India Driving Licence Application and Requirements

A driving licence isn’t just a piece of document. It grants you the right to move on land freely on the vehicle you’re licenced to drive within the allowed jurisdictions. It also serves as a proof of identity. How can you get a driving licence in India? This article will explain all the basics of applying for an Indian driving licence.

Table of contents

India driving licence eligibility

The general eligibility rule to apply for a driving licence is age, which depends on the type of vehicle you are applying for. In most cases, the eligible age is 18 and above.

For motorcycles without gear, citizens aged 16 may already apply, but also with parents’/guardians’ consent. For heavy commercial vehicles, the minimum age is 20.

India driving licence types

For personal use, there are two types of driving licences:

There are other types of licences for commercial use. This article does not apply to those types of licences because the requirements for commercial vehicles are much more specific.

India driving licence general process

The process may differ from state to state. However, the general driving licence application process in India is as follows:

Apply for a driving licence

Apply online

If your state allows, you may start your application online on the official Ministry of Road Transport & Highways site. Then, follow the instructions written on the site: fill out your personal info, upload your documents, and pay the fees.

Apply offline

You may also apply the old school way offline. First, you must fill out the driving licence application form you need, which you may get online on this official website, or simply by coming to your local RTO.

Either way, you will need to submit the form and the required documents to the RTO.

Pass tests for a learner’s licence

After submitting your application, you must pass tests on traffic rules and regulations and basic driving skills.

Get your learner’s licence and earn to drive

After you get your learner’s licence, you are expected to learn to drive and understand enough about road safety and rules. The licence stays valid for six months but may be extended if you need more training.

Pass tests for a permanent licence

Then, you must apply for driving tests before getting your permanent licence. You can apply for driving tests online or offline.

The test consists of theory and practical assessments. You must pass both before applying for a permanent licence. If you happen to fail, you may retake the test.

Apply for a permanent licence

After you have passed the test, you may apply for a permanent licence. You may apply online or offline at your RTO.

Documents needed to apply for an Indian driving licence

There are two primary documents needed to apply for a driving licence:

Proof of identity and age eligibility

This proof may be:

Proof of permanent and current address

Proof of permanent address may be:

While proof of current address may be:

Other required documents

Besides the documents which confirm your personal information as detailed above, these are the other documents required for application:

Indian driving licence photo requirements

Your application photo must meet the following requirements:

Here is an example:

Indian driving licence photo

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Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

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Examole of the original photo

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Example photo for Indian driving licence
Photos for Indian driving licence for printing

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