A driving licence is a ticket to the open road. It allows you to drive freely and safely. However, obtaining a driving licence is also crucial in becoming a responsible road user.
Punjab has also implemented strict measures for driving licences to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. It is also because of the increasing number of vehicles in Punjab, especially Ludhiana.
According to the Tribune, 52,000 new vehicles were registered in Ludhiana during the first six months of this year, marking the highest registration rate since 2018.
That is why with increasing numbers, it is necessary to enhance road safety and ensure that qualified drivers with driving licences make it to the road.
From eligibility criteria to the verification process, let’s learn how to apply for a driving licence in Punjab.
Types of Driving Licences in Punjab
Before starting with the application process, you should know about the different types of driving licences in India, also available in Punjab.
Learner’s Licence
A learner’s licence is issued to beginners. It allows them to learn and practice driving with a licenced driver. It is valid for six months, allowing you to improve your driving skills before applying for a permanent licence.
Permanent Licence
You can apply for a permanent licence after honing your driving skills. It allows you to drive on public roads without supervision. It is valid for 20 years or until you reach the age of 50, depending on which one comes first.
The permanent licence is provided after you have cleared your practical driving test. The licence also indicates whether you are authorized to drive a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or both.
Commercial Licence
A commercial license is required to drive commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, or taxis. This type of licence has strict requirements and is characterized by many classes. The classification includes:
» Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV)
» Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
» Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV)
» Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle (HGMV)
» Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle (HPMV)
» Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV)
» International Driving Permit
International Driving Permit
Are you planning to drive abroad? Then, you will need an international driving permit (IDP). It allows you to drive in foreign countries.
This licence is also recognized in many countries because it translates a domestic driving licence into multiple languages. It is valid for one year. However, you should be an Indian citizen holding a valid driving licence.
Eligibility Criteria for a Driving Licence in Punjab
The applicants should meet the eligibility criteria to obtain and apply for a driving license. The eligibility criteria are as follows-
» A minimum age of 18 is required to drive a motor vehicle in any public place.
» A minimum age of 16 years for a motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc is required.
» A person under the age of 20 years is not allowed to drive a transport vehicle in any public place.
» If you are applying for a commercial licence or if you are over the age of 50 years, you must provide a medical certificate.
» The applicants must pass the practical driving test.
» You should also have an active learner’s licence.
» You should be an Indian citizen with a valid driving licence, passport, visa for the country you are visiting, and flight tickets to apply for the International driving permit.
Documents Required to Apply for Driving Licence in Punjab
Ensure that you have all the necessary documents if you want to obtain a DL. The documents required when applying for a driving licence in Punjab are-
» Application form for driving licence
» Applicants should have an Aadhar card, passport, and voter ID.
» You should provide proof of address, like utility bills, rental agreement, and voter ID
» Provide birth certificates or school leaving certificates to identify your age
» You should also have other necessary documents like passport-sized photographs
» Applicants over the age of 40 should provide a medical certificate
» Applicants of 16 years but less than 18 years should provide a letter of consent from their parents or guardians
Steps to Apply for a Driving Licence Online
Applying online is a convenient and time-saving option. But, how to apply for a driving license in Punjab? You can apply for a driving licence online through two ways.
1. Applying Through Parivahan Portal
You can apply for a driving licence through the Parivahan portal or the mParivahan app. The process for applying through the Parivahan portal includes:
Step 1: Head to the paravahan portal at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan.
Step 2: Select the option of online services on the top of the navigation bar and choose driving licence-related services.
Step 3: Then, various options of States will be provided. Choose “Punjab” from the dropdown list.
Step 4: Click on Apply Online and select new driving licence. The form for a driving licence will open.
Step 5: Fill in the required details like name, address, date of birth, and any other detail mentioned in the form.
Step 6: The next includes the uploading of documents. Make sure to scan a clear copy of the required documents, like proof of identity, address, age, etc. Then, upload the scanned copies of the documents.
Step 7: Pay the applicable fees online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Step 8: Schedule a driving test by booking a time slot at the nearest RTO office.
Step 9: Visit the RTO on your scheduled date and attend the driving test.
Step 10: After you have passed the test, your driving licence will be issued.
2. Applying Through the Punjab State Transport Website
The second way is applying through the Punjab State Transport Website. Follow these steps to apply conveniently. You can also update your driving licence on the website or Parivahan portal.
Step 1: Go to the official website of the Punjab State Transport Department https://punjabtransport.org.
Step 2: Scroll down, and at the bottom, click on “Apply for inclusion of your Vehicle details in Vahan 4.0.”
Step 3: After clicking, it will redirect you to the Parivahan website.
Step 4: Return to step 2 of applying through the Parivahan portal and follow the same procedure.
Steps to Apply for a Driving Licence Offline
If you want to apply for a driving licence offline, you will first have to visit the RTO office. Here is a step-by-step offline process.
Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO office and collect Form 4 to apply for a driving licence. You can also download the form from the Punjab Transport Department’s website.
Step 2: Complete the application form with the required details.
Step 3: Attach the required documents mentioned above before submitting.
Step 4: Submit the application form to the RTO office and pay the applicable fees. They will give you a payment receipt, which you should keep safe.
Step 5: Schedule a driving test by selecting the preferred time slot.
Step 6: Again, visit the RTO office on the scheduled date and appear for the test.
