How To Apply For Driving Licence In India

It is an important document to have and is only issued after the applicant passes certain tests. One needs to remember and understand traffic rules and follow traffic signals in order to keep themselves and others safe. Now that you know this, let's look at some easy steps to apply for a driver's licence.

Step 1: Apply for a Learner's  Licence

Before getting a permanent driver's licence, you need a learner's licence. A learner's licence is issued so that one can brush up on his driving skills and road awareness. You need to pass a written test to be able to get a learner's licence.

*You must also be 18 years of age to apply for a learner's licence.

To apply for a driver's licence, you have to go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do. Once there, you will have to

● Pick your state.

● Choose the  "learning licence" option.

● Fill the form.

● Upload the required documents.

● Choose the payment method and make the payment.

● Set up a slot for the test.

● Pass the written test.

● Get a learner's licence.

Choose the class of vehicle very carefully. To get a learner's licence, you must score at least 60% in your written test. You will get it right away. If you don't pass, you can try again.

Once you get a learner's licence, you can drive a vehicle with a person who has a permanent driver's licence. Make sure to make a  big red 'L' sign on the front and back of the car. This is done to ensure that other vehicles know that you are learning and drive accordingly.

Step 2: Apply for a Permanent Driver's Licence

The learner's licence can be used anywhere in India for six months from the date of issue. You can apply for a permanent licence after one month of receiving the learner's licence. Here are the steps you need to follow.

● Open the website and go to the home page.

● Choose your state. 

● Pick the option that says "Driving License."

● Fill  the form.

● Upload documents.

● Choose a driving test slot.

● Choose a payment method and make the payment.

● Pass the test to get a licence.

If you fail your driving test, you can try again after seven days.

What are the different types of licences?

There are four kinds of driving licences in India:

● Learner's licence

● Permanent driver's licence

●Commercial driving licence

● Licence to drive internationally

Learner's Licence

This is the first step to getting any other licence. You can't get a permanent licence or a commercial licence directly. A learner's licence is a must for obtaining any other kind of licence. It is valid for six months and you can apply for a permanent driver's licence one month after receiving a learner's licence.

Permanent Driver's Licence

This type of licence is meant for people who want to drive for personal reasons, from taking the children to school to going out to buy groceries. With a permanent driver's licence, you can drive anywhere in the country except in commercial vehicles.

International Licence

This is a must for people who want to drive abroad. This document is written in multiple languages so that authorities know that you are allowed to drive in their country. This licence is valid for one year and can't be renewed. One has to reapply to get it again.

Commercial Driver's Licence

If you want to drive a commercial vehicle like a taxi or a bus, or a truck/tempo, you need a commercial driver's licence. Make sure that you select the correct category of vehicle, i.e. LGV or MGV or HGV.