Here’s a comprehensive guide to applying for a driving licence in West Bengal.
How to apply for a driving licence in West Bengal
The process to apply for a driving licence in West Bengal involves either visiting RTO West Bengal or applying online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. The process broadly involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, scheduling a driving test, and passing the examination.
Online process
- Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
- Select the state as West Bengal.
- 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 some states).
- Book your driving licence test slot (applicable for 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.
Offline process
- Visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
- Your application is verified and processed.
- Once verified, schedule a slot for the driving test.
- Pass the driving test to get the driving licence.
Eligibility for driving licence in West Bengal
To be eligible for a driving licence in West Bengal, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Vehicle Type |
Eligibility Criteria |
Cars and Motorcycles with Gear |
|
Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc) |
|
Heavy Commercial Vehicles |
|
Documents needed for obtaining a driving licence in West Bengal
To qualify for the driving licence exam and apply for a permanent driving licence in West Bengal, you must have the following documents:
- A valid learner's licence.
- Three copies of recent passport size photo
- Age Proof like Voter Id Card / Aadhar Card
- Address Proof like Voter Id Card / Aadhar Card
- Nationality Proof like Voter Id Card / Aadhar card
- Photo Identity like Voter Id card / Aadhar card
- Mobile Number
- In case of Transport Vehicle certificate in Form given in Form 5 issued by a driving training school/establishment
Driving licence test procedure in West Bengal
Following the verification of your documents, you are required to undergo a competency test for driving a vehicle, in accordance with the procedures specified under Rule 15 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. For this driving assessment, you must bring your vehicle to the District Transport Office, where Motor Vehicle Inspectors (M.V.I.s) will evaluate your driving proficiency, understanding of traffic laws, and familiarity with the vehicle. Upon successfully passing the competency test, the candidate will be granted a driving license.
How to get a driving licence renewed in West Bengal
Your driving licence must be renewed within 30 days of expiry of your permanent driving licence to avoid any penalty. The following documents are required for renewal of a driving licence:
Documents required to renew your driving licence
You will need the following documents to renew your DL in West Bengal:
- ·Application in Form-9
- 2 copies of recent passport size photograph
- Proof of age and residence
- Medical Certificate in Form 1A
- Applicable renewal fees
- In case of Commercial / Transport, H.M. Vehicle a driver refreshing Training Certificate.
Steps to renew DL in West Bengal
Offline process
Here are the steps to renew the DL in West Bengal 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 driving licence in West Bengal online:
- Visit the Parivahan website.
- Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on 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 the ‘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.
Driving licence and motor insurance – essential requirements for vehicle owners
Your driving licence and motor insurance are closely interlinked. While your licence shows you're legally allowed to drive, your car or two-wheeler insurance covers you financially in case of unforeseen damages on the road. So, similar to driving licence, you could face penalties or legal implications while driving without a valid motor insurance, since it is a mandatory requirement for all vehicle owners in India.
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