Driving License in West Bengal

In the state of West Bengal, to be able to drive your vehicle freely on Indian roads, you need a driving license. Having a valid driving license gives a driver the legal freedom to drive his vehicle anywhere, anytime. In West Bengal too, if you wish to drive your vehicle then you would first require to obtain a learner’s license only after which you would be able to get a driving license. Obtaining a driving license involves a process which you need to be aware of to make sure you do not face any hassles while applying for one. Read below to know all about the process of obtaining a driving license in the state of West Bengal.

A motor insurance policy is mandatory for every vehicle registered at West Bengal RTO as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

To be able to procure a driving license in West Bengal, an applicant has to meet the below eligibility criteria.

• For motorcycles without gear with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, the applicant should be at least 16 years of age.
• For light motor vehicles, the applicant should be at least 18 years of age.
• For commercial vehicles, the applicant should be at least 20 years of age.
• The applicant should be aware of all the traffic rules and regulations.
• The applicant should first obtain a learner’s license.
• The applicant can apply for a permanent driving license after 30 days and within 120 days from the date of issue of the learner’s license.

West Bengal Driving License can be obtained by an individual by applying for it either online or offline at the RTO. Depending on the type of process an individual wants to follow, here is a step by step guide to applying for a DL in India.

Online application process for obtaining a driving license in West Bengal

• Visit Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Website-parivahan.gov.in/parivahan
• Click on online services and select new driving license related services
• Enter the name of the state
• Click on apply online and select new driving license
• Fill the applicant details
• Upload scanned copies of the required documents
• Pay the application fee
• Book a slot for the DL test
• Appear for the test on the scheduled date and time
• On passing the test, the DL is delivered to the applicant's doorstep

Offline application process for obtaining a driving license in West Bengal

• Visit the nearby RTO office
• Get the application form from the RTO or through vahan.wb.nic.in
• Fill the form with appropriate details
• Submit the form to the RTO along with the required documents
• Pay the application fee
• Book a driving test slot
• Visit the RTO to give the test
• Pass the test to obtain the DL

Renewal of driving license in West Bengal can be done after 20 years or until the age of 50 years, whichever is earlier from the date of issuance of the permanent DL. An application for renewal of DL in West Bengal can be done within 30 days from the date of its expiry. The application for renewal of license cannot be made after 5 years and hence, the applicant will have to apply for a fresh driving license in WB.

Documents required for renewal of driving license in West Bengal

• Application fee of Rs. 200
• Application Form 9
• Age and address proof documents
• Original driving license
• Medical and physical fitness form 1 and Form 1A

Procedure for renewal of driving license in West Bengal

Renewal of driving license in West Bengal can be done online or at the RTO office. The applicant is required to fill out a form and submit few documents which will be verified by an RTO official. On the basis of verification, the renewed DL is issued to the applicant on the same day. If the application for renewal of DL in West Bengal is made after the grace period, the applicant will have to pay an additional fee of Rs. 1000 on a yearly basis for late renewal.

If an applicant wants to apply for a duplicate DL, then he can do so within 6 months from the date of loss of the original DL. If the applicant is not made within the period of 6 months, then the applicant will have to obtain a special permission from the headquarters. The applicant is also required to submit an affidavit stating the reason for obtaining a duplicate DL and also mentioning that the original DL will be returned to the RTO if found. The application for obtaining a duplicate DL in West Bengal can be made online or at the RTO. On verification of the documents, the duplicate driving license is issued to the applicant.