Before the implementation of these new driving licence rules, prospective applicants had to visit an RTO office in order to take their driving test and get their official driving licences. As per the new Driving Licence rules that are applicable from July 1, 2022, you can now apply for a driving licence at any recognised driving school. The driving schools will issue a certificate to all those who pass the driving test and driving licences would be given out on the basis of these certificates.
As per the updates released by the Union Ministry of Road and Highways, these new Driving Licence rules will only be valid for commercial and personal driving licences. A number of new private driving licences will also be set up under the authority of the respective State and Central Governments.
New Rules Implemented By |
Union Ministry of Road and Motorways |
Department Name |
Regional Transport Office |
New Rules in Effect From |
July 1, 2022 |
Rules Amended for |
Driving test for personal/commercial vehicles; two-wheelers and four-wheelers |
Certain important guidelines and rules have been laid out by the Ministry of Road and Transport that must be followed by all private driving schools/test centres. Only those driving schools that follow these guidelines will be allowed to take driving tests and issue certificates. Let’s take a look at these guidelines.
The training centre must have at least 1 acre of land for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light motor vehicles.
For heavy passenger vehicles/commercial vehicles, the training centre must have at least 2 acres of land.
The trainer who teaches driving must have at least passed Class 12th. They must also have 5 years of driving experience.
The driving centres must follow this two-fold syllabus; Theory and Practical
The training centres must have a biometric scanner system in place.
If you wish to apply for a new driving licence, you can take advantage of the simple process for online registration. The Sarathi website, brought forth by the Road Transport and Highway Ministry, features online driving licence (or DL) application forms that can be downloaded with ease. Follow the steps mentioned below for your driving licence application:
Step 1: Begin by visiting the Sarathi website’s homepage and select the “Apply Online” button for the driving licence online application.
Step 2: Now, click on the “New Driving Licence” button.
Step 3: The on-screen instructions will guide you on how to fill out the form. Make sure that you read these instructions with care before filling out your form for the driving licence application. Once you have read these steps, click on the “Continue” button.
Step 4: Now, you will be asked to fill out the type of licence you already possess. This could be a Learner’s Licence, a Defence Licence or even a Foreign Driver’s Licence. Based on the answer you submit; you will be asked to fill in the corresponding licence number issued to you.
Step 5: Fill out your “Date of Birth”.
Step 6: After providing details about yourself and your vehicle, click on the “Submit” button.
Step 7: Upload the required documents, a passport-sized photograph of yourself and your signature. Verify these documents and then click on the “Submit” button.
Step 8: Once you have completed these steps for your driving licence application, you can select a time slot convenient to you for your driving licence examination.
Step 9: Pay the online fees for the driving licence application online on the Sarathi website.
Step 10: After you pay, take a printout of your driving licence application form and payment receipt. Make sure to carry these documents with you when you go for your driving examination.
Step 11: Once your driving licence application has been processed, you will be notified of the same via an SMS sent to your registered mobile number.
If you have ever wondered how to apply for a driving licence (DL), you must have also found yourself wondering what documentation you would need to furnish at the time of your application. Listed below are the documents you are required to submit along with your driving licence form:
A passport-sized photograph of yourself.
A copy of your PAN card.
A copy of your certificate of fitness.
If you are a minor, you will need a copy of your parent or guardian’s written consent which must be dated and signed for a driving licence online application.
Your proof of address.
Your proof of age.
A learning licence permit that is valid.
The receipt of payment for your permanent driving licence.
Form 1 and Form 1A for medical certificate.
While a driving licence form can be collected from the nearest Regional Transport Office (or RTO), it is also available when you opt for an online licence application. Simply visit the RTO website or the Sarathi website and download the DL application form. Listed below are the different forms you can download when you visit the Sarathi website for your DL application:
Driving licence form 2 i.e. a new learner’s licence application form
Driving licence form 4 i.e. new driving licence application form
Driving licence form 8 i.e. the form needed for the addition of a new vehicle class to your driving licence
Driving licence form 9 i.e. the form you must fill out to renew your licence
Each of the forms mentioned above caters to different individuals in the market for a driving licence. Select the DL online form that is most appropriate to you during the driving licence online application and submit it at the nearest RTO along with the documents required.
A driving licence is a vital document which serves as proof that you are a capable driver and have been given permission to drive on the Indian roads. Now that the process to apply for a driving licence has become online, you can apply for it while sitting in the comfort of your home. Apart from a driving licence, having valid motor insurance is also extremely important. The motor insurance policy serves as a form of financial protection that helps cover any third-party liabilities. You can choose a comprehensive coverage plan that provides financial security against damage incurred by you and your vehicle as well. If you haven’t already purchased such a plan, visit the Bajaj Markets website to select and purchase a viable motor insurance policy.
The two different kinds of licences available in India today are as follows.
Learner’s licence
Permanent licence
Listed below are some of the different licence types you can avail depending on the kind of vehicle you wish to drive:
Licence for driving a two-wheeler with gears
Licence for driving a two-wheeler without gears
Licence for driving a four-wheeler (geared as well as automatic vehicles)
Licence for driving a commercial vehicle
Licence for driving a transport vehicle
You can apply for a driving licence offline through the RTO. As per the new driving licence rules, now you also have the option to apply through a recognised driving training centre.
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learning licence for gearless two-wheelers. For all other vehicles, the minimum age to get a driving licence is 18 years.
As per the New Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, the fine for driving without a licence is ₹5,000.