Four different types of licences issued by RTO:

1: Learner’s Licence
2: Permanent Driving Licence
3: Commercial Driving Licence
4: International Driving Permit

Learner’s Licence
A Learner’s Licence is the initial step towards obtaining a full-fledged driving license. It is meant for individuals who are learning to drive and have limited experience on the road. Learner’s Licences are valid for a specific period, during which the holder must practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. To obtain a Learner’s Licence, individuals need to pass a written test that assesses their knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

Criteria for Driving Licence in India

The criteria for obtaining a driving licence in India can vary based on the type of licence you’re applying for and the state or union territory in which you’re applying. However, here are the general criteria that are often applicable:

1. Age Criteria:

• For a Learner’s Licence: Typically, the minimum age is 16 years for driving a moped and 18 years for driving a light motor vehicle.
• For a Permanent Driving Licence (Non-Transport Vehicles): Generally, the minimum age is 18 years for driving a non-transport vehicle.
• For a Commercial Driving Licence: The age requirement can vary based on the type of commercial vehicle. It is often around 20 to 21 years.

2. Educational Qualifications:

• There are no specific educational qualifications required for a regular driving licence in India.
• For a Commercial Driving Licence, some states might have specific educational requirements, often related to a certain level of literacy.

3. Learner’s Licence Period:

• The Learner’s Licence period varies, but it is typically valid for six months. During this time, the holder must practice driving and gain sufficient experience before applying for a Permanent Driving Licence.

4. Medical Fitness:

• Applicants need to meet certain medical fitness criteria to ensure they are physically capable of driving safely. This may involve a medical certificate from an authorized medical practitioner.

5. Knowledge Test:

• For a Learner’s Licence: Applicants need to pass a written test that assesses their knowledge of road signs, rules, and regulations.
• For a Permanent Driving Licence: In addition to the practical driving test, applicants might need to pass a written or computer-based test on traffic rules and regulations.

6. Practical Driving Test:

• For a Permanent Driving Licence (Non-Transport Vehicles): Applicants need to pass a practical driving test that evaluates their driving skills on the road.
• For a Commercial Driving Licence: The practical driving test for commercial vehicles is more comprehensive and focuses on specific skills required for operating those vehicles.

7. Required Documents:

• Proof of age (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.)
• Proof of address (passport, utility bills, etc.)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical certificate, if required
• Learner’s Licence (for applying for a Permanent Driving Licence)
• Training certificate from a recognized driving school (for commercial licence in some cases)

Document Required for Driving Licence

1. Age and Identity Proof:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Voter ID card
• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• School leaving certificate
• Certificate of identity signed by a gazetted officer

2. Address Proof:

• Passport
• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, telephone, etc.)
• Ration card
• Voter ID card
• Aadhaar card
• Lease agreement
• Bank passbook with address

3. Passport-Sized Photographs:

• You will typically need a few recent passport-sized photographs.

4. Learner’s Licence (if applicable):

• If you’re applying for a Permanent Driving Licence, you might need to provide your valid Learner’s Licence.

5. Medical Certificate:

• For some cases, especially for Commercial Driving Licences, you might need a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.

6. Training Certificate:

• For certain types of Commercial Driving Licences, you might need a training certificate from a recognized driving school.

7. Form Fees:

• Depending on the type of licence and the state, there might be application and processing fees that need to be paid.

Fees for DL and LL

The fees for obtaining a Learner’s Licence (LL) and a Driving Licence (DL) in India can vary depending on the state or union territory you’re in, as well as the type of licence you’re applying for (private vehicle, commercial vehicle, etc.). The fees can change over time and might differ between different regions within India. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here’s a general idea of the fee structure for LL and DL:

Learner’s Licence (LL) Fees:

• Application fee: This fee covers the cost of processing your Learner’s Licence application.
• Test fee: Some states charge a fee for taking the written test for the Learner’s Licence.

Permanent Driving Licence (DL) Fees:

• Application fee: This fee covers the processing of your Permanent Driving Licence application.
• Test fee: If there’s a practical driving test required for obtaining your DL, there might be an additional fee.
• Smart card fee: In most states, the DL is issued as a smart card. There might be a fee associated with the issuance of this card.

Commercial Driving Licence (CDL) Fees:

• The fees for a Commercial Driving Licence are generally higher than those for a private vehicle licence due to the additional requirements and training needed.

Keep in mind that these fees can vary, and there might be additional charges for services like changing your address on the licence or getting a duplicate licence in case of loss. It’s recommended to check with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) or the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information for Learner’s Licence and Driving Licence applications in your specific location and for the type of licence you’re applying for.

Some example:

Licence Issued	Fee
Address Change	Rs.200
Learner’s License (LL) Issue	Rs.150
LL Test Fee	Rs.50
Driving Licence Issue	Rs.200
International Driving Permit Issue	Rs.1,000
Driving Licence Renewal	Rs.200
Driving school licence issue and renewal	Rs.10,000
Fee for appeal against RTO	Rs.500
Issuing driving schools with duplicate licence	Rs.5,000

How to Apply for a Driving Licence 

Applying for a Driving Licence (DL) in India involves a series of steps, including obtaining a Learner’s Licence first and then upgrading it to a Permanent Driving Licence. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Step 1: Obtain a Learner’s Licence (LL):

1. Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Learner’s Licence based on your age and the type of vehicle you intend to learn to drive.

2. Documents: Gather the necessary documents such as proof of age, proof of address, passport-sized photographs, and any other required documents.

3. Visit the RTO: Visit your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) to submit the application form for a Learner’s Licence.

4. Written Test: Take the written test that covers traffic rules, signs, and regulations.

5. Learner’s Licence Issuance: If you pass the written test, you will be issued a Learner’s Licence, which allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver.

Step 2: Practice Driving:

1. Practice: Use the Learner’s Licence period to practice your driving skills with a licensed driver accompanying you.

Step 3: Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence (DL):

1. Eligibility: Make sure you have completed the minimum practice period required by your state/UT (often around 30 days) with the Learner’s Licence.

2. Documents: Gather the necessary documents such as your Learner’s Licence, proof of age, proof of address, photographs, and any other required documents.

3. Application Form: Obtain the application form for a Permanent Driving Licence from the RTO or their official website.

4. Book a Slot: Many RTOs allow you to book a slot for the driving test online.

5. Practical Driving Test: On the scheduled day, appear for the practical driving test at the designated RTO. If you pass, your Permanent Driving Licence will be issued.

Step 4: Pay Fees:

1. Fee Calculation: Calculate the fees for the application, tests, and smart card issuance based on your state/UT’s fee structure.

2. Payment: Pay the applicable fees either online (if available) or at the RTO.

Step 5: Collect Your Driving Licence:

1. Issuance: Once you’ve successfully passed the practical driving test and paid the fees, your Permanent Driving Licence will be processed.

2. Smart Card: In most cases, the DL is issued as a smart card. You might need to collect it from the RTO or have it delivered to your address.

How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online :

Step 1: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en.

Step 2: Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’. The option can be found under ‘Online Services’.

Step 3: Select the state.

Step 4: Click on ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.

Step 5: Click on ‘Continue’.

Step 6: Next, you will need to fill in the application, upload the documents, book a slot to take the test, and pay the fee.

Step 7: Visit the RTO on the date and time you have selected.

Step 8: Once you have passed the test, the licence will be sent to the registered address.