Indian Driving License | Online Application & More

Learning to drive is an amazing experience, especially for the ones that find driving fascinating. Moreover, a driving license is a mandatory document issued through the Government of India. Driving license is a must as it freely allows the vehicle owner to operate their own vehicle on the roads. A driving license form is easily available online. Without a driving license, there are strict penalties. Also, if you are driving a motor vehicle without a valid driving license online application, you cannot claim insurance in case of any mishap. So to help you get a driving license in an easy way, here’s a guide on how to fill driving license online application form.

Types of Driving License

Driving license is issued for the following vehicle types:

• Motor Cycle without gear: this category includes all motor vehicle types such as mopeds and scooters
• Motor Cycle with gear: this category includes all other motor vehicles having gear
• Light Motor Vehicle (NT): this category includes hatchbacks, sedans, etc.
• Transport Vehicles: this category includes vehicles such as trucks, vans, buses, etc.
• Invalid Carriage
• Road Roller
• Motor Vehicles of a specified description

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Driving License

In order to apply for a driving license, an applicant will have to meet the below eligibility criteria:

• The applicant should be at least 18 years or above.
• An applicant applying for a driving license should first have a learner’s license.
• The applicant should apply for a driving license after 30 days and within 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s license.
• Applicants have to be aware of all the traffic rules and regulations.

Documents Required for Obtaining Driving License

For the application of a driving license online application form, here is a list of documents that you need:

• Form no. 4, i.e., the driving license application form
• Passport size photographs
• Application fee
• Driving certificate forms – 5, 14 and 15, in case of transport vehicles

Address Proof: Any one of the below documents

• Ration card
• Voter’s ID
• Certified copy of the Voter’s List
• Passport
• LIC policy bond that is 6 months old (this has to be submitted along with the copy of the latest receipt of the policy)

Age Proof: Any one of the below documents

• Educational certificate
• Birth certificate
• Attested copy of the passport
• Certificate issued by the employer if you are working for state/central government or a local body.

How to apply for a driving license via an online form?

To apply for a driving license online application form, you will have to follow the below steps:

• Visit the government transport website https://parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice9/stateSelection.do

• Fill the application form and submit all the relevant documents online.

• You will then receive an application number.
• This needs to be submitted at the time of the test.
• You can book a driving test slot online and pay the application fees online.
• You will then have to visit the RTO where you have applied for the driver’s license.
• Your driving license test is conducted in the presence of a motor vehicle inspector who decides whether a driver’s license can be issued to you or not.
• You will have to take your motor vehicle for the test.
• Once you pass the test then your biometrics will be recorded and photos will be taken.
• Your driving license will be delivered to your registered address through post. Few RTOs also let you collect your driving license on the same day as you appear for the test.

For further information, check the following video:

Indian Driving License Is Valid In Which Countries?

There are quite a few disparities between the traditional driving rules in India and foreign countries. Indians are used to driving on the left side of the road. Meanwhile, Americans drive on the right side of the road. Similarly, Indian cars have the steering wheel on the right-hand side. But American cars have the steering wheel on the left-hand side. Despite these differences, having an Indian driving license is enough to let you drive a car in a foreign country. Read on to find out which foreign countries allow you to drive with an Indian driving license.

1. USA

You can drive cars in the US for up to a year with an Indian driving license. Although, you will have to carry the Form I-94 with you at all times. This form mentions your date of entry into the US. Hence, it keeps track of your duration in the country.

2. Germany

Germany allows you to drive with an Indian license for up to 6 months. The only clause is that your license must be in English. Although there may be additional regulations asked of you there, such as having an international driving permit.

3. UK

You can drive here for up to a year without any issues.

4. Finland

The country ranks first in the rankings for best education systems of the world. Finland allows you to drive with an Indian driving license, from between 6 months to a year. This is dependent on your insurance policy. Your license also needs to be in English.

5. South Africa

In South Africa you can drive up to a year with an Indian license. After that you will need to apply for their driving license.

6. Norway

This country only gives driving permission for three months. By the fourth month, you will need the country’s driving license.

7. France

France allows you to drive with an Indian license only if your license is in French.

8. Switzerland

There are no restrictions to the time duration for driving in Switzerland with an Indian license.

9. New Zealand

Showing your driver’s license in the country is enough to rent a car and drive around.

10. Australia

Australia also allows you to drive with an Indian driving license. This is also due to the fact that many Indians go there for work opportunities as well

To know which other countries allows driving with an Indian license, view this video below.

What is a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP)?

The Ministry of Road and Highways’ amendment of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 makes it compulsory for all vehicles sold post 1st April 2019, to be pre-fixed with a High Security Registration Plate. This step was taken to control the theft of vehicles as well as make tracking of lost and stolen vehicles easier. Not having an HSRP can result in a fine of Rs 500 or imprisonment up to 3 months.

What are the features of a High Security Registration Plate?

• These plates are of aluminium and come with reflective tapes.
• The plates are hot-stamped with a patented chromium-based hologram of 20×20 mm on the top-left corner which additionally has the Ashoka Chakra in blue.
• At the bottom of the same corner, there is a laser branding of a 10-digit permanent identification number, of 5 mm. This identification number carries all important details of the vehicle such as its engine and chassis number.
• A hot-stamping film with ‘India’ inscribed on it in Blue, will be applied on the letters and the numerals.
• The letters “INDIA” will be of the font size 10 (Ten) in Type Arial Bold script at a 45 degrees’ inclination with sequential lines being the mirror image of the other.
• The registration letters and numerals are embossed on the plate to provide good visibility.
• A reto-reflective “IND” is inscribed on the left of the plate, below the Ashoka Chakra.
• All tapes have tamper-proof, non-removable and non-reusable snap locks.
• These plates will also come with a third license plate which will have a self-destructive sticker. This sticker will have the names of registering authority, registration number, laser branded permanent identification number, engine number, chassis number, etc. This chromium hologram sticker will be affixed on the bottom-left corner of the windshield from the inside.

How to avail the High Security Registration Plate?

The Delhi State Government released a notice which stated that vehicles registered between 1st January 2011 and 30th April 2012 would have to get the HSRP affixed in the first round of changes. The HSRP website was also launched to aid citizens for this. All details relating to where you can get HSRP, its pricing, etc. are present here. Furthermore, you can also book your HSRP appointment and pay the fees online.

Similarly, the Rajasthan High Court also gave a ruling in 2017 stating that all vehicles before 2012 which do not have a High Security Registration Plate need to get it within one year. Furthermore, this amounts to approximately 90 lakh vehicles in Rajasthan. Other states in the country are also following up on this.

For further information on High Security Registration Plate, view the below video.

If you found this article helpful then don’t forget to check out our blog for other blogs on daily important matters. A quick one to not miss out is How To Check LPG Subsidy Status Online.

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