Things to Know About Getting a Driving Licence

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The Government of India has put into effect certain rules with regard to the issuance of learner’s licences and permanent driving licences in the country. To obtain either type of licence, you will need to clear the applicable test. This article mentions certain things that you should know about getting a driving licence in India.

How to Get a Learner’s Licence?

Applying for a learner’s licence is the first step towards obtaining a permanent driving licence. Individuals who wish to learn to operate motor vehicles in public places are required to have a learner’s licence, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

An individual who wishes to apply for a learner’s licence can do so by directly by visiting the RTO or through the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Sarathi). The applicant will need to clear an exam, which will test the concerned individual’s knowledge of traffic regulations, road signs, etc., to obtain a learner’s licence. If the applicant passes the test, a learner’s licence will be issued to him/her. The learner’s licence is valid for a total tenure of 6 months and the licence holder can learn how to ride/drive motorised vehicles during this period.

How to Obtain a Permanent Driving Licence?

Only individuals who possess a learner’s licence can apply for a permanent driving licence. A learner’s licence holder can apply for a permanent driving licence 30 days after the learner’s licence has been issued. The permanent driving licence for a private vehicle is valid for a period of 20 years or until the licence holder attains the age of 50 years, based on whichever of the two happens first.

To receive the permanent driving licence, the applicant will need to appear for a riding test. If the concerned individual clears the test, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) will issue the permanent driving licence.

Things to Keep in Mind

Certain things that you will need to keep in mind with regard to the process of obtaining a learner’s licence or driving licence are as follows:

• To apply for a learner’s licence or a permanent driving licence, you will need to meet the pre-specified eligibility criteria.
• Individuals who are under the age of 18 years will be required to provide a letter of consent from their parents or local guardians, when applying for a licence.
• Individuals who are applying for a learner’s licence will have to answer at least 60% of the questions right to clear the test. If the applicant fails the test, he/she will need to retake the test.
• Those who wish to obtain a permanent driving licence are mandatorily required to appear for the road test. The applicant may be asked to ride the vehicle through an 8-shaped track, ride the two-wheeler through a track that slopes upward while keeping the vehicle from moving backward, parallel park, etc.
• When appearing for the road test, you will need to take a vehicle that matches the class of vehicle for which you are applying for a driving licence to the RTO.
• You will need to pay the applicable fee to obtain a learner’s licence or a driving licence. If your state requires you to have a smart card, you will need to pay an additional fee for the same.

Certain rules and procedures have been set in place for those who are applying for a learner’s licence/driving licence in order to ensure that everyone has a safe driving/riding experience and to reduce the number of accidents that take place on a daily basis. Thus, if you are a learner’s licence applicant, you will need to have adequate knowledge about traffic regulations and road signs. Once you receive your learner’s licence, you should ensure that you practice your riding skills so you are able to receive a permanent driving licence without any hassle.