A Guide to Driving Licences in Punjab

Having a valid driver's licence is a permit from the government to drive any vehicle on the road. Punjab is no exception to this. The usual eligibility rule applies here too. To obtain a driver's licence in Punjab, you must be 18 years or above in age. The age limit is applicable for private vehicles. For a commercial vehicle driver's licence in Punjab, you need to be at least 20 years or above.  

 

There are two ways to apply for a driver's licence in Punjab: online and offline. For an online application, all you need to do is visit the authorised Parivahan website and complete the form. If you choose the offline option, you can submit the application form at the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). The application charges for obtaining a driver's licence in Punjab can vary from ₹250 to ₹1955 depending on the vehicle type.

Before you get a permanent driver's licence in Punjab, you are given a learner’s licence. To understand them better, take a look at the two types of driver's licence in Punjab.

Learner Licence

Holding a learner’s licence allows you to drive a vehicle on the road under the guidance of a permanent licence holder.

Permanent Licence for Private Vehicles

Here are the various types of permanent licences you can apply for:

• Two-wheeler (without gear)

• Two-wheeler (with gear)

• Four-wheeler Private Vehicles

Permanent Licence for Commercial Vehicles

• MGV (Medium Goods Vehicle)

• MPV (Medium Passenger Vehicle)

• HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle)

• HPV (Heavy Passenger Vehicle)

• Heavy Construction Vehicle (road roller)

International Driving Permit

It is an official document that allows you to drive legally in foreign countries. You can apply for this driving permit in Punjab too. 

Meet the following eligibility criteria to get a permanent driving licence in Punjab:

• First apply for a learners driving licence 

• Once you have a valid learner’s licence, you are now eligible for a permanent driving licence

• This learner’s licence should be at least 30 days old and not older than 180 days when applying for a permanent driving licence in Punjab

• You have to be aware of traffic rules and regulations

Here are the documents you must attach with your driving licence application:

• Proof of age (copy of educational certificate, birth certificate, certificate issued by employer, attested copy of your passport)

• Proof of address (attested copy of passport, voter’s ID, ration card, or government-approved employer’s certificate)

• Application Form 4

• Original learner’s licence

 

• 3 passport size photographs

 

 

Read more: List of Mandatory Documents for driver's licence

Before getting a driver’s licence in Punjab, it is essential to know the driving licence fees issued by RTO. The government charges a certain amount of fee for conducting the driving test, processing the application, and issuing the driver's licence. Take a look at the table below to see the fees charged for obtaining a driver's licence in Punjab:

Here’s how you can apply for a driver’s licence in Punjab through online and offline modes:

Online Application Process

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

 

2. Choose “Drivers/ Learners Licence” tab

 

3. Select Punjab 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.

 

This contactless service allows you to visit the RTO only when you appear for the test. Once you pass the test, you will get your driving licence at your residence. 

Offline Application Process at RTO

Here are the steps to apply for a new driving licence in Punjab offline:

• Visit your local Regional Transport Office (RTO)

• Obtain an application form at the office. Alternatively, you may download and print it from the Punjab transport website: http://www.punjabtransport.org/forms.aspx

• Enter the necessary details in the forms 

• Submit the forms and other required documents at the RTO and schedule your driving test 

• Pay the fees for the application and test

   

After successfully clearing the test, you will get the driving licence at your residence. 

It is an easy process to check your driving licence status in Punjab. Follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan website: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do

• Step 2: Select ‘Punjab’ from the menu

• Step 3: Choose the ‘Application Status’ option in the menu

• Step 4: Fill in your application number and date of birth to see your application status

Once you receive your driving licence, it remains valid for two decades or until you turn 50, whichever comes first. At this point, your licence will expire. You then have a 30-day grace period to begin the renewal process. You can then go to your local RTO office and submit a renewal application.

 

At the time of renewing, if you're over 50 years old, you'll need to provide a medical certificate along with your application. Additionally, if you've moved to Punjab from a different state, you must include a 'No Objection Certificate' with your renewal paperwork. Remember, it's crucial to initiate this process promptly once your licence expires to ensure continuous legal driving privileges.

Online Renewal Process

If you find out your driving licence has expired, you can follow a few simple steps to renew it: 

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 you lose your driving licence because of any reason, all you need to do is visit your nearest RTO. Alternatively, you may apply online for a duplicate copy of your licence. 

 

Here are the documents for getting a duplicate online driving licence in Punjab:

• LLD form

• FIR copy in case of stolen licence 

• Form 1

• Copy of Age Proof and Address Proof

• Copy of Original licence

• Licence number if the licence is stolen

 

Make sure that these are attested copies of your original documents. Now lets see how to apply for a duplicate driving licence:

 

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Punjab:

 

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

If you want to obtain an international driving licence in Punjab, you can head to your nearest RTO to apply for it. 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 size photographs

• Medical Form 1-A

 

You can apply for the international driving permit online by following these steps:

• Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal and select ‘Punjab’

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

• Select ‘Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)’

• Read the instructions and begin your application by clicking ‘Continue’

• Fill in applicant-related details, upload documents and photo and book your test (only needed for Additional Endorsement of Driving Licence)

• Pay the fees and print or download the receipt 

 

You can also apply for an international driving licence in Punjab through offline mode by visiting the nearest Punjab RTO branch. Fill in the application form 4A, attach the required documents, and you are good to go. You will be charged processing fees but there is no need to take a driving test.

 

Read more: International driver's licence

Here are a few RTOs in Punjab with their codes for you to know when applying for a driving licence in Punjab:

Now that you are aware of the process of obtaining a driving licence in Punjab, you can proceed with your application. While a driver's licence is important for you to be able to legally drive a motor vehicle on the road, vehicle insurance is equally necessary.

 

While third-party insurance is mandatory, a motor insurance plan can help you secure your finances while protecting your vehicle. For affordable premiums with broad coverage, check out the top vehicle insurance plans on Bajaj Markets.