How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online and Offline?

Driving licence online application is now easier than ever with the advancements in digital services in India. Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your licence, you can complete the process online or offline. The online application is straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your home.

In 2023, many applications were processed online, making it a popular choice. Alternatively, you can reach the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the offline application.

In this blog, we'll guide you through both online and offline methods for applying for a driving licence, ensuring you have all the necessary information to obtain your licence quickly and efficiently.

Types of Driving Licences in India

Knowing the different licence types available when making a driving licence online application is essential. Here's a breakdown:

Licence Type	Description
Learner's Licence	Issued for learning purposes, individuals can practise driving under supervision for a specified period before obtaining a permanent DL.
Permanent Driving Licence	Issued after successfully passing the driving test and fulfilling other requirements, allowing individuals to drive vehicles independently.
Commercial Driving Licence	Issued for individuals driving vehicles for commercial purposes, such as carrying goods or passengers. A commercial driving licence is mandatory for driving cars with a seating capacity of eight or more people.
International Driving Permit	A legal document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries. To get this permit, you must apply to the local RTO and have a valid permanent driving licence.

Licence Type	Description
Learner's Licence	Issued for learning purposes, individuals can practise driving under supervision for a specified period before obtaining a permanent DL.
Permanent Driving Licence	Issued after successfully passing the driving test and fulfilling other requirements, allowing individuals to drive vehicles independently.
Commercial Driving Licence	Issued for individuals driving vehicles for commercial purposes, such as carrying goods or passengers. A commercial driving licence is mandatory for driving cars with a seating capacity of eight or more people.
International Driving Permit	A legal document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries. To get this permit, you must apply to the local RTO and have a valid permanent driving licence.

These categories ensure that drivers are adequately trained and certified for their specific type of vehicle and usage. Always choose the correct licence type based on your driving needs.

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence

The eligibility criteria for a driving licence, based on the kind of vehicle, are as follows:

Types of Vehicles Allowed	Criteria
Vehicles without gears with engines up to 50cc	6 years of age; possible only with parental consent
Vehicles with gears	18 years of age; should know the traffic rules and regulations
Commercial vehicles	20 years of age (18 in some states); must have completed formal education up to 8th grade; should be trained at a government or government-affiliated training centre

Types of Vehicles Allowed	Criteria
Vehicles without gears with engines up to 50cc	6 years of age; possible only with parental consent
Vehicles with gears	18 years of age; should know the traffic rules and regulations
Commercial vehicles	20 years of age (18 in some states); must have completed formal education up to 8th grade; should be trained at a government or government-affiliated training centre

Documents Needed to Get a Driving Licence

For a driving licence online application or offline, you will need to provide several documents to verify your identity and eligibility. Here's what you need:

1. Driving Licence Application Form-4: Available online and offline.

2. Six Passport Size Photographs

3. Residence Proof: A copy of ration card, voter's ID, passport, or LIC policy older than six months.

4. Age Proof: Educational certificate, birth certificate, or 10th class mark sheet.

5. Copy of Valid Learner's Licence

6. Copy of PAN Card

7. Receipt of Payment Fees: ₹400/- for the driving licence.

How to Submit Driving Licence Online Application?

Follow these steps to do a driving licence online application:

1. Visit the Official RTO Website:

   1. Go to the RTO website.

2. Select Your State:

   1. Click on "Apply for Learner's Licence" and select your state.

3. Fill in the Driving Licence Online Application:

   1. Complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the fee to select a test slot.

4. Take the Learner's Licence Test:

   1. Select a date to take your test and receive your Learner's Licence (LL).

5. Apply for a Driving Licence (DL):

   1. After obtaining the LL, visit the Sarathi platform again, click on "Apply for DL", and submit your driving licence online application under "Holding Learner's Licence".

6. Book a Driving Test Slot:

   1. Choose a suitable slot after 30 days for a driving test at the RTO.

7. Pay the DL Issuance Fees:

   1. Pay the fees online and download the confirmation slip.

8. Appear for the Driving Test:

   1. Visit the selected RTO on the scheduled date for your driving test. An RTO official will monitor your test and record your biometric information. Your Driving Licence will be shared to your home address via post.

How to Apply for a Driving Licence In-Person?

If you prefer to apply offline, follow the points given below:

1. Collect Form 2:

   1. Get Form 2 from your nearest RTO, download it from the Parivahan website, and fill it out for the Learner's Licence (LL).

2. Submit the Application:

   1. Visit the RTO with the necessary documents and your application. Get your application ID and a slot for the LL test.

3. Appear for the LL Test:

   1. Use your application ID to take the preliminary test. Upon clearing the test, you will receive your Learning Licence immediately.

4. Pick Your Driving Test Slot:

   1. Visit the RTO again after a month to choose a slot for your driving test.

5. Pay the Driving Licence Fees:

   1. Pay the required fees at the RTO and obtain your receipt.

6. Take the Driving Test:

   1. Attend the driving test as per the scheduled appointment at the RTO. The officials will take your biometric information, and your permanent DL will be sent to you via post within a few days.

Do's and Don'ts for Driving Licence Online Application and Offline Process

Do's	Don'ts
Check the form once you have filled it out for errors or omissions.	Don't submit incorrect documents along with your application; you will be liable for penal action.
Do carry the original documents with you for your driving test.	Don’t miss attaching a copy of your Learner's Licence when applying for a driving licence.
Remember that a Learner's Licence is only valid for six months.	Don’t drive or ride (this includes while practising) without a valid licence or documentation.
Only drive with the presence of a permanent driving licence holder.

Do's	Don'ts
Check the form once you have filled it out for errors or omissions.	Don't submit incorrect documents along with your application; you will be liable for penal action.
Do carry the original documents with you for your driving test.	Don’t miss attaching a copy of your Learner's Licence when applying for a driving licence.
Remember that a Learner's Licence is only valid for six months.	Don’t drive or ride (this includes while practising) without a valid licence or documentation.
Only drive with the presence of a permanent driving licence holder.

Ready, Set, Drive

Getting your driving licence is a big step towards independence and mobility. Whether you choose to get a driving licence online application or offline, make sure you have all the proper documents and follow the guidelines. Drive safely, respect traffic rules, and enjoy the freedom of the road.

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