Step 7: If you pass the test, your application will be processed for approval, and you will soon obtain a new driving licence. Use some car driving tips to pass the test.
Driving Test Process in Punjab
Whether you are applying online or offline for a driving licence, the driving test is an important part of the application process. You have to pass the driving test to receive your permanent licence.
Also, remember that from now on, the driving tests will not be conducted at the RTO since June 1, 2024. It can be held in private driving training centres.
What to Expect During the Test
The driving test will include a practical examination where you will be asked to drive the vehicle to test your driving skills.
They will ask you to perform various tasks, including parking, reversing, and navigating through traffic. They can take your test on a used car or your car.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
However, you should avoid making mistakes commonly done by many individuals. The common mistakes to avoid are-
» Failing to check mirrors before changing directions
» Not using an indicator when turning or changing lanes
» Speeding or driving too slowly
But don’t worry! Practising regularly before the test, staying calm and focused during the test, and following all traffic rules and regulations can help you pass the driving test.
Types of Manoeuvers that undergo while conducting driving tests.
Reverse S: You will have to drive the car in reverse in the shape of an S.
Figure 8: Trace an 8-like shape while driving the car. However, avoid collisions, sudden braking, or excessive acceleration.
Parallel Parking: The applicants will have to reverse the car and park it parallel to the curb. Once parallel, straighten your steering wheel.
Uphill: You will be tested on how you are driving on the uphill road. Don’t let your vehicle roll backwards or reverse too much.
You can first practice these manoeuvres on second-hand cars if you are a beginner.
Check the Status of Your Driving Licence Application
Are you excited to get your hand on your driving licence but don’t know how to check the status of your application? You can easily check your application status and see if it has been processed.
1. Online through Parivahan
» Visit the Parivahan website.
» Click on online services, and then on driving licence-related services.
» Choose the Punjab state.
» Select the Driving Licence Status Inquiry.
» Enter your application number and date of birth. After filling it out, click on submit. It will show you the status of your application.
2. Through RTO
If you have applied for a driving licence at the RTO office, then you will have to follow these steps.
» Visit the RTO office where you have submitted your application.
» Provide your application number and date of birth to the RTO staff.
» The RTO staff will check your application status and will inform you.
Driving Licence Fee Structure in Punjab
The driving licence fee structure in Punjab involves:
| Purpose | Fees |
| Issue of learner’s licence for all categories | Rs. 150/- |
| Learner’s licence test fee | Rs. 50/- |
| Learner’s licence repeat test fee | Rs. 50/- |
| Driving test for permanent licence (for each class of vehicle) | Rs. 300/- |
| Retaking Driving Test | Rs. 300/- |
| Issue of a driving licence | Rs. 200/- |
| Issue of International Driving Permit | Rs. 1,000/- |
| Renewal of Driving Licence | Rs. 200/- |
| Addition of another class of vehicle to the driving licence | Rs. 500/- |
Renewal of Driving Licence in Punjab
Driving licences in Punjab are valid for 20 years or until 50 years of age. Do you also want to renew your driving licence? Here is how you can do it. Ensure to renew your driving licence before the expiry date.
Driving Licence Renewal Online
» Visit the Parivahan portal
» Log into your account
» Select the renewal of driving licence option
» Fill out the renewal form
» Upload the required documents
» Pay the fee
» Click on Submit the form
Offline Renewal Process
» Visit the nearest RTO office
» Collect and fill out the renewal form 9
» Pay the renewal fee and submit the form. Don’t forget the receipt
Duplicate Driving Licence in Punjab
In case, your driving licence gets stolen, lost, or damaged, you can apply for your duplicate licence in Punjab.
The application process for a duplicate license is easy. Go to the Parivahan portal or your nearest RTO office.
Then, fill out Form 2 and submit it with the necessary documents. Pay the prescribed fees and receive an acknowledgement. Don’t confuse Form 2 with Form 20 because it is for the vehicle registration.
International Driving Permit (IDP) from Punjab
You will need an International Driving Permit to drive abroad in Punjab. It is recognized in many countries and is an official translation of your driving licence.
The process and steps are the same as those for the duplicate and renewal of the driving licence. But, you will have to fill out the IDP form, and after paying and submitting your form, you can receive your IDP after processing.
Conclusion
Many look for how to apply for a driving licence in Punjab because it is required to drive on public roads.
Whether online or offline, you can easily and conveniently apply for a driving licence in Punjab if you know the steps. Ensure to check the eligibility criteria before you apply for the licence.
You can enjoy a smooth application process by following the steps mentioned in this article.
Remember to prepare thoroughly, gather all required documents, and follow the instructions to obtain your driving licence.
So, stay focused and patient throughout the application process and increase your chances of a successful application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 How many days will it take to get the licence in Punjab?
Ans. To get the licence in Punjab will take up to 2-4 weeks. However, it depends on the processing time and driving test schedule.
Q2 What is the minimum age to apply for a driving license in Punjab?
Ans. The minimum age to apply for a driving licence in Punjab is 16 years for motorcycles up to 50cc and 18 years for other vehicles.
Q3 What happens if I fail the driving test?
Ans. If you fail the driving test, you can reapply for the test after a specified period.
Q4 Is a learner's license mandatory before applying for a permanent license?
Ans. Yes, you should have a learner's licence before applying for a permanent licence.
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