Everything You Need to Know About Driving Licenses in India

This article will detail the criteria, don’ts, and eligibility for a Driving License in India and how Solaimalai Driving School helps you get through the process.

A driving license is one of the most important identity documents in India when it comes to driving. Before you drive a car, it is imperative to get a permit because it serves as your permission to do so on Indian roads. Most people know what an Indian driving license is, but how much do you know about it? 

What is a Driving License?

The Indian government issues driving licenses to individuals allowing them to operate various types of automobiles on public roads. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each state in India is responsible for issuing the license. The most popular name for the license is a DL. Confirming the following benefits of the driver:

Completed the training and examinations necessary to operate a vehicle in India and is knowledgeable of all applicable traffic laws.

The driver’s license (DL) comprises an identification number and a passport-sized photo of the license holder. The address of the office that issued the driver’s license, a rubber stamp, and the signature of the RTO officer-in-charge is also included in the document.

Indian Driving License Types

Depending on the kind of vehicle you intend to drive, different sorts of driving licenses are given out. The primary license categories that you need to be aware of are as follows: –

Learners License

In India, having a driver’s license is a requirement if you’re learning to drive. You can practice driving on the road using this as a provisional license. However, you must travel with a companion with a permanent DL. The candidate must understand traffic laws well and have successfully completed a written or online test to obtain a driver’s license.

International Driving License

If you wish to drive in foreign countries, you need to have an international driving permit (1DP) which acts as an official travel document and is certified by the United Nations (UN). The IDP is given to tourists traveling to foreign countries. For an Indian citizen traveling abroad, the IDP must be applied for in India.

Light Motor Vehicle License (LVM) and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HVM) Licenses

You can operate various vehicles with a light motor vehicle license, including cars, taxis, delivery vans, jeeps, etc. A heavy motor vehicle license is required to operate a truck, bus, crane, or comparable vehicle. Both licenses are business licenses that allow a person to operate a commercial vehicle as approved by the state’s RTO. Before submitting an application for a light or heavy motor vehicle license, applicants must obtain their learner’s permit.

What is the minimum age to get a driving license in India 

In India, 16 years of age are required to obtain a driving license for a two-wheeler with a capacity under 50cc. However, 50cc scooters are hard to come by in the modern era. Therefore, delaying the two-wheeler license upgrade above 50cc is a brilliant idea.

For two-wheelers with motors more prominent than 50 ccs, the legal driving age in India is 18 years old. This includes Scooty and Active’s most recent product introductions.

In India, 18 years old is the minimum age required to learn to drive a car. To obtain the license, they must meet mental and physical fitness requirements.

What is the maximum age for applying for a driving license in India 

If you apply for a license before the age of 30, it is valid till you turn 40. It is valid for ten years if you are between the ages of 30 and 50. It is valid from 50 to 55 years old until the possessor turns 60. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 is valid for five years for those above 55.

Documents Required for Driving Licence in India

As you just saw, there is a minimum age requirement for both learning to drive and getting a driver’s license in India, depending on the type of vehicle. The following are the documents you need to apply for a driver’s license:

Age Proof (any one from the given document)

The documents listed below can be used as age-proof:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • 10th Class mark sheet
  • Transfer certificates from any school or college for any class with the date of birth.
Address Proof (any one from the given document)

The documents listed below can be used as address proof:

  • Passport
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Self-owned house agreement
  • Electricity bill (issued with the applicant’s name)
  • LIC bond
  • Voters ID Card
  • Ration Card

A driving license applicant must generally be familiar with traffic laws and regulations and possess proper identification documents attesting to their age and residency. Keep an eye on the license’s expiration date as well; doing so will assist you to start the renewal procedure in time to ensure that there is never a lapse in the license’s validity. At Solaimalai Driving School, we offer license assistance, how to get a driving license in India, and top-notch instruction to help you develop into a confident and responsible driver. Come learn more about us. Better.

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