Obtaining a driving licence in Punjab 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 Punjab, the procedures to obtain them, and the requirements that applicants must fulfil.
Types of driving licence in Punjab
Punjab 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 Punjab
The process to obtain a driving licence in Punjab 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 Punjab
To apply for a driving licence online in Punjab, 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 Punjab
To apply for a driving licence offline in Punjab:
- 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 Punjab
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 Punjab
Eligibility criteria for obtaining a driving licence in Punjab include:
Vehicle Type |
Eligibility Criteria |
Cars and Motorcycles with Gear |
|
Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc) |
|
Heavy Commercial Vehicles |
|
Documents required to apply for driving licence in Punjab
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 Punjab
The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Punjab vary based on the type of licence and services required, including:
Types of Service |
Fee (in Rs.) |
Learner’s licence test fee |
30 |
Learner’s licence issuance |
150 |
Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee |
50 |
Permanent driving licence issuance |
200 |
Driving licence renewal |
50 |
How to renew driving licence in Punjab?
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 Punjab:
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 Punjab
Offline process
Here are the steps to renew the DL in Punjab 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 Punjab 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 Punjab
Losing or damaging your driving licence can be a hassle but getting a duplicate licence in Punjab 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 Punjab:
- 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 Punjab 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.
Driving licence and motor insurance – essential documents for vehicle owners
Your driving licence and motor insurance go hand in hand. While your licence shows you're legally allowed to drive, your car insurance or two-wheeler insurance covers you financially in case of unforeseen damages on the road. Without insurance, you could face penalties or legal problems, since it is a mandatory requirement for all vehicle owners in India.
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