Types of Driving Licence in India

A driver's licence is a government-issued document that allows people to operate or drive a motor vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, truck, bus, or other vehicles on a public road without guidance. The state's Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues a driver's licence to people in India. According to the Automobiles Act of 1988, no one is permitted to drive a vehicle in India in a public place without a valid licence.

As a result, if you want to drive a vehicle such as a car or a scooter on Indian roads, you must first obtain a valid driver's licence. If you wish to learn to drive a car, you must first obtain a Learners licence, which is a provisional licence, and then pass a test to be eligible for a permanent driver’s licence.

Different types of driving licence

Every Indian adult citizen can seek for one of these; however, they must first pass a driving test. In India alone, there are four types of driving licences.

Learner’s license

The Road Transport Authority issues you a learner's licence before you receive your permanent licence. The validity of a learner's licence is only for up to six months, implying that one needs to improve their driving skills within these 6 months to be eligible to move a step ahead. To brush up on skills, learners or new drivers need to drive a lot under an adult’s guidance.

Permanent licence

After the 6-months when the learner’s licence expires, the RTO issues a permanent licence to the individual. The age eligibility criteria for a permanent licence are 18 years of age and should have passed the driver's examination. The application process is completed online, and the entire process is simple and smooth.

The licence is given for personal vehicles like two or four-wheelers. Providing a permanent driver's licence indicates that the RTO is confident in the individual's driving abilities.

Each licence is valid for certain years. upon expiration of the licence the candidate needs to follow the renewal process. The government provides a grace period of 30 days from the date of licence expiration. Licence holder can renew their licence within that grace period without paying a penalty.

However, if a year has already passed since the licence expired, the learner's driving test must be taken again, and the licencing authority will treat you as a new applicant.

Therefore, apply for renewal at the RTO before the expiration date. Fill up Form 9 (provide at the RTO) and attach your original expired DL, passport size photograph, and other documents of proof required.

Commercial driving licence

This type of licence is only given to those who drive heavy vehicles like trucks or buses to transport humans or goods to different locations. The eligibility criteria for a commercial or heavy-duty driver are different as they are responsible for the safety of other people and themselves.

International driving permit

This permit once provided to an eligible candidate implies that he/she can drive any vehicle in a foreign land. This permit is valid for one year and is given only after the candidate has received a permanent licence from RTO. After the expiration of the permit, the candidate can reapply for the permit.

Disadvantages of not owning a driver’s licence

Due to mishaps often occurring on roads, and highways the government has made it mandatory for all drivers to own a driver’s licence. Violating the rule will result in a criminal offence and can be subject to severe penalties of Rs 5,000. The penalties can differ state-wise.
Anyone without a driver's licence who meets an accident can undergo severe repercussions like suspension of their licence, fine of Rs 5,000, and imprisonment of at least 6 months. Upon second offense the driver can be sentenced to jail for a year along with a fine of Rs 10,000.
Remember, an expired licence is also treated as no licence holder. Therefore, driving with an expired licence is also a criminal offence and is subject to a fine of Rs 5,000.

Final takeaway

If by any chance, you lose your driver's licence, go to the nearest local police station immediately and inform them. Make a formal complaint and file an F.I.R. Then go to the notary office and sign an affidavit stating that you have lost your driver's licence. After you've finished filing your complaint, you can apply for a duplicate licence by including a copy of your affidavit and your F.I.R.

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Types of Driving Licence in India