Are you ready to hit the road and get behind the wheel? The first step towards becoming a licensed driver is to apply for a driving licence.

Whether you're a first-time applicant or need to renew your license, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of applying for a driving licence online in India. It's easier than you think!

Obtaining a driving licence is a significant milestone in every individual's life.

It gives you the freedom to explore the roads and travel to your heart's content.

The process of acquiring a driving licence in India has become more accessible with the advent of online applications.

By applying for a driving licence online, you can save time, effort, and challan.

Types of Driving Licences

Before diving into the application process, it's essential to understand the different types of driving licenses available in India:

Learning Licence: This temporary licence validates your eligibility to learn to drive on Indian roads. It is valid for six months.

Permanent Driving Licence: Issued to drivers who have mastered driving skills and successfully cleared the driving test. This licence is valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first.

Commercial Driving Licence: If you intend to drive transport vehicles or ferry passengers for commercial purposes, you'll need a commercial driving licence.

International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is required for driving in foreign lands.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a driving licence in India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old for geared vehicles (16 for non-geared vehicles). Education: You should have passed the 8th class.

Knowledge of Traffic Rules: It is essential to possess knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

Mental Fitness: You should be mentally fit to drive and follow road safety guidelines.

Documents Required

To complete the driving licence application process, you will need to gather the following documents:

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, or any other government-issued photo ID..

Address Proof: Utility bill, passport, ration card, or any other document that verifies your address.

Passport-size Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.

Age Proof: Birth certificate, PAN card, school leaving certificate, or any other document that proves your age.

Application Form: The application form can be filled online or obtained from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Learner's Licence (if applicable): If you already have a learner's licence, make sure to carry a copy.

Medical Certificate (in some instances): In case of a physical disability, a medical certificate may be required.

Self-Declaration Form (Form 1): This form declares your physical fitness and mental stability.

Step 1: Learning Licence Application

To begin the process of obtaining a driving licence, follow these steps:

Visit the official Parivahan website at https://drivinglicenceapply.in/

Under the "Drivers/Learner License" section, click on "More."

Select your state and click on "Apply for Learner Licence."

Review the Application Submission Instructions and click on "Continue."

Choose the "Submit Via Aadhaar Authentication" option.

Enter your Aadhaar number, generate an OTP, authenticate the details, and click on "Proceed."

Fill in additional details such as your qualifications, blood group, email ID, and mobile number.

Click on the yellow "Self Declaration (Form 1)" button to answer health-related questions and submit the form.

Upload the required documents, make the driving licence application payment, and submit your application.

Step 2: Learner Licence Test

After submitting your learner licence application, you need to complete the Learner Licence Test. Follow these steps:

Access the Online LL Test by clicking on "Online LL Test (STAL)" on the Sarathi portal.

Enter your application number and the displayed captcha code, then click on "Submit."

Follow the instructions provided to complete your LL test.

Immediately after the test, your driving licence should be displayed on the screen. You can download or print it directly.

If the print option is not available immediately, wait for 24-48 hours and try again. This applies to successful candidates.

Step 3: Applying for a Permanent Licence

Once you have your learner's licence, you must wait for at least 30 days before applying for a permanent driving licence.

Follow these steps to apply online:

Revisit the Sarathi portal and select your state.

Navigate to the "Apply for Driving Licence" option and fill in the application form.

Upload the necessary documents, including your learner's licence.

Book a slot for the driving test.

Pay the application fee online and verify the payment status.

After clearing the driving test, your permanent driving licence will be sent to your registered address via speed post. It is typically delivered within seven working days.

Driving Licence Renewal

A driving licence in India is typically valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever is earlier. After that, it needs to be renewed every five years.

To renew your driving licence, follow the steps below:

Visit the official Parivahan website and select your state.

Click on the "Renewal of Driving Licence" option.

Fill in the required details, including your current driving licence details.

Upload any necessary documents, such as address proof or age proof.

Pay the renewal fee online and verify the payment status.

Once the renewal process is complete, your new driving licence will be sent to your registered address.

International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive in foreign countries, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Here's how you can obtain an IDP:

Visit the official Parivahan website and select your state.

Click on the "Apply for International Driving Permit" option.

Fill in the required details, including your current driving licence details and travel plans.

Upload the necessary documents, such as your passport and visa.

Pay the application fee online and verify the payment status.

Once your application is processed, your IDP will be sent to your registered address via speed post.

Conclusion

Obtaining a driving licence is a crucial step towards becoming an independent and responsible driver.

By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily apply for a driving licence online in India.

Remember to gather all the necessary documents, meet the eligibility criteria, and pay the required fees.

Once you receive your driving licence, you can hit the road with confidence and enjoy the freedom of driving. Safe travels!