Driving Licence Complete Guide

Driving Licence (DL) is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that authorizes an individual to drive motor vehicles on public roads. It serves as both permission to drive and proof of identity in India.

The Driving Licence contains holder's name, photo, address, date of birth, blood group, signature, and details of vehicle categories authorized to drive. It's mandatory for driving any motor vehicle in India and is governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Learner's Licence is the first step towards getting a permanent driving licence. It's valid for 6 months and allows you to practice driving with certain restrictions.

• Step 1: Visit Sarathi portal or nearest RTO
• Step 2: Fill Form 2 for learner's licence application
• Step 3: Upload required documents (age proof, address proof, photos)
• Step 4: Schedule appointment for test
• Step 5: Take learner's test (theory test) at RTO
• Step 6: Pass the test (minimum 60% marks required)
• Step 7: Receive learner's licence (LL)

Important Restrictions for Learner's Licence:

• Must display "L" sign on vehicle front and rear
• Must be accompanied by permanent licence holder
• Valid for 6 months only
• Can apply for permanent DL after 30 days (for LMV)
• Not valid for commercial vehicles or transport vehicles

After holding learner's licence for specified period, you can apply for permanent driving licence. You need to pass both theory and practical driving tests.

Categories of Driving Licence:

• LMV: Light Motor Vehicle (Cars, Jeeps, Taxis)
• MCWG: Motorcycle Without Gear
• MCWOG: Motorcycle With Gear
• HMV: Heavy Motor Vehicle (Trucks, Buses)
• HGMV: Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle
• HPMV: Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle

Permanent DL Test Process:

• Hold learner's licence for required period (30 days for LMV)
• Visit Sarathi portal or RTO to apply for permanent DL
• Fill Form 4 and upload required documents
• Schedule driving test appointment
• Take driving test at RTO (H-test, 8-track, parking, etc.)
• Pass the driving test (examiner evaluates driving skills)
• Pay fees and receive permanent driving licence

Driving Licence needs to be renewed periodically as per validity. Non-renewed DL becomes invalid and driving with expired licence can attract penalties.

DL Validity Period:

• Private Vehicles: Valid for 20 years or till age 50 (whichever earlier)
• Commercial Vehicles: Valid for 3 years (needs renewal every 3 years)
• After Age 50: Needs renewal every 5 years
• Renewal Period: Can apply 1 year before expiry or within 30 days after expiry

Renewal Process:

• Visit Sarathi portal or nearest RTO
• Fill Form 9 for driving licence renewal
• Submit required documents (old DL, address proof, medical certificate if age 40+)
• Pay renewal fees (varies by state and vehicle type)
• Receive renewed driving licence (can be delivered or collected)
• Track application status using application number

Note: If DL expired more than 5 years ago, you may need to retake driving test. Medical certificate is mandatory for renewal after age 40 for commercial vehicles and after age 50 for all vehicles.

If your driving licence is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you can apply for a duplicate driving licence. The duplicate DL has same validity as original.

When to Apply for Duplicate DL:

• Original DL lost or misplaced
• DL stolen (FIR recommended but not mandatory)
• DL damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable)
• DL destroyed in accident or natural disaster
• Need to update signature or photo

Duplicate DL Application Process:

• Visit Sarathi portal or RTO where original DL issued
• Fill Form LLD (Loss of Licence Declaration) or Form 9
• Submit required documents (FIR copy if stolen, affidavit, address proof)
• Pay duplicate DL fees (varies by state, approx ₹200-500)
• Application verification by RTO
• Receive duplicate driving licence