Ever wondered what you need to do in order to get a driving license? Here are the steps to follow to ensure you get your driving license.
In today's rapidly growing world, owning a car is no longer a luxury but an essential requirement. Owning a vehicle means you no longer have to depend on unreliable public transport and are master of your own fate. Hence, current younger generation dreams of obtaining their driving licence as soon as they are eligible.
What is Driving Licence?
Driving licence is an official document validating that the holder is efficient to drive a motor vehicle. Under the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 in India, no person shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds a valid driving licence issued to him, permitting him to drive a vehicle of a specific category.
In India, Driving licences are issued by Regional Transport Authorities/Offices (RTA/RTO) of a particular state where you reside.
Eligibility Criteria
| Type of Services | Type of Vehicle | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's Driving License | Motorcycle without gear (not exceeding 50CC) | Completion of age of 16 years (with the consent of parents or guardian) |
| Motorcycle with gear and light motor vehicles | Completion of age of 18 years | |
| Permanent Driving License | Motorcycle without gear (not exceeding 50CC) | Completion of age of 16 years |
| Motorcycle with gear and light motor vehicles | Completion of age of 18 years | |
| Transport vehicle | Completion of age of 20 years |
Also, you have to be familiar with the traffic rules and regulations in all the cases.
Advantages of holding a Driving Licence
Relieve your Commuting Stress: Owning an affordable, reliable vehicle enables people to be self-reliant and alleviate stress. If you want to drive, then you must have a valid driving licence. This may seem obvious, but it is of vital importance.
Critical Legal Document: You must know about being legal on the road. A valid driving licence and proof of car insurance are the important legal documents. Government’s National Road Safety Policy ensures that highly trained and competent drivers are behind the wheels by strengthening the system of driver licensing and training to improve the capability of drivers.
Hassle-free Insurance Claims: Holding a valid driving licence is one of the deciding factors while processing your claims related to your car/two-wheeler. It enables smooth processing of your motor insurance claims. Having a license is a part of your contractual agreement with the insurance company.
Procedure to Apply
For obtaining a learner’s license, you will need to submit below documents along with duly filled in application form and required fee to the local transport office in your region.
Age Proof (School Certificate/Passport/Birth Certificate/PAN Card)
Proof of Permanent Address (Passport/Voter ID/LIC Policy/Ration Card/House tax receipt)
Proof of Current Address (Rental agreement along with latest Utility bill)
Medical certificate issued by a civil surgeon.
Passport size photographs
Learner’s licence is valid only for 6 months.
You can apply for a permanent driving licence within 180 days and after 30 days of issuance of learner’s license.
To apply for a permanent driving licence, you have to obtain Form 4 from nearest RTO (form can also be downloaded from official website).
Submit the duly filled form, Learner’s licence, medical certificate and other required proofs along with appropriate fees to local licensing authority.
You should then appear for a driving test with the motor vehicle inspector. On passing the test, you will be issued a permanent driving licence.
Also Read: 4 Things You Should Do If Pulled over by the Traffic Police
