Driving licences in India are issued by individual states. Each state has a "Regional Transport Authority or a Regional Transport Office (RTO) that issues licences. Usually the licence holder is authorized to drive within the state which issued it. However driving licence can be transferred for driving in another state or some licences are issued with an "All India Driving Permit". Minimum age limit is 18 years for all vehicles; however licence for motor cycle having engine capacity below 50cc (cubic capacity) have a minimum age limit of 16.
A police officer or any other official notified by the government can ask for the vehicle-related documents, and the driver should produce them within 24 hours at the police station (or the concerned department). The law also permits the officials to seize the driving licence, and issue a temporary one for a specified time. The law also allows the state government to fix the amount of fines/jail terms for minor traffic violations, and who has the rights to enforce these rules.
Obtaining a valid driving license is the first step towards responsible driving. On our part, we give the steps to obtain a Learner's License, and later in the section, a permanent license.
The way to a Learner's License Forms to be filled:
A. Form No.1: Medical Certificate.
[You need a Doctor's attestation and a photograph]
B. Form No. 2: Application for Learner's License.
C. Form No. 3: Application in duplicate.
Required Documents:
1. Proof of Age - Xerox copy of Birth Certificate or Passport or School or College certificate along with original for verification.
2. Proof of Residence - Xerox copy with original for verification of Ration Card or Election I.D. Card or Passport or LIC policy or Electric Bill or Telephone Bill or Property Tax Receipt or if Govt. employee, payslip issued by Govt..
3. Four passport size photographs, with one to be affixed on Form 1. The Required Fee for each category of vehicle is Rs. 15
2. The Test:
The book on Rules of the Road Regulations is given to the applicant at the time he receives the form. At the time of submission of the form, he will be questioned on traffic rules, signs and signals. If his answers are satisfactory, he will be given the Temporary Driving License, otherwise not.
Obtaining the Learner’s License:
If the candidate passes the oral test on the Rules of The Road Regulations, he is required to collect his Learner's License from the office of the Regional Transport Officer(RTO).
The Learner's License allows you to drive the vehicle you have applied for, but only with someone beside you, who is a license holder.
The sign 'L' should definitely be painted on the back and front of the vehicle in red to alert other road users.
Period of Learner’s License:
This learner's license is valid for a period of 6 months after which another application would be needed. The permanent license can be obtained after a period of 1 month of having acquired the learner's license, if the applicant so wishes.
The Finale...
3. Way to the Permanent License:
4. The required Fees:
Rs.60 for one category of vehicle.
Rs.15 for additional categories.
Rs. 55 for additional endorsement in existing license.
The candidate must make sure he is well versed in driving by now and is ready for a test drive.
The following documents are needed at this stage:
1. Form 4
2. Original Driver's License
3. Three Stamp size photographs
At the time of getting the Permanent License, the applicant must bring along with him/her the category of vehicle for which he has applied for license.
The next step is a driving test by an expert who is the final arbiter in this respect. A pass here means that the form will be stamped "Test Passed" and directed for Permanent Driving License to the License Issuing Authority. For obtaining the laminated Driving License, the applicant will have to present himself/herself at the concerned RTO's office on the day specified by the AASI for the purpose.
