How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Andhra Pradesh?

Andhra Pradesh is the 7th largest and the 10th most populous Indian state. As an emerging industrialised hub, this state has a superb network of roadways. To maintain road rules the Transport Department of Andhra Pradesh offers fully computerised services. It is related to issuing a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh, carrying registrations and providing permits. 

Also, the Government of Andhra Pradesh provides (SMART) or Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent services to the citizens through the Citizens’ Charter concept. These have all simplified the process for its residents to get a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, you must have a valid driving licence to drive legally on Indian streets. Below are the types of driving licence Andhra Pradesh RTO issues:

1. Learner’s Licence: A learner's licence is a provisional and restricted licence valid for only 6 months. A person gets a learner's licence after passing a written or online exam. However, another person holding a permanent driving licence must accompany the person having a learner's licence.

2. Permanent Licence: After 6 months, RTO will issue a permanent licence after the applicant completes their driving test. However, the age of the applicant must be 18 years. As you get a permanent driving licence, you can drive on Indian roads legally, adhering to the traffic and road rules. 

3. Commercial Licence: As per the Motor Vehicles Act, the government of Andhra Pradesh issues a commercial driving licence to applicants after acknowledging the applicant’s eligibility to drive a commercial conveyance. There are about 8 types of commercial driving licences in Andhra Pradesh.

4. International Driving Licence: The Road Transport Authority in Andhra Pradesh issues an international driving licence allowing the applicant to drive a 4-wheeler or 2-wheeler in a foreign country. 

Adhering to traffic rules is mandatory to avoid unnecessary road accidents and traffic issues. If you are driving or riding without a licence, authorities will penalise you with a fine of ₹5000 or community service.

The eligibility criteria to apply for Andhra Pradesh driving licence includes the following:

1. Motor Vehicles With Gear:

• Applicants possessing motor vehicles with gear must be of a minimum of 18 years of age to apply for a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh. 

• They should adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

• They must provide valid age proof and address proof to apply for a driving licence.

2. Motor Vehicles Without Gear:

• Applicants having vehicles without gear must be of a minimum of 16 years of age to apply for this type of driving licence in this state.

• They must abide by the traffic and road rules of the state.

• They must have supporting documents to prove their age and address to apply for an AP driving licence.

3. Heavy Commercial Vehicles:

• Applicants of heavy commercial vehicles must have cleared their 8th standard exam.

• They must be of 20 years of age per the state guidelines.

• Besides, an applicant must be trained by any government institution or from one which is affiliated with the Andhra Pradesh government.

To get a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh, you must furnish self-attested copies of the following documents to the Regional Transport Office:

1. Age-Proof:

• Educational certificate

• Birth certificate

• Passport

• Employer’s certificate if you are working under central/state/local government

2. Address Proof: 

• Ration card

• Voter ID

• Passport

• LIC policy bond

• Employers’ certificate furnished by local/central or state government

3. Other Necessary Documents:

• Form 4 and Form 5 (if applying for a commercial driving licence)

• Original learner’s licence

• Passport size photographs

The following are the steps to help you to apply for a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department.

Step 2: Now, download this application form to print it.

Step 3: Duly fill in the form mentioning every detail as required. 

Step 4: Submit the form at RTO, and attach all the necessary documents.

Step 5: Now, secure a slot for the necessary driving test where officials will acknowledge your driving skills.

Step 6: After passing the test, you will receive a driving licence within 2 to 3 weeks.

To apply for a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh offline, applicants can follow the below steps:

Step 1: Reach the nearest RTO and gather an application form.

You can also download the Form from the official website of the transport department.

Step 2: Duly fill in the application form with all the details as required.

Step 3: Attach the age, address proofs, and passport-size photographs.

Step 4: Make an appointment for an initial test. Here, officials will test your knowledge of traffic rules.

Step 5: Once you pass the driving test, receive a learner’s licence. 

For obtaining a permanent driving licence, you must have a learner’s licence for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 180 days.

The major functions carried by RTOs in Andhra Pradesh include the following:

• Issue International Driving Licence

• Provide Tourist and Motor Vehicle Permits

• Collect Road Tax

• Register New Motor Vehicles

• Carry Vehicle Inspection and Issue PUC Certificates

• Provide Vehicle Fitness Certificate

• Deliver and Renew a Driving Licence

• Arrange and Re-Register a Vehicle Registration Certificate

• Grant NOC for Vehicles for Ownership Transfer

The steps to check your driving licence status online include the following:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department.

Step 2: Surf and click the ‘licence’ tab and click on ‘Permanent Licence’.

