Obtaining a driving licence in Kerala is a straightforward process designed to ensure that all drivers on the road are adequately trained, knowledgeable about traffic rules, and capable of handling their vehicles in a safe manner. This guide offers an in-depth look at the various types of driving licences available in Kerala, the procedures to obtain them, and the requirements that applicants must fulfil.
Types of driving licence in Kerala
Kerala offers several types of driving licences, catering to the different categories of vehicles and the purpose of driving:
- Learner's licence: Issued for learning purposes, allowing individuals to practice driving under supervision for a specified period before obtaining a permanent DL.
- Permanent driving licence: Issued after successfully passing the driving test and fulfilling other requirements, allowing individuals to drive vehicles independently.
- Commercial driving licence: Issued for driving vehicles for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers. A commercial driving licence is mandatory for driving vehicles with a seating capacity of 8 or more people,
- International driving permit: It is a legal document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries. To get this permit, you need to submit an application at the local RTO and must have a valid permanent driver's licence.
Procedure to obtain driving licence in Kerala
The process to obtain a driving licence in Kerala involves several steps:
- Submission of application: Applicants must fill out the relevant forms and submit them along with the necessary documents.
- Learner’s licence test: A written or online test on road safety and traffic regulations.
- Driving test: After holding the learner's licence for at least one month, applicants can take the driving test for a permanent licence.
How to apply for a driving licence online in Kerala
To apply for a driving licence online in Kerala, follow these steps:
- Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
- Select your state of residence.
- Choose the option ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.
- Fill out the applicant details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Upload a photo and signature if required (applicable for only some states).
- Book your driving licence test slot (applicable for only some states).
- Pay the required fee.
- Carry the original documents and the receipt of the fee payment when you visit the RTO for your driving test.
- Pass the driving test to obtain a driving licence.
How to apply for a driving licence offline in Kerala
To apply for a driving licence offline in Kerala:
- Collect the application form: Obtain Form 4 from the nearest RTO.
- Fill the form: Complete the form and attach required documents.
- Submit the form: Submit the form in person at the RTO.
- Pay the fees: Make payment of the applicable fees at the RTO.
- Book and take the driving test: Schedule your driving test and appear for it.
How to check driving licence application status in Kerala
Applicants can check their driving licence application status online through the official Parivahan website by entering their application number and date of birth.
- Go to the official Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or your state's transport department website.
- Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ menu and select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.
- Select the state where the licence is registered.
- Select the ‘Application Status’ option at the top of the page.
- Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code and click on ‘Submit’.
- The website will display the status of your DL application, indicating whether it is under processing, approved, dispatched, or pending verification.
Eligibility for driving licence in Kerala
Eligibility criteria for obtaining a driving licence in Kerala include:
| Vehicle Type | Eligibility Criteria |
| Cars and Motorcycles with Gear | Minimum 18 years old. Should be aware of traffic rules and regulations.Must possess a valid learner's licence for the category of vehicleMust have valid age proof and address proof documents. |
| Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc) | Minimum 16 years old. Should have the consent of his guardian or parents. Must be aware of traffic rules and regulations.Must possess a valid learner's licence for the category of vehicle Must have valid age proof and address proof documents. |
| Heavy Commercial Vehicles | Should have cleared the 8th standard.Should be above the age of 18 (20 years in some states). Should be trained from any government/state-affiliated training school. |
Documents required to apply for driving licence in Kerala
Applicants need to submit certain documents as proof of identity, address, and age, including:
- Forms: Duly filled forms of applications for learner’s licence or driving licence. You can download the forms online from Parivahan Sewa portal or get it from the nearest RTO.
- Learner's licence: A valid Learner's Licence is a prerequisite for applying for a permanent driving licence.
- Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card, etc., serving as proof of identity.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills, rent agreement, etc., serving as proof of current address.
- Proof of age: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport, etc., serving as proof of date of birth.
- Passport-sized photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant for affixing on the DL.
Fees and charges for driving licence in Kerala
The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Kerala vary based on the type of licence and services required, including:
| Types of Service | Fee (in Rs.) |
| Learner’s licence test fee | 50 |
| Learner’s licence issuance | 150 |
| Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee | 50 |
| Permanent driving licence issuance | 200 |
| For test, or repeat test, as the case may be, of competence to drive | 300 |
| International driving permit issuance | 1000 |
| Driving licence renewal | 200 |
| Driving licence renewal after grace period | 300 |
How to renew driving licence in Kerala?
You will need to renew your driving licence on or after expiry of its validity. A driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till you turn 50 years of age, whichever happens earlier. For a commercial licence, the licence must be renewed after every three years.
Documents required to renew your driving licence:
You will need the following documents to renew your DL in Kerala:
For permanent driving licence:
- Form No.9
- Recent passport size photograph (2 copies)
- Original driving licence
- Valid proof of age and residence (self-attested)
- Renewal fees
- Valid medical certificate in form No.1A (for applicants above 40 years old)
For commercial driving licence:
- All the documents as required in permanent driving licence.
- Driver refreshing training certificate (for HMV).
- Short refresher training course (other commercial vehicles).
Steps to renew DL in Kerala
Offline process
Here are the steps to renew the DL in Kerala offline:
- Visit the nearest RTO.
- Carry the duly filled forms as mentioned above. You can download them on the Parivahan portal.
- Submit the forms along with the required documents.
- Pay the fees and retain the receipt.
- After verification, the driving licence will be sent to the registered address.
Online
Here are the steps to renew DL in Kerala online:
- Visit the Parivahan website.
- Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’ menu in the homepage.
- Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered.
- Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.
- Enter details such as the date of birth, driving licence number, and captcha code.
- Select ‘Get DL Details’ and choose the licence category, RTO, and state.
- Select ‘Proceed’ and choose ‘DL Renewal’ option.
- Submit the online form along with the relevant documents and download the receipt.
- Visit your nearest RTO and submit the relevant documents. After verification, the DL will be sent to the registered address.
Duplicate driving licence in Kerala
Losing or damaging your driving licence can be a hassle but getting a duplicate licence in Kerala is a straightforward process. Here's how to apply for duplicate driving licence in case of loss or damage to your driving licence:
Documents required to apply:
You will need the following documents to apply for a duplicate DL in Kerala:
- Form LLD
- First Information Report (FIR) (in case of stolen or lost licence)
- Original driving licence (in case of damaged DL)
- Attested copies of your original DL (in case of stolen or lost licence)
- Challan clearance report from Kerala Traffic Police (for transport vehicles)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Self-attested copy of a valid address Proof
- Prescribed fee
You might need more documents depending on the circumstances. Please check with the RTO.
Steps to apply for duplicate driving licence
Download and fill the LLD form: The LLD form can be downloaded from the Parivahan portal. Fill out the form with the required details.
Gather the required documents: Print copies of all essential documents.
Visit your nearest RTO: Visit your nearest RTO office that issued your original driving licence.
Submit the documents: Submit the LLD form and the other documents at the RTO.
Pay the fee: Pay the fee for duplicate licence issuance and retain the receipt for future reference.
Receive the duplicate DL: The duplicate DL will be shared to the registered residential address.
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