Driving Licence Basics - Complete Guide

Minimum age for Driving Licence varies by vehicle type: 1) For motorcycles without gear (up to 50cc): 16 years (with consent of parents/guardians), 2) For motorcycles with gear and light motor vehicles (cars, scooters): 18 years, 3) For commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): 20 years (and minimum 8th class passed), 4) For transport vehicles (taxi, commercial): 20 years. Additional requirements: 1) Should know traffic rules and regulations, 2) Should pass written test and driving test, 3) Medical fitness certificate required for commercial licence, 4) Should have valid Learner's Licence for at least 30 days before applying for permanent licence. Age proof documents accepted: Birth certificate, school certificate, passport, PAN card, etc.

Documents required for Driving Licence application: 1) Age proof: Birth certificate, 10th class marksheet, passport, PAN card, 2) Address proof: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, electricity bill, ration card, 3) Passport size photographs (usually 3-4), 4) Application form (Form 1, 2, or 9 depending on licence type), 5) Medical certificate (Form 1A for commercial licence), 6) Learner's Licence (for permanent DL application), 7) Driving school certificate (if trained through recognized school), 8) Application fees payment receipt. For online application: Scanned copies of documents required. For offline application: Photocopies attested by gazetted officer. All documents should be self-attested. Additional documents may be required for commercial licence.

Driving Licence validity period: 1) Learner's Licence: 6 months from date of issue (can be renewed once for another 6 months), 2) Private Vehicle Licence (cars, motorcycles): Valid for 20 years from date of issue OR till holder attains age of 50 years (whichever is earlier). After 50 years, renewal required every 5 years, 3) Commercial Vehicle Licence: Valid for 3 years from date of issue, renewal required every 3 years, 4) After age 60: Medical certificate required for renewal, renewal every 5 years, 5) Transport Licence (taxi, commercial): Valid for 3 years, renewal with medical certificate. Renewal should be done before expiry (grace period usually 30 days). Late renewal may require re-test or penalty. Check expiry date on your licence card.

Difference between Learner's Licence (LL) and Permanent Driving Licence (DL): 1) Validity: LL valid for 6 months, DL valid for 20 years or till age 50, 2) Driving permission: LL allows driving only with experienced licensed driver, DL allows independent driving, 3) Test requirement: LL requires written test only, DL requires driving test after LL, 4) Purpose: LL for learning and practice, DL for regular driving, 5) Vehicle display: LL holder must display 'L' sign on vehicle, DL holder no such requirement, 6) Application process: LL is first step, then after 30 days can apply for DL, 7) Fee: LL fee less than DL fee, 8) Documents: LL requires basic documents, DL requires LL plus additional documents. LL is temporary permit to learn, DL is final authorization to drive. Both issued by RTO.

Steps to apply for Driving Licence online: 1) Visit Sarathi Parivahan Portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in), 2) Select your state from dropdown, 3) Click on "Apply for Learning Licence" or "Apply for Driving Licence", 4) Register with mobile number and email, 5) Fill application form with personal details, 6) Upload required documents (photo, signature, address proof, age proof), 7) Pay application fee online, 8) Book slot for test (written test for LL, driving test for DL), 9) Note application number for tracking, 10) Visit RTO on scheduled date for test, 11) If test passed, licence will be processed, 12) Track status online, licence delivered by post or collect from RTO. Online application saves time and allows tracking. Ensure documents are scanned properly before uploading.