HOW TO Obtain Driving Licence

What is a Driving Licence and Why is it Necessary?

A Driving Licence is an official document certifying that the holder is suitably qualified to drive a motor vehicle or vehicles. Under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (External website that opens in a new window) in India, no person can drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds a valid Driving Licence issued to him, authorising him to drive a vehicle of that particular category.

In India, two kinds of Driving Licences are issued: Learner's Licence and Permanent Licence. Learner's Licence is valid only for six months. Permanent Licence can be availed only after the expiry of one month from the date of issuance of the Learner's Licence.
What You Need to Do to Obtain a Driving Licence

A Learner's Licence is essential for obtaining a Permanent Licence. The eligibility for obtaining a Learner's Licence for a private motor vehicle for a vehicle of 50 CC engine capacity and without any gear, is 16 years (if the applicant's parents or guardians give their consent). The minimum age to apply for a permanent licence to drive a private motor vehicle is 18 years.

A person who is at least 20 years old and possesses a Learner's License can obtain a Licence for driving a commercial vehicle. Also, one has to be conversant with the traffic rules and regulations in all the cases.

For obtaining a Learner's Licence, you will need to apply in the prescribed format to the Local Transport Office in your region, along with your passport-sized photographs, proof of your age and residence, declaration of medical fitness and the required fee. After verification of your documents, you will have to go through the Learner's Test. Usually a handbook of traffic rules, signs and regulations is provided with the application form. On passing the Learner's Test, you will be issued a Learner's Licence. If you fail the test, you will be given a chance to take the test again.

For obtaining a Permanent Licence, you must have a valid Learner's Licence, and must apply after 30 days and within 180 days of issue of the Learner's Licence. You should be conversant about vehicle systems, driving, traffic rules regulations. You will be put through a driving test, for which you must bring a vehicle with you. On passing the test, you will be issued a Permanent Driving Licence.
International Driving Licence

The motor licensing authority also issues International Driving Licence to the citizens of India. Application for the International Driving Licence can be made to the licensing authority having jurisdiction over the area in which the holder of the driving licence ordinarily resides or carries on business, along with relevant documents. Citizens of India may drive in foreign countries with an International Driving Licence, which has the maximum validity of one year. Citizens are required to get their licence from the country they're visiting within one year period. Following documents are to be produced at the time of applying for an International Driving Permit :-

* Valid driving licence
* Attested copy of address proof
* Attested copy of Birth Certificate
* Valid passport
* Valid Visa
* Required Fees
* Two passport size photograph.