps to check driving licence status (dl status) online:
- Go to parivahan website. https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
- Take your mouse over the Online Services menu.
- Now select Driving License related Services and click on it.
- Now go to select state menu and select your state.
- Then click on Application Status
- Now fill the Application no, Date of Birth and Captcha.
- Then click on submit button to check your licence status
How to Download Driving License online?
Driving licence download made easy after the launching of parivahan sarthi website. If you want to download your driving licence then just follow the same process mentioned above and then after selecting state just click on DL search option and then you will be able to download your licence easily by providing the required details.
How to renew the driving licence online?
You can do the driving licence renewal online easily through visiting Parivahan Sarthi Website, Just follow the same steps as mentioned above and after selecting your state just select the DL Services section and follow the required process.
Essential jobs to do after you have lost your driving licence
In case if you have lost your driving licence (DL), the below steps should be followed.
- Go to the nearest police station where you have lost your driving licence.
- Lodge an FIR and take a copy of that.
- Visit the notary office to get an affidavit on a stamped paper.
It is always advisable that you instantly apply for a duplicate one to be able to drive.
Driving has been a part of our day to day life. Here comes the driving licence because you can’t drive at your home. As you go on the road, you need a licence that proves the authenticity of your vehicles. It is a piece of essential evidence that shows that the vehicle is yours and you know or are allowed to drive.
