Kerala Driving Licence

Irrespective of whether you are a seasoned driver or a greenhorn if you wish to drive a vehicle in the state of Kerala, possessing a valid driver's licence is a must. 

To be eligible for a driving licence in Kerala, you must be at least 18 years of age (light motor vehicle) or 20 years of age (commercial vehicle). Additionally, you must be aware of all the traffic regulations applicable in the state.

To apply for the same, you can do so both online and offline. To apply online, you must visit the Kerala Transport Department’s website, and submit your application. To do so offline, you must visit the nearest RTO, and undertake the necessary paperwork.

If you want to obtain a licence for a two-wheeler, you can apply as soon as you turn 16 years old. Meanwhile, for four-wheelers, you are considered eligible if you are above the minimum age of 18 years. As a citizen of Kerala, this is the eligibility criteria you need to fulfil for getting a permanent driving licence:

• You should hold a valid learners licence

• You must be familiar with all traffic rules and regulations

• You must be at least 18 years old ( light motor vehicle DL).

• You must be at least 20 years old (commercial vehicle DL).

• Your existing learner’s licence must be at least 30 days old and not more than 180 days old at the time of application for a permanent Dl.

The process for applying for a driving licence offline in Kerala is a simple and straightforward one. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Step 1: Head to the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO)

• Step 2: Request for an application form at the office. You can also download it from the Kerala transport website kerala.gov.in/transport-department, and print it.

• Step 3: Fill in all the required details. Attach copies of all the necessary documents to the completed application form.

• Step 4: Submit the application at the office, and schedule a date and time slot for your driving test.

• Step 5: Pay the fees for the application and the test as stipulated.

• Step 6: Once you have successfully passed the driving test, the licence will be delivered to the applicant’s registered address

Given the lockdown restrictions and hectic schedules we face today, applying for a driving licence online in Kerala is a faster and more convenient process as compared to offline application. Here are the steps you need to follow for getting a driving licence online in Kerala:

• Step 1: Go to the official website for driving licence services in Kerala kerala.gov.in/transport-department

• Step 2: Under the licence services section, find, download and print the application form.

• Step 3: Fill in the required details and attach the necessary documents to the form. The completed form can then be submitted in person at the nearest RTO or online itself.

• Step 4: Schedule a time slot for your driving test on a particular date, and complete the payment process.

• Step 5: After successfully clearing the driving test, the driving licence will be issued and delivered to the applicant.

In order to complete the application formalities, there are certain important documents you need to present. Without these documents, your licence application will most likely get rejected.

Here is a complete list of all the documents that need to be attached to your driving licence application:

• Age-proof (these can be copies of an educational certificate, birth certificate, certificate issued by the employer, valid copy of passport)

• Address proof (these can be attested copy of passport, ration card, voter’s ID, or government-approved employer’s certificate)

• Application form 4

• Original learner’s licence

• 3 passport size photographs

As issuance of driving licence and conducting driving test are government-managed services, there are certain fees charged for the entire process. Here are the different driving licence fees in Kerala at a glance:

In Kerala, applicants are issued a driving licence depending on the type of the vehicle they own. Currently, these are the types of driving licences in Kerala:

1. Gearless Vehicles

These licences allow one to drive gearlss vehicles with a horse-power below 50cc. These include vehicles like scooters, autos and motor cycles with gears.

2. Light-Gear Two Wheeler

This licence is for applicants looking to operate geared two wheelers with engine power above 50cc

3. Light Gear Four Wheeler

Similar to above this license is meant for geared four wheeler vehicles such as regular cars with engine power above 50cc

4.Heavy Gear Vehicles

This licence is for those looking to operate heavy vehicles such as trucks and vehicles used for commercial transportation

Check out these RTOs in Kerala

The process of conducting the driving test is standard across the country. The test is conducted in the presence of a Licenced Motor Vehicle Inspector at the applicant’s chosen RTO branch. The vehicle driven by the applicant during the test must belong to the same vehicle class as the one noted in the application form. There are two types of driving tests:

• Test for Two or Three-Wheeler

The driving test for two-wheelers or three-wheelers requires the driver to drive in an 8 figure in a certain area. While driving, the driver must not touch the side rails and their feet must not touch the ground. After clearing this task, the driver is asked to drive for a specified distance on the road while following traffic rules and regulations.

• Test for Four Wheeler

For the driving test for four-wheelers, drivers are expected to drive in an ‘H’ figure while avoiding obstacles placed in their way. After this, they can proceed to the road test, where they must drive for a short distance while maintaining traffic rules.

If the applicant fails the driving test, they may retake it after a period of 7 days, and they must pay a nominal fee for the same.

Checking your DL application status in Kerala online is very simple. Here are the few easy steps you need to follow:

1. Go to the official Sarathi website (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do)

2. Select the state of ‘Kerala’ from the drop-down menu

3. Pick the option of ‘Application Status’ from the menu

4. Enter your application number and birthdate to see the application status.

Those who are going overseas and wish to be able to drive there legally may want an international driving permit. You can apply for the same offline or online as well.

If you want to obtain an international driving licence in Kerala, here are the documents you have to submit to the RTO

• Nationality proof

• Attested copy of the permanent driving licence, visa and passport

• Attested copy of a residence proof

• 5 passport-sized photos

• Medical Form 1-A

Here is how you can apply for an international driving permit online:

1. Visit the National Portal, and select your state. https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
2. Continue to the next page and under the ‘Driver Licence’ tab select ‘Apply Online’
3. Next, select the option ‘Services on Driving Licence’ and follow the instructions as given.

If you are applying for an international driving licence in Kerala, you will be asked to fill out the application form 4A, and must attach the required documents. There is also a fee for the process but a driving test is not necessary for the same.

It is possible that your driving licence gets damaged or stolen, in which case you will need a duplicate driving licence. For this purpose, you can visit the RTO or apply online for a duplicate driving licence in Kerala. The documents for getting a duplicate driving licence are :

• Application form LLD

• If your DL was stolen, you will need a copy of the FIR

• Form 1

• Copy of Age Proof and Address Proof

• Copy of Original licence

• Licence number if the licence is stolen

All the attached documents must be attested copies of the originals.

Once you have your documents ready, here are the steps for applying for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Kerala:

• Step 1: Fill out the form and attach the documents.

• Step 2: Submit the application form at the RTO and pay the fee of Rs. 200.

• Step 3: As soon as your application is approved, you will be given a copy of your licence on that very day.

A valid driving licence is an important indicator of your eligibility to drive motor vehicles in India and is mandated by the law. Similarly, third-party insurance for your vehicle is a legal necessity as well as a wise choice for protecting your vehicle and finances. Applying for a driving licence, checking application status, renewing your licence, buying vehicle insurance and many more services have been streamlined thanks to online platforms by the government of India as well as private providers. It is now possible to buy insurance for your two-wheeler or four-wheeler in a matter of a few minutes on platforms like Bajaj Markets.