Driving License in Delhi

Learning to drive gives many an exhilarating experience, especially to the ones who are passionate about driving. But as an Indian citizen, you need to own a driving license to be able to drive your motor vehicle. A driving license is a mandatory document issued by the Government of India to freely allow a vehicle owner to operate his vehicle on roads. Over the years, due to a rise in the number of accidents caused by unlicensed individuals, the Delhi government has come up with strict penalties and punishment for individuals driving a motor vehicle without a driving license.

Having a mode of transport (Be it a car or a bike) has become a necessity for travelling. While owning a vehicle is important, it is equally important to carry the responsibilities that come with it as well, like having a driving licence, getting valid car insurance or a bike insurance policy (as per your vehicle type). As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, a driving licence and a third-party motor insurance is legally mandatory to drive or ride on Indian roads.

In order to apply for a driving license in Delhi, an applicant will have to meet the below eligibility criteria.

• The applicant should be at least 18 years or above.
• An applicant applying for a DL should first have a learner’s license
• The applicant should apply for a driving license after 30 days and within 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s license.
• Applicants have to be aware of all the traffic rules and regulations.

With the advent of technology, applying for a driving license in Delhi has become an easy process. You can apply for a driving license in Delhi by following both offline and online procedures.

How to apply for a driving license online in Delhi?

To apply for a driving license online in Delhi, you will have to follow the below steps:

• Visit the Delhi government transport website- www.delhi.gov.in
• Fill the application form and submit all the relevant documents online.
• You will then receive an application number which you will need to submit at the time of the test.
• You can book a driving test slot online and can also pay the application fees online
• You will then have to visit the RTO where you have applied for the DL.
• Your driving license test will be conducted in presence of a motor vehicle inspector who will decide whether you will be issued a DL or not.
• You will have to take your motor vehicle for the test.
• If you pass the test, your biometrics will be recorded and photos will be taken
• Your driving license will be delivered to your registered address by post. Few RTOs in Delhi also let you collect your driving license on the same day you appear for the test.

How to apply for driving license offline in Delhi?

To apply for a driving license in Delhi, you will have to follow the below process:

• Visit the RTO in your jurisdiction and get form 4
• Fill and submit the form along with the relevant documents
• Book a time slot for your driving test. You will have to take your motor vehicle for the test.
• If you pass the driving test, your fingerprints and photographs will be taken.
• Your driving license will be delivered at your registered address by post or you can also collect it from the RTO office the same day, in case it is ready to provide the same.

Once the permanent license is issued, it continues to be valid for a period of 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier. After the expiry of a permanent DL, a grace period of 30 days is offered for its renewal. For renewing a driving license, an applicant can approach the local zonal office.

Documents required for renewal of driving license in Delhi

• Application form 9
• 2 copies of passport size photographs
• Original driving license
• Self-attested copies of age and address proof
• Application fee of Rs. 200
• If the applicant is more than 40 years, form 1A i.e. medical certificate has to be submitted
• For transport vehicle, driving refreshing training certificate
• Short period re-fresher training course for all category of commercial vehicles

Procedure for application of renewal of driving license

An applicant will have to submit the form along with the relevant documents at the local zonal office. The fee for a smart card driving license in Delhi is Rs. 200 and an additional fee of Rs. 1000 (each year of part thereof) is applicable.On verification of the documents, the renewed driving license will be issued to the applicant.

In the state of Delhi, a driving license test is conducted as per the rule 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Four Wheeler Test:

• The four-wheeler test in Delhi involves two tests i.e. the ground test and the road test.
• In the ground test, you will be asked to drive along the marked ‘Straight T’ line and then a ‘U’ turn.
• In the road test, you will have to again drive the vehicle, but here your knowledge about traffic rules and regulations will be put to test.
• The test will be conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Inspector.
• If the Motor Vehicle Inspector is not satisfied with your driving skills and knowledge about traffic rules, etc, then you will have to reappear for the test.

Two-wheeler and three-wheeler test:

• The two-wheeler and three-wheeler test in Delhi also involve two tests i.e. the ground test and road test.
• In the ground test, you will be asked to drive along the marked figure of ‘8’ or the ‘Straight T’ test. This is done to check how good you are with reversing and shifting gears of the vehicle.
• The road test is conducted to check if you comply with traffic rules and regulations while driving the vehicle.
• If the Motor Vehicle Inspector is not satisfied with your driving skills and knowledge about traffic rules, etc, then you will have to reappear for the test. If you fail the test, then you can apply for the test again after a period of 7 days.