How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Manipur in 2026?

Manipur is the heart of North-Eastern India, showcasing a strong cultural heritage from the mediaeval period. Over the years, the State Government has developed different sectors like agriculture, transportation and electricity. The impactful result of digitalisation in India has led to an establishment of an online process for applying for a driving licence in Manipur, providing permits, registering different documents, etc.

As per Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, driving without a valid driving licence can lead to fines and consecutive penalties. Hence, to deal with this and maintain the rightful implementation of all traffic rules, the Department of Transport in Manipur administers matters relating to road transport.

The Motor Vehicles Act clearly states that one must possess a valid driving licence to legally drive on the streets of Indian states. Here are the types of driving licences Manipur RTO issues to the citizens:

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.

Individuals need to meet the following eligibility criteria for an application for a driving licence in Manipur:

• One must be of the age of 18 years or more.
• An applicant must have been issued a learner's licence which has validity for at least 30 days but not more than 180 days.
• One must be aware of and abide by all traffic rules and regulations.
• If applying for a commercial driving licence, he or she should be 20 years of age or more than that. 

If you want to apply for a driving licence in Manipur here are the self-attested copies you are required to submit:

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

The online application for a driving licence in Manipur can be done by following steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

• Step 2: Select "Driving Licence Related Services" and click on the state "Manipur".

• Step 3: Click "Apply Online" and on this redirected page, go to "New Driving Licence".

To apply for a driving licence in Manipur offline, here are the following steps that applicants must follow:

• Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO office and collect an application form for a driving licence.
• Step 2: In case you want a licence for a commercial vehicle, you need to collect Form 4 or Form 5.
• Step 3: Provide all necessary details accurately in an application form. This will mostly include full name, residential address, father's name, educational qualification, blood group, date of birth, place of birth, and any identification mark, etc.
• Step 4: Submit this application form along with documents and passport-size photos as per the requirement.
• Step 5: Make a payment for application fees
• Step 6: Then, make an appointment for a fixed date and time to appear for a driving test at the RTO office.
• Step 7: Upon clearing the driving test successfully, you will be issued a learner’s licence. However, before the expiry of this learner’s licence one needs to apply for a permanent one.

A motor vehicle inspector is essential for conducting a driving test in Manipur. For this test, the applicant needs to own the same class of vehicle that he or she has applied for a driving license. However, if the applicant lacks a vehicle, the motor driving school can provide it.

Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler

The applicant must ride abiding by the imaginary border of ‘8’, remembering that the vehicle should never stall. After this, the inspector assesses the applicant’s driving performance before he is permitted to ride on public roads.

Test for Four-Wheeler

For four-wheelers, the applicant must take the test on a differently designed road and ensure not to touch the columns. The applicant is disqualified if the columns get touched even by a bit. After this, the applicant is made to drive on a public road, and based on this performance, the applicant will pass or fail. 

If any applicant fails the test for a driving license, he can retake and apply to undergo the test after 7 days. Applying for a retest incurs a small fee.

The procedure for applying and acquiring an international driving license in Manipur is performed either offline or online.

Online Method

• Step 1: Visit the official site of the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

• Step 2: On the home page, under the dropdown list of "Online Services", select "Driver Licence Related Services".

• Step 3: In the next screen, choose your correct state “Manipur”.

• Step 4: On the redirected screen, among the different options available, choose "Apply for International Driving Permit". This will take you to a different page where stages of application, and other information are provided. Upon reading, click "Continue".

Offline Method

• Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO and collect the relevant application form for an international driving licence.
• Step 2: Fill up all the necessary information and submit the relevant documents along with the payment receipt of application fees.
• Step 3: Finally, submit the documents and application form at the RTO office. The successful verification of the same will lead to the issuance of an international driving permit.

The renewal of a driving licence in Manipur can be done using two different methods: online and offline.

Let us understand the steps to renew a driving licence in detail:

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Manipur

• Step 1: Visit the official site of the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

• Step 2: On the homepage, under the dropdown of "Online Services", select "Driving Licence Related Services".

• Step 3: In the redirected page, choose the state from the dropdown list. In addition, also select the right RTO from where you would like to opt for the renewal.

• Step 4: Click on “Apply Online” from the left side of its menu.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Manipur

• Step 1: Visit the closest RTO office and collect Application Form 8 for renewal of your driving licence.
• Step 2: Correctly fill in all the necessary details and attach a copy of your expired driving licence.
• Step 3: If in case the applicant is of 40 years of age, you need to attach Form 1A and a Medical Certificate.
• Step 4: Prepare the following documents for attachment like the licence holder's address proof and age proof, passport size photographs, and application form.
• Step 5: Once done, complete the payment for renewal fees and attach the receipt.
• Step 6: Submit the same to the RTO. Verification of the documents and application will lead to a renewal of a driving licence.

The documents required for renewing a driving license in Manipur 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 Manipur
• Receipt of payment of application fee of ₹200