How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Himachal Pradesh in 2024?

Himachal Pradesh nestles in the heart of the Western Himalayas, boasting rich culture and tradition. Pollution-free environment and rapidly developing infrastructure are some advantages attracting people to this state. Moreover, transport plays a significant role in regional development, enhancing the potential growth of Himachal Pradesh's economy.

The system of the Transport Department of Himachal Pradesh is highly advanced, offering fully computerised services to vehicle owners here. These services include issuing and renewing a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh while carrying out necessary motor vehicle registration processes and issuing permits.

The Motor Vehicle Department of Himachal Pradesh has implied certain road rules for drivers. They must carry a valid driving licence whenever driving in and around this state. Below are the types of driving licences Himachal Pradesh RTO issues.

1. Learner’s Licence

A learner’s licence is provided when a candidate is still learning to drive a vehicle. This licence is valid for up to 6 months. In 6 months, if the candidate is still not ready, they must apply for their learner’s licence again. However, while holding a learner’s licence, drivers must be accompanied by another experienced driver.

2. Permanent Licence

After 6 months, the permanent licence is issued. However, there are certain conditions. Candidates must be above 18 years of age and must have cleared the driving test to obtain a permanent driving licence. This licence is valid for 20 years or until the licence holder turns 50. When licence holders turn 50, they must renew their driving licence, irrespective of the issue date.

3. Commercial Licence

A commercial driving licence is issued to those who drive commercial or transport vehicles like buses, cabs, or goods-carrying vehicles. Unlike a permanent licence, candidates must be above 20 to be eligible for a commercial driving licence. Moreover, a candidate must qualify for the 8th standard and have a minimum driving experience of 1 year.

4. International Vehicle Permit

An international driving licence allows individuals to drive in a foreign country. Candidates must hold a permanent driving licence before applying for an International Driving Permit. This permit remains valid for a year; candidates must apply for it again after it expires.

The eligibility criteria to apply for a Himachal Pradesh driving licence are as follows:

• For driving a motor vehicle with gear or a light motor vehicle (non-transport vehicle), you must be of 18 years or above.
• For driving a transport vehicle, you must be 20 years old or more.
• To drive a motor vehicle without gear, you must be of the age of 16 years or above. In addition, you must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian for applying for this vehicle category.
• If you apply for a driving licence for a transport vehicle you must have a 1-year of experience in driving a light motor vehicle.
• You must hold a valid learner’s licence.

The applicant should apply for a permanent HP driving licence after 30 days or within 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s licence.

To get a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh, an applicant must submit the below list of documents:

1. Proof of Age

Documents that can be provided as proof of age are mentioned below:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Utility Bills
• Employment Certificate from the Central or State Government

2. Address Proof

The documents that can be provided as address proof are mentioned below:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Ration Card
• LIC Policy Bonds

3. Other Necessary Documents

Documents necessary to apply for a driving licence are mentioned below:

• Application form 2/4
• Driving Licence Form 5 for those applying for a commercial driving licence
• Passport size photographs
• Application fee charges

Following are the steps that will help you to apply for a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh online:

• Step 1: Visit the Official State Government Website.
• Step 2: You will see a section for applying for a driving licence.

• Step 3: Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website provided on the site.

• Step 4: Select the respective state and click ‘Apply for Driving Licence.’ Now, duly fill out the form and submit it online according to the steps specified. Upload the necessary documents as required.

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

• Step 1: First, collect an application form from the RTO in Himachal Pradesh.
• Step 2: Duly fill in the form and attach the necessary documents along with it.
• Step 3: Submit the form and pay the fee.
• Step 4: Book a specific date and time to undergo the driving test.
• Step 5: On the specified date, arrive for the driving test with your vehicle. Your vehicle must be of the same class for which you are applying for a driving licence.
• Step 6: After passing the driving test you will receive a driving licence within a few days.

The presence of a motor vehicle inspector is essential for conducting a driving test in Himachal Pradesh. For this test, the applicant needs to own the same class of vehicle that he or she has applied for a driving license for, but if they do not have a vehicle, then the motor training school provides a vehicle to them for the test.

Driving Test For Two and Three-Wheeler Vehicles

The applicant must ride along the imaginary border of ‘8’, remembering that the vehicle should never stall. With this, the inspector assesses the applicant’s driving performance before the applicant can drive on public roads.

Driving Test For Four-Wheelers

For four-wheelers, the applicant must take the test on different types of roads, like those present on public roads, and ensure that they do not touch the columns. The applicant is disqualified if the vehicle touches the columns during the driving test. After this, the applicant is made to drive on a public road, and the inspector assesses this performance, stating that, based on this, the applicant is permitted to drive on public roads. 

If any of the applicants fail the test for a driving license, they can retake and apply to undergo the test after 7 days after they pay a small fee.

If you require an international driving permit, you can choose either the online or the offline method. However, the online application procedure to receive an international driving licence is simple and hassle-free:

Online Method

• Step 1: Visit the official website of Sarathi Parivahan.

• Step 2: Select your state’s name - Himachal Pradesh from where you want to avail of the driving licence service. This page will redirect you to the next one.

Offline Method

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO office and gather a form for an international driving permit.
• Step 2: Fill required details in the application form and specify the countries you want to visit. Attach the necessary documents with it while submitting it to the officials.
• Step 3: Pay the fees and you will receive your driving licence at your registered address.

As per the Department of Transport, Himachal Pradesh, you can renew your driving licence by applying to the Regional Transport Office/ Registering & Licensing Authority. Additionally, you can apply online on the Sarathi portal.

Here are two ways to renew a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh:

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Himachal Pradesh

• Step 1: Visit the official portal of Parivahan Sewa and under the ‘Online Services’ section, click ‘Driving Licence Related Services’.

• Step 2: Select your state’s name - Himachal Pradesh from where you want to avail of the driving licence service. This page will redirect you to the next one.

• Step 3:  On the next page, you will find several services related to a driving licence.  Select ‘Apply for Driving Licence renewal’ from there.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Himachal Pradesh

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO office carrying all the necessary documents. If you are applying for the renewal of your driving licence from another state, submit all the documents and NOC for the vehicle.
• Step 2: Furnish your driving licence details along with a passport-size photograph.
• Step 3: Complete the payment process. However, officials might ask you to book a slot for a driving test if there are changes in your medical certificate.
• Step 4: If you successfully pass the driving test, you will get a new driving licence.

Besides, if you fail to renew a driving licence after 5 years from the expiry date, you will have to apply for a new driving licence. It is because the earlier document will lose its validity. A driving licence confirms that all vehicle owners know the road and traffic rules and signals.

The documents required for renewing a driving license in Himachal Pradesh are:

• Photocopy of the driver's expired driver's license.
• Obtain Form 1A ( The driver has to be at least 40 years of age)
• 2 Passport-sized photographs of the applicant 
• Form 9
• Photocopy of certain documents that can prove your identity as a resident of Himachal Pradesh
• Receipt of payment of application fee of ₹200