It is very important for any individual to obtain a driving license in-order to become an independent and a responsible rider or a driver. You may need to apply for a driving license in two different scenarios, firstly if you are applying for a license for the first time or renewing an expired one.
It is equally important for you to understand the process for making your driving license application smooth and easy. In this article, we have provided the steps involved in the application of a driving license in a quick and easy guide along with the required documents for the same process.
Why is a Driving License Important?
Apart from just serving as a legal document for driving riding, a driving license also serves as a major document for identification verification or proof of identity. The following are the main reason why you need a driving license:
- Driving License is legal document that legally authorises an individual to operate a motor vehicle.
- Driving License is a Government-issued ID which is treated as a major document for the verification of your identity.
- Driving License proves that you have the required road knowledge and driving skills.
- Driving License is an Essential document for travel and employment in various sectors.
It is very important for individuals to apply for a driving license as it helps you to be familiar with the traffic laws and safety rules which ultimately helps in reducing road accidents. Application for the renewal of driving license is equally important as it helps you to be familiar with the changes in the traffic rules.
Methods to Apply for a Driving License
The process for applying driving license is mostly similar for most of the regions. However, the process may differ slightly for different countries or states, but the general approach for remains the same. The methods for applying driving license along with the elegibility criteria, required documents are being discussed in this post to help you make your driving license appliucation process smoother.
1. Check the Eligibility Criteria
The first thing you should consider while making the application for the driving license is to check the eligibility criteria for the same, to ensure that you are legally eligible to operate a motor vehicle. These the the things you must fulfill to apply for a permanent license:
- You must be 18 years or older to be legally eligible to hold a driving license.
- Apply for a Learner’s License before applying for a permanent license.
- You should be medically fit with an approved medical fitness certificate.
2. Documents Required for Applying a Driving License
Keep your documents handy to make the application process smoother. Here are the list of required documents that you must keep prepared:
- Age Proof (Aadhaar, Marksheets, Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
- Address Proof (Aadhaar, Electricity Bill, etc.)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Blood Group certificate
- Learner’s license (if applicable)
Note: You would just need any one from each category. Carry both the photocopies and the original documents for verification.
3. Apply Online or Offline
You can apply for your driving license either online or offline as per your convenience. We have listed the steps for both the methods below:
Online Method:
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Website on your browser
Step 2: Select your State from where the License is to be applied
Step 3: Select the Service that you want from the list (apply for learner’s license, driving license, renewal, etc.)
Step 4: Fill out the online form as being instructed
Step 5: Upload the scanned copy of the required documents and your passport-sized photograph
Step 6: Pay the application fee and Submit the form
You would receive SMS and Emails for the process further
Offline Method:
Step 1: Check out for the nearest RTO in your region and visit the office with the required documents
Step 2: Request for the application form (usually Form 2) and fill the same
Step 3: Attach the photocopies of the required documents along with your photographs
Step 4: Submit the application form and pay the fee at the RTO counter
The employee would then instruct you with the process further
4. Schedule and Take the Learner’s License Test
After submitting the form, the next step is to schedule for the Learner’s License Test. You can follow the steps mentioned below for the same:
Step 1: Book an appointment for the learner’s test (online from the website mentioned above or at the nearest RTO)
Step 2: Check out the traffic rule book to prepare for the test. You can also take online mock test to prepare better
Step 3: Take the computer-based test at the scheduled time as per your appointment
You must pass this test to proceed further with the application process of the permanent driving license
5. Practice During Learner’s License Period
Once you have passed your Learner’s License test, you would have your learner’s license with you. During this period, practise driving along with someone who has the permanent license and is experienced in driving.
You would have a period of about 30 days to practise driving with your learner’s license, so you need to maintain the learner’s license for this waiting period.
6. Apply for Permanent License
Once your learners’ license period is completed, you can then apply for your permanent license. This is how you can apply for a permanent license:
- Visit the online website as mentioned above or the nearest RTO to proceed with the steps further
- You must submit your learner’s license to book an appointment for the driving test
- Submit the updated application along with your learner’s license to proceed further
7. Appear for the Driving Test
After your appointment is book for the driving test, you would receive a confirmation for the same. Reach out to your RTO test track with your vehicle for the test for the practical evaluation by an RTO officer, who would check your basic driving skills along with your control on the vehicle.
You can retake the test after a short period in case you fail the driving test.
Conclusion
The application process for driving license is simple and easy, if you follow the steps mentioned without any changes you can easily achieve the desired result. Make sure you have checked the eligibility criteria and also the documents required for applying a license so that you do not face any issue in the application process.
Driving license not only gives you the eligibility for legal driving but also serves as a Goverment Issued ID for verification purposes.