When we have finally decided to drive any motor vehicle be it a car or a motorcycle, it is a must need to hold a driving license. For that, we first need to acquire a learning license on the basis of which, a permanent driving license is issued after a certain span of time. A driving license is a legal document that is needed to drive any motor vehicle in India. There are norms related to procuring either it’s a learning or a permanent driving license. These norms are to be followed to have the license processed hassle-free. Before we could see which documents are required for procuring a valid driving license, it is necessary to know the front line process to obtain

In order to get a permanent driving license, the first step is to get a learner’s license. Given below are some of the required documents along with the other relevant details that an aspirant would require:-

Documents Required for Driving License (Learner + Permanent)

Before we understand the required documents, let’s first understand the eligibility : 

The eligibility lies in the age group and with the type of vehicle you are going or wish to drive:

1. Minimum Age Group of 18 Years and above to drive vehicles with a gear
2. Minimum Age Group of 16 Years to drive vehicles without gear

Once you are clear with the age group and category of vehicle, let us move to the required set of documents to obtain a Learner’s Driving License. The following are the required documents in order to obtain a Learning License:-

1. Recent Passport Size Photograph of the applicant– 3 Copies
2. Residential Address Proof
3. Address Proof Documents

Please note that for this particular document, you must carry an Original Copy of the document and 1 Self Attested Copy of the same document as well.

To get a Self Attested Copy, all you have to do is take a photocopy of the original residential proof and sign it at the bottom. Basically add your signature to the photocopied version. 

Valid Residential Proof Documents

• Voter ID
• Life Insurance Policy
• Passport
• Electricity Bill
• Water Bill
• Telephone Bill
• Ration Card
• Aadhar Card
• Income Tax Returns

Valid Age Proof Documents

Please note that for this particular document, you must carry an Original Copy of the document and 1 Self Attested Copy of the same document as well. For proof of your age, you can produce any one of the following documents:

• Birth Certificate
• School Certificate
• Passport
• PAN Card
• Proof of Citizenship

It is mandatory to provide these two proofs to ascertain your address as well as the Age group. Ensure that you carry documents that are not soiled. It must be clear for the issuing authorities so that the process is hassle-free. Please note, certain details from the proof submitted shall be available in your learner’s license. This becomes a legal document while applying for a driver’s license too.

There is a fee involved in getting the learner’s license. There are ideally 2 categories.

1. Normal Category: INR 30
2. Urgent Category: INR 90

Carry the documents mentioned above with the fees and approach a nearby Transport Zonal Office to apply for the learner’s license. Once you approach there, you may have to fill certain forms and submit them. Let us see that process.

1. Fill the below-mentioned forms – It shall be available in the Transport Office

• Application and Declaration Form for fitness
• Application Form for granting or renewal of Learner’s License

      2. Once you fill the forms, your documents shall be verified along with the originals that you produce.

      3. You will have a learner’s test – The test details are below

• 10 Multiple Choice Questions
• Time Frame: 10 Minutes
• Topics Covered: Road Signs, Traffic Rules and Regulations
• Qualifying criteria: Minimum 6 marks out of 10

Once these steps are carried out, you shall be issued a learner’s license. You can ride the vehicle of the category that you have applied for. Of course, as per law, you must accompany a person who has a permanent license to be with you while you go on a motor vehicle. The learner’s vehicle must have a Big ‘L’ in red color and must be stuck.

Just in case, you fail the qualifying test, you are allowed to reapply after 7 days. Now that you have the learner’s license, you are eligible to apply for a permanent license after a minimum period of 30 days. Now, let us have a look at this important list of documents which are required to obtain/ apply a permanent driving license in India:-

List of Must documents which are required to apply for a Permanent Driving License

1. Please carry an attested copy of any one of the following:

• Ration Card
• Voter’s ID Card
• Valid Passport
• Life Insurance Policy which is at least 6 months old and also carries the latest receipt
• Employer’s Certificate

      2. Please carry an attested copy of the Age Proof Document – Any one of the below mentioned

• Birth Certificate
• 10^th Marksheet
• Transfer Certificate from School
• Passport
• PAN Card

     3. Please carry the Address Proof Document

• Aadhar Card
• Valid Passport
• Electricity Bill
• Water Bill
• Telephone Bill
• Ration Card
• Voter ID Card
• Rental Agreement along with a Gas bill or Electricity Bill
• Carry recent Passport Size Photographs – 6 Copies

         4. Leaner’s License

• Check if you have all the documents in place. The Driving License also has a fee involved.
• INR 150 for the laminated driving license.
• Reach the transport Zonal office in person and apply for the permanent driving license.

To Conclude:

Now, when you have all the documents gathered, you can go ahead and apply for a Learning License. Now, when you have successfully got your learning License and have completed 30 days of Learning, it’s high time to get your Permanent Driving License. Don’t forget to drive carefully and as per the norms of traffic. Best of Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is Learning license necessary to get Permanent DL?

Answer 1: Yes, it is a must to first get the learning license and after 30 days of learning, a permanent DL is issued to you.

Question 2: What is the Eligibility Criteria for getting a Learner’s License?

Answer 2: The eligibility lies in the age group and with the type of vehicle you are going or wish to drive: A. Minimum Age Group of 18 Years and above to drive vehicles with a gear B. Minimum Age Group of 16 Years to drive vehicles without gear

Question 3: Is there any fee involved in getting the learner’s license?

Answer 3: Yes, there is a fee involved in getting the learner’s license. There are ideally 2 categories. 1. Normal Category: INR 30 Urgent Category: INR 90

Question 4: Just in case, you fail the qualifying test, when can you file for re-apply?

Answer 4: Just in case, you fail the qualifying test, you are allowed to reapply after 7 days