Steps to apply for a four wheeler driving license in Maharashtra

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Following the amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, by the Government of India and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it is compulsory for all car owners in the country to have a valid four wheeler driving license. Once issued by the RTO, the driving license holder is allowed to drive anywhere in the country and along with an International Driving Permit (IDP), the driving license holder can drive in certain other countries as well.

In order to apply for a driving license, the applicant has to first clear the written test for a learner’s driving license. Once he/she has been issued the learner’s driving license, he/she can apply for the permanent driving license after 30 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s license and within 6 months from the date of issuance of the learner’s license, which is the validity of the learner’s license. For those residing in the state of Maharashtra, they have the privilege of making the application for a driving license either online or offline (at the RTO).

Types of driving licenses issued in Maharashtra

When applying for a driving license, the applicant has to choose the vehicle class he/she wishes to drive as well as the purpose of the driving license - whether it will be for commercial purposes or private. Listed below are the vehicle categories under transport/commercial vehicles:

• Light motor vehicle

This type of driving license is for commercial purposes and for those who wish to drive an auto rickshaw, jeep, cab, delivery van, etc.

• Medium passenger vehicle

This is for those who wish to have a commercial driving license to drive a tempo, minivan, etc., to transport people.

• Medium goods vehicle

The license is for those who wish to have a commercial driving license to allow them to drive goods carrying vehicles such as delivery trucks, vans, etc.

• Heavy Passenger vehicle

The license is for those who wish to have a commercial/transport driving license to drive a bus.

• Heavy goods vehicle

This is for those who wish to get a commercial driving license to transport goods using a lorry, truck, heavy goods vehicle, etc.

For non-transport vehicles:

This is for those who wish to avail a private driving license. Non-transport vehicles have categories as well, as listed below:

• Geared vehicles

For those who wish to drive a geared vehicle, be it a two-wheeler or four-wheeler, they will have to opt for this vehicle class.

• Non-geared vehicles

For vehicle owners that prefer vehicles with an automatic transmission, they can opt for this vehicle class.

• Light motor vehicles

For those who wish to drive a hatchback, sedan, etc., they can opt for this vehicle class when applying for their driving license.

Eligibility criteria to apply for a driving license in Maharashtra

Listed below are the conditions to apply for a driving license in Maharashtra:

• The driving license applicant has to first clear the learner’s license test to apply for a driving license.
• The applicant can apply for a driving license test only 30 days after being issued the learners’ license and within 6 months from the date of issuance of the learner’s license.
• For those who wish to apply for geared vehicles, and for vehicles exceeding 50cc, the minimum age limit is 18 years.
• Those who wish to apply for a transport or a commercial driving license should be a minimum of 20 years old.

Steps to apply for a four wheeler driving license in Maharashtra

Applicants for a driving license in Maharashtra can choose to carry out the process either online or offline. Listed-below are the steps to apply for a car driving license online in Maharashtra:

Online method:

• Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• On the main page, click on the ‘driving license’ tab on the top bar of the screen.
• Click on ‘download forms’. Choose Form 4.
• Fill in all the required details on Form 4, download and self-attest the form.
• Now, upload Form 4 and other required documents as well as your passport-size photograph.
• As soon as the documents have been uploaded on the website, you will receive an application number.
• Use the application number to book a slot at the RTO within your jurisdiction for the four wheeler driving test. Making the appointment for the driving test can be done on the same website.
• Visit the RTO and submit all the required documents.

Offline method:

• Visit the RTO within your jurisdiction and procure Form 4.
• Fill all the details on Form 4 and submit it with all the required documents.
• Once the forms and documents have been submitted, the RTO officer will schedule a date for the driving test.
• On the day of the driving test, ensure that you carry all the required documents.

If you clear the practical driving test, then the driving license will be sent to your home address within 30 days. You can check the status of your driving license online using your application number.

Documents required to apply for a four wheeler driving license in Maharashtra

Listed below are the documents that the applicant will have to submit at the RTO in Maharashtra:

• Proof of age - Birth certificate, Passport, Voter ID card, etc.
• Proof of address - Passport, utility bills, ration card, Voter ID card, etc.
• Original learner’s license.
• Application Form 4.
• Form 1(a) to prove medical fitness.
• 2 recent passport-size photographs.
• Original learner’s license.
• Registration certificate of the four wheeler the driving test will be taken with. If the vehicle that the candidate uses is not his/her, then a written consent has to be submitted from the owner of the vehicle.

Only if all the documents of the vehicle are legitimate will the applicant for the driving license be able to take the test. In addition, in order to clear the test, he/she will have to follow all the road rules and regulations as well as wear a seatbelt and adjust the rear view mirrors even before turning on the ignition of the car.