One document which is highly essential for a person to drive a vehicle in India is a Driving License (DL). As it authorizes a person to drive a vehicle, he/she is first tested on the basis of driving skills. Before applying for a DL, it is necessary to meet certain eligibility criteria for getting it issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In this article, we will discuss the eligibility to apply for a driving license.
Table of Contents
Who Can Apply for a Driving License?
In India, types of driving license vary depending upon the purpose and the type of the vehicle. Also, the eligibility criteria differs slightly depending on the type of driving license. Following are the eligibility criteria to apply for a driving license:
Two-wheeler without gear
The minimum age limit to apply for this kind of vehicle is 16 years. The applicant should have sound knowledge of how to operate a two-wheeler without gear. Also, the applicant should have a valid learning license.
Two-wheeler with gear
The applicant should be at least 18 years old to apply for a license of a bike with gear. Only after passing the practical test for a DL, the applicant is issued the license.
Private Four-wheeler
These are cars with a white number plate embossed with a black alphanumeric registration number. They are used as a private mode of transport. The age limit for applying for this type of cars is also 18 years.
Commercial Four-wheeler
These are vehicles with a yellow coloured number plate with black alphanumeric registration number embossed upon it. This category includes taxis, cabs, etc. To apply for a DL of a commercial vehicle, the applicant must hold a driving license for a non-transport or private vehicle for at least one year. The age limit can vary from 18 to 21 depending upon the RTO requirements. Also, they should submit a valid fitness certificate while applying for the license.
Documents Required to Apply for a Driving License
Before applying for a Driving license, you need to keep the following set of documents ready. The originals need to be attached with self-attested photocopies. Here is the list of documents required to apply for a driving license:
- Learning license
- Application Form
- Passport sized photographs
- Form 1 or 1A (Depending upon the type of vehicle)
- Address Proof (Any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Ration card
- Voter’s identity card
- Utility bills such as electricity bill, telephone bill, etc.
- State or Central government issued pay slip
- Life insurance policy
- Age Proof (Any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Pan Card
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- School leaving certificate
- Voter’s identity card
How to Apply for Driving License?
There are two ways in which you can apply for Driving License, one is online and offline. The easiest way is to get an online driving license, apply with the help of internet. You will have to face the least hassle if you go for online driving license apply mode. The set of documents remains the same. The only difference is, you need to submit the soft copies if you send an application for online driving license apply and hard copies if you choose the offline mode.
Visit your state’s RTO website or Parivahan website for online DL apply. If you already have a learning license, online dl apply will be very easy. Click on New Driving license and follow the instructions. Finally, an acknowledgement receipt will be displayed. Take a print out of the same and visit the RTO for a driving license exam.
Apply Driving license online
Documents to Carry While Driving
The government of India has laid down certain rules and regulations which are to be followed while driving a vehicle in the country. These rules are mentioned in The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This act has been amended in order to curb the rising number of road accidents caused due to traffic violations. According to this law, it is necessary for a driver to carry the driving license, a valid insurance policy, Pollution Under Control certificate and Registration Certificate of the car.
