For some, driving on highways is a hobby, while it is one of the safest and easy modes of transportation for others. The ability to drive on roads allows you to go wherever you want, but you can’t get your permission to drive until you have a valid driver’s licence.
In India, obtaining a driving licence is required for everyone who wants to drive or ride on public highways. Individuals who do not have a driver’s licence are banned from driving or riding in a motor vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The act says clearly that no one is permitted to ride or drive on public roads without a valid driver’s licence.
In this article, we will discuss all the driving licences.
Driving licence
A driving licence is an official document issued by the Indian government that allows a person to drive a car on Indian roads. This certificate verifies that the person is legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle such as a car, truck, bike, bus, or another similar vehicle without monitoring.
A driving licence, often known as a DL, certifies that you have completed the appropriate training and tests and are familiar with traffic rules and regulations.
A driving licence is generally issued by the state’s Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India. A driver’s licence carries a registration number and a passport-size photo identifying the vehicle’s owner.
It must have a rubber stamp and the officer-in-signature, charges, and the official name from which it was issued. If you want to learn how-to drive-in India, you must first obtain a learner’s licence, following which you can obtain a permanent driving licence.
Importance of driving licence
- In India, a driving licence allows you to drive a specific vehicle on the road, such as a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or commercial vehicle, within territorial borders.
- Your driver’s licence is an official document provided by the Indian government that allows you to drive your car, truck, bus, motorcycle, and other vehicles.
- It certifies or indicates that the owner can operate the vehicle and has passed exams that show positive with traffic laws and regulations.
- Driving provides comfort and ease in our lives, but it must not cause damage to others. With this in mind, adult individuals over 18 are eligible to obtain a driver’s licence.
- Driving privileges are not granted to anyone under the age of 18. In a violation, the candidate’s parents may be held legally liable.
Features
- It should include the name of the office that prepared and issued it. This will assist you in determining where to direct any subsequent processes or queries.
- It has a photo of the licence holder on it.
- It has a one-of-a-kind registration number.
- It has the rubber stamp and signature of the issuing office’s officer in charge.
Types of driving licence
You can learn to drive any vehicle, but you can’t legally use it on the road unless you have a driver’s licence. The following are the different types of licences offered by the RTO in India.
Learner’s Licence
- The Road Transport Authority issues you a learner’s licence before receiving your permanent licence. The validity of the same is limited to 6 months, which means you must improve your driving skills within that time.
- You never leave a baby alone, even when they take their first baby steps. You attempt to keep an eye on each step and educate them on keeping their bodies balanced.
- Similarly, a learner driver should not be left alone behind the wheel. A responsible driver should always supervise you.
Permanent Licence
- The RTO gives a permanent licence to the applicant once the 6-month waiting period is completed.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have passed the driving test. Because the application is completed online, the entire process is relatively simple and easy.
- Private vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, are issued permanent licences. When a permanent driver’s licence is issued, the authority RTO satisfies the applicant’s driving skills.
Commercial Licence
- This licence allows the driver to operate large trucks. Passengers or products are transported in this type of vehicle.
- The minimum requirements for applying for a commercial driver’s licence are slightly different. The candidate or the individual must have passed the eighth-grade examination in such a case.
- Commercial vehicle drivers bear a greater responsibility because they are responsible for their safety and the safety of others.
Applying for a driving licence
To apply for and obtain an official driver’s licence, follow the steps below:
- When you apply for a driver’s licence for the first time, you will be issued a learner’s permit.
- You have the option of submitting an online application for a new driver’s licence. Go to the Road Transport & Highways Ministry’s official website, Sarathi, and select ‘New Driving licence’ from the ‘Sarathi Services’ column. You will be directed to an online application for a driver’s licence.
- You can arrange your Learner’s licence exam once you receive confirmation that your application has been processed.
- You have 6 months after receiving your Learner’s permit to practice driving your vehicle.
- Within 6 months of receiving your Learner’s permit, you can apply for your permanent licence.