Driving License: Why it's Necessary?

Driving on roads is more like a passion for some, while for the others, it is one of the best means that makes travel easy and comfortable. Being able to drive on roads gives you the freedom to go wherever you wish to, but you do not get your license to thrill unless you have a valid driving license. In India, for an individual who wants to drive or ride on roads, procuring a driving license is mandatory. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 prohibits individuals from driving or riding a motor vehicle without a driving licence. The provisions of the act clearly state that no individual is allowed to ride/drive on roads without a valid driving licence.

What is Driving License?

A driving license is an official document issued by the government of India, permitting an individual to drive a vehicle on Indian roads. This document certifies that the individual is eligible to drive or ride motorized vehicles such as a car, truck, bike, bus, etc., without any supervision. Commonly referred to as DL, a driving license specifies that you have undergone the required training and tests and are well-aware of all the traffic rules and regulations.

In India, a driving license is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the state you reside in. A driving licence contains a registration number and a passport size photo that gives you the identity of the owner of the vehicle. It must have a rubber stamp and the signature of the officer-in-charge along with the mention of the office it was issued from. In India, if you are learning to drive, then you should first get a learner's license after which you can get a permanent driving license.

Driving License Categories in India

Driving licence in India is issued depending on the class of your motor vehicle. However, the eligibility criteria is subject to change depending on the class of the vehicle.

CATEGORY OF USE	LICENSE CLASS	VEHICLE TYPE
Personal Use	MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50cc)	Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less
	MCWOG/FVG	Motorcycles with any engine capacity, but without gears, including mopeds and scooters
	LMV-NT	Light motor vehicles that are used for non-transport purposes
	MC EX50CC	Motorcycles with gear, Motorcycles with a capacity of 50CC or more, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) including cars
	MC With Gear or M/CYCL.WG	All motorcycles even with gear
Commercial Use	MGV	For medium goods vehicle
	LMV	Light motor vehicles including motorcars, jeeps, taxis, delivery vans
	HMV	Heavy Motor Vehicles
	HGMV	Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle
	HPMV/HTV	Heavy passenger motor vehicle/Heavy transport vehicle
	Trailer	Person holding heavy vehicle driving licence can apply for heavy trailer license

How to Apply for Driving License in India?

Knowing the steps involved in applying for a DL in India becomes easy as you can get the driving online offline and offline too.

How to apply for driving license online?

For applying for driving license online follow the below mentioned steps:

• Visit the official Sarathi Website (sarathi.nic.in). Click on ‘Sarathi Services,’ and select ‘New Driving license,’. Read the details and download the form.

• Fill the form as per the instructions and submit it. Before submitting the form, note down the form application number.

• After submission, you will receive an SMS that will show you the status of your driving license application.

• Schedule your learner’s license test by clicking on ‘Appointment for LL test’ under the Online Transaction with Sarathi’ section.

• The ‘Appointment for LL test’ will let you schedule the time and date of your test.

• At the time of the test, you will have to carry the required documents i.e. the age proof and residence proof.

How to apply for driving license offline in RTO?

The steps mentioned below will help you understand how you can apply for driving license offline.

• Get the application form (Form 1 for Learner License and Form 4 for Permanent license) i.e. the form of a motor vehicle driving license in India. You can download the form online from the state transport website or can get it from the nearest RTO office.

• Fill the form and submit it along with your age proof and address proof at the RTO office in your area. Ask the RTO officials to schedule your driving licence test and pay the fees for the same.

• Reach the driving licence test centre on the given date and time. On clearing the test, your driving license will be sent to your registered address.

• If you are taking driving lessons from a driving school, then the school officials can help you procure your license.

Eligibility Criteria for Availing Driving Licence in India

VEHICLE TYPE	ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Motorcycles with gear	The applicant must be at least 18 years old. He should be aware of traffic rules and regulations and should have a valid age proof and address proof.
Motorcycles without gear (capacity of up to 50CC)	The applicant should be minimum 16 years old and should have the consent of his guardian or parents. He must be aware of traffic rules and regulations, and should possess a valid age proof and address document.
Heavy commercial vehicles	The applicant should have cleared the 8th standard. The applicant should be above the age of 18 (In some states, the minimum age for this vehicle type is 20 years). The applicant should be trained from a government training school or one that is affiliated with the state government.

Documents Required for Obtaining Driving Licence in India

While applying for a driving licence, here is a list of documents that you need to submit:

Address Proof:

• Permanent address proof:
• House agreement
• LIC policy bond
• Voters ID card
• Ration card
• Electricity bill issued in applicant name
• Aadhar Card
• Passport
• Temporary address proof (Registered Rental agreement and LPG bill/electricity bill)

Age Proof:

• Birth certificate
• Pan card
• Passport
• SSC certificate
• School transfer certificate with date of birth printed on it

Other document requirements for getting a driving licence:

• 3 passport size photographs while applying for a learner's license
• 3 passport size photographs while applying for a permanent driving licence
• Application fees
• Duly filled application form
• For applicants above 40 years, a medical certificate is mandatory