Driving Licence in Punjab

Having a valid driver's licence is a permit from the government to drive a specific category of the 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 driver's licence website and complete the form. If you choose the offline option, fill in 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

Here are the various types of permanent licence you can apply for.

 

• Two-wheeler (without gear)

• Two-wheeler (with gear)

• MGV (Medium Goods Vehicle)

• MPV (Medium Passenger Vehicle)

• HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle)

• HPV (Heavy Passenger Vehicle)

• Heavy Construction Vehicle (road roller)

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

Online Application

It is very easy to apply for a driving licence in Punjab online. Follow these easy steps to get your licence.

 

• Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan website of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do

• Step 2: Select ‘Punjab’ from the drop-down menu 

• Step 3: Choose ‘Apply for Driving Licence’ from the options you see

• Step 4: Fill in your details as the applicant and upload the necessary documents

• Step 5: Upload your photo and signature, if needed

• Step 6: Book your driving licence test slot 

• Step 7: Pay the fee and verify the payment status

• Step 8: Print or download the receipt 

 

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

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

 

• Step 1: Visit your local Regional Transport Office (RTO)

• Step 2: 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

• Step 3: Enter the necessary details in the forms 

• Step 4: Submit the forms and other required documents at the RTO and schedule your driving test 

• Step 5: Pay the fees for the application and test

 

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

Before getting a driver’s licence in Punjab, it is crucial for you to know about the RTO licence fees. The government charges a certain amount 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.

 

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

 

• You must have a valid learner’s licence

• You have to be aware of traffic rules and regulations

• You have to be 18 years old to get licence for a light motor vehicle

• You have to be 20 years old to obtain licence for a commercial vehicle

• Your 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

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

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

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:

 

• Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal and select ‘Punjab’

• Step 2: Proceed to the next page and select ‘Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)’

• Step 3: Read the instructions and begin your application by clicking ‘Continue’

• Step 4: Fill in applicant-related details, upload documents and photo and book your test (only needed for Additional Endorsement of Driving Licence)

• Step 5: Pay the fees and print or download the receipt 

You can also apply for an international Punjab driving licence offline by visiting the nearest 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

If you lose your driving licence because of theft or physical damage, 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. 

 

Here are the steps you need to follow for a duplicate online driving licence in Punjab.

 

• Step 1: Complete the application form and attach the copies of your original document

• Step 2: Submit the form at the RTO and pay a fee of ₹200

• Step 3: Get your duplicate driving licence copy after verification

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 to get one with ease. 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, comprehensive car insurance can help you secure your finances while protecting your car. For affordable premiums with broad coverage, check out the top vehicle insurance plans on Bajaj Markets.