A Guide to Driving Licences in Gujarat

A driving licence is an important government-issued document that every motor vehicle driver should have. This document also serves as a valid proof of identity throughout India. A driving licence in Gujarat can be obtained online or at your nearest Gujarat RTO office. Initially, a learner’s licence is issued, which is valid for up to 6 months. However, you can apply for a permanent driving licence after 1 month of getting your learner’s licence. However, you are required to get a permanent licence before your learner’s licence expires.

Now that you are aware of the eligibility criteria for getting a licence in Gujarat, it is important for you to take note of all the documents that you’ll be required to submit, in order to get a driving licence.

• Proof of Age - School Leaving Certificate, Birth Certificate, Passport, Pan Card, L.I.C. Policy or a Certificate from Civil Surgeon or a Doctor equivalent to that can be submitted as a proof of age

• Proof of Address - School Leaving Certificate, Passport, L.I.C. Policy, Electoral Voter I-Card, Light Bill, Telephone Bill, receipt of House Tax with address, Pay Slip of Central/State/Local self Government or an Affidavit from the applicant to that effect can be submitted as the proof for address

• Passport-size photographs

• Medical certificate

Whether you are applying for your first driving licence or looking to renew your pre-existing permit, you need to be aware of the charges you will be required to pay for the different processes involved.

 

The table given below lists all the fees related to applying for or renewing your driving licence:

Now that you are well aware of the documents and application fees required when applying for a driving licence in Gujarat, let's check out the process of applying for a driving licence.

Online Application Process

While you can apply for a licence online, you must visit an RTO office to provide your biometric data and take part in the mandatory driving test. To apply for a licence online, follow the steps mentioned below: 

 

1. Visit the Parivahan website https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en

 

2. Choose “Drivers/ Learners Licence” tab

 

3. Select Gujarat from the drop-down list

 

4. You’ll be redirected to the https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelectBean.do page

 

5. Click on “Apply for Learner Licence” or “Apply for Driving Licence” 

 

6. Here’s a quick procedure to follow:

• Fill application details

• Upload documents

• Upload photo and signature (in case of eKYC through aadhaar, only signature needs to be uploaded)

• Book a test slot for your learning licence test

• Make fee payment

• Verify the payment status

• Print the receipt

 

7. Your application number will be sent to your email and your phone number

 

8. To book a slot for your driving licence exam, you need to enter your application number and your date of birth

 

9. After making the payment, print your application form and payment slip. You need to carry them with you on the date of your driving licence exam

Offline Application Process at RTO

If you’re not fully comfortable with applying for your Gujarat driving licence online, you can still visit an RTO office and get your driving licence. 

 

Follow the steps as stated below, to apply for your driving licence in Gujarat via an offline mode: 

• Go to your nearest RTO and fill in the application form. Submit the signed form to the RTO officer along with other necessary documents and your passport-size photographs

• The RTO officer will cross-check the authenticity of the data provided and tell you whether you’re eligible to take the test or not

• If you opt for a Smart Card driver’s licence, you will be required to pay an extra fee of Rs. 200

• Once your appointment for the driving licence exam is scheduled, your driving test will be conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Inspector

• If you pass the test, the driving licence will be sent to your residential address within the stipulated period

• If you do not pass the test, you will be able to retake the same after 7 days

Once you’re done with the application for the driving licence followed by the required test, follow this simple process to check your driving licence application status online:

1. Visit the official portal of Sarathi Parivahan: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do and select your state

2. Click on the ‘Application Status’ option

3. Type in details like your date of birth and your application number

4. Enter the captcha code

5. Verify the details you’ve entered and click on ‘Submit’ 

After your driving licence is issued to you, it is valid for 20 years or up until you reach the age of 50 years, after which, the permit expires. Once your driving licence expires, a grace period of 30 days is applicable, to initiate the renewal process. You can visit your nearest RTO office and apply for a driving licence renewal. 

 

You will be required to submit a medical certificate, if your age is above 50 years. Once this happens, you’ll need to submit an application for the renewal of your driving licence. A ‘No Objection Certificate’ is mandatory if you have relocated to Gujarat from another state.

Online Renewal Process

Just follow a few simple steps to renew your permit in Gujarat: 

1. Visit the website https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do

2. Select the state name

3. You will be redirected to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelectBean.do

4. Click on “Apply for DL Renewal”

5. You’ll have to pay a fee of ₹50, to renew your driving licence (if renewed within 30 days)

6. Additional late fees of ₹50 must be paid in case of delay. If you opt for Smart Car Driving Licence, an extra fee of Rs. 200 will be charged as well

Offline Renewal Process

• Visit the nearest RTO

• Carry the duly filled forms as mentioned above. You can then upload them on 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

If your original driving licence gets lost or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate driving licence. To acquire the same, you’ll have to collect the following documents and stop by the nearest RTO office to apply for a duplicate driving licence: 

 

Apply using the L.L.D. form with details of original driving licence. In case you forget the original smart card number, then, apply for information regarding it by making an application indicating your name, address, date of birth and pay the required fee. 

 

To change the details of the driving licence like name, address, etc., then, you can apply on plain paper with a smart card fee. Obtain an N.O.C. from the original licensing authority and attach with the application.

 

To apply online:

• Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelectBean.do to apply online

• Select “Apply for Duplicate DL” and follow the instructions

 

To apply offline:

• Visit your nearest RTO office

• Complete the application form and attach the copies of your original document

• Submit the form at the RTO and pay a fee of ₹200

• Get your duplicate driving licence copy after verification

You can apply for a International driving licence, you can get it only if you have a permanent licence in India. Please note that you cannot apply for an international driver’s licence online. You will be required to visit an RTO office in person. 

 

You can apply from your state too:

1. Submit the application form (Form 4A) in person at the RTO

2. Alternatively, complete the form online through the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways portal (parivahan.gov.in), and bring the acknowledgment slip along with the required documents to the RTO

3. Submit a copy of documents including your existing driver’s licence, visa, passport, and 3 passport-size photographs

4. Pay the required fee

5. Afterwards, you will receive an International permit having a validity of 1 year

6. Duplication of an international driver’s licence is not permitted

It's important to understand that a driving licence is not just a permit to operate a vehicle, but it is an attestation of your sense of responsibility. Road safety is for everyone’s benefit and needs to be taken seriously. By behaving responsibly, you contribute to making the roads of Gujarat safer for everyone.

 

Apart from a valid driving licence, vehicle owners also need to have good motor insurance for their vehicles. You can check out some good offers and compare them on Bajaj Markets