Step 3: It will direct you to the next page. Click on ‘Status’ from the drop-down menu choose ‘Driving Licence’.

Step 4: Click ‘Service Type’ and select ‘Driving Licence’.

Step 5: Now, enter the application number and the date of birth in the space required.

Step 6: Click ‘Search’ you will receive all the information you need on your driving licence status.

Before applying for a duplicate driving licence, visit the nearest police station to register an FIR. Visit the notary office to gather an affidavit mentioning that your DL is lost or stolen. The next step will be to apply for a duplicate driving licence. The procedure to apply for a duplicate driving licence is simple and hassle-free. Also, it is possible through both online and offline modes:

• Online Method:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Andhra Pradesh Transport Department and choose ‘Licence.’

Step 2: Choose the ‘Driving Licence’ from its drop down list, and you will find a list of driving licence services. Select ‘Duplicate of Licence’.

Step 3: Enter your driving licence number and Aadhaar details.

Step 4: Now, check and verify your driving licence details and click ‘Confirm’ to proceed.

Step 5: Select your preferred driving licence service from the given options. You will find a declaration box, the issue of the No Objection Certificate page, etc. Tick that box and enter the captcha to proceed.

Step 6: You will find the acknowledgement form. Read it properly and upload all the documents.

Step 7: Upload your photograph and signature. Select ‘Click here to continue e-Payment’ to complete the process. Collect the payment receipt.

Once the verification process is complete, you will get a duplicate copy of your driving licence at the registered address. You can also print it from the official website of Parivahan.

• Offline Method:

Step 1: Visit the RTO in Andhra Pradesh and submit the LLD form after providing the necessary details.

Step 2: Ensure to attach all the documents with the form before submitting it.

Step 3: Pay the fees, and collect the payment receipt. You can use this receipt until you receive the driving licence at your registered address.

• Convert an Old Driving Licence to Smart Driving Licence:

You can convert your paper/plastic driving licence to a new smart card driving licence. A smart card driving licence has several advantages. Here’s how to convert the old book-based driving licence to the new smart card version:

Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO and ask for a licence upgrade form or Smart Card Driving Licence form.

Step 2: Duly fill out the form attaching all relevant documents. Then submit the biometric information.

Step 3: Pay the applicable fees, collect the receipt and use it until your smart card driving licence arrives.

You can acquire your new smart card driving licence at your registered address.

The online application process to get an international driving licence is hassle-free. However, if you choose the offline method, you can visit your nearest RTO, receive and fill in the forms, pay fees and submit the necessary documents. The RTO will translate your driving licence into an international driving licence.

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport And Highways or you can avail permission directly from your nearest RTO.

Step 2: Select the appropriate state and apply for an ‘international driving permit.’ Now, download and fill out the following forms:

• Form 4A

• Form 1A

Step 3: Enter the details of your driving licence, and provide identity and residential proofs.

Step 4: Attach all the necessary documents with the forms and pay the fees during submission.

Step 5: Take the driving test.

If your application is successful, you will receive your international driving licence in 4 to 5 business days.

The driving test procedure in Andhra Pradesh is simple. Here are the steps below:

Step 1: Download the application form from the official website of the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department. If you want to get it from the RTO, submit 3 passport-size photographs.

Step 2: Produce the necessary documents - your valid learner’s licence, registration certificate, Insurance certificate, Tax certificate, PUC certificate, recent passport-size photographs, duly filled application form, etc. 

Step 3: If you appear for the test with a transport vehicle, you will require the certificate in Form CMV5. Your driving training school will issue this.

For the driving licence test, visit the RTO and pay the required fee for a driving licence booking and driving test. Then, submit the application form with the necessary documents to the RTO. Once you pass the driving test, authorities will take your details. You will receive your driving licence after a certain period.

Are There Any Tips for Clearing a Driving Test?

You must know the road symbols and the basic traffic rules to pass the driving licence test in one go. Furthermore, to get an idea about the driving test you can look for sample questions available online. Below are some tips for clearing the driving test:

Tip 1: Ensure to carry all the necessary documents with you during the test day. It includes your address and age proof, identity proof, etc.

Tip 2: It is best to reach before the test time. It will prevent last-minute nervousness.

Tip 3: Ace your driving test by keeping your hands on the steering wheel. Make sure you grab the steering wheel in the correct position.

Tip 4: Keep your eyes on the road and focus on the things happening on the road.

Tip 5: If you are not confident about your driving skills, it is better not to attempt the driving test as it might lead to unnecessary errors.