How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Mizoram in 2024?

Mizoram is a North-Eastern state of India with Aizawl as its capital. This state shares its geographical boundaries with three of the Seven Sister States, which are Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. With the growth initiatives taken by the State Government in import and export, different sectors like fisheries, sericulture, and agriculture are booming.

Due to this, the framework of road transportation is also developed by the State Government. Moreover, as commuting on roads is one of the pivotal transportation mediums for its citizens, it is essential to understand the different traffic rules and regulations of the area. The Transport Department of the Government of Mizoram deals with the application, registration, and issuance of a driving licence in Mizoram.

It is quintessential to apply for a driving licence and keep your documents along with you while driving on Indian roads. Based on your requirement and the types of vehicles you want to drive, there are primarily four types of driving licences issued in Mizoram.

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 required to follow for applying for a Mizoram driving licence are as follows:

• To apply for a driving licence for vehicles with an engine size of less than 50cc, one needs to be of 16 years of age or older.
• To apply for a driving licence for vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 50cc, one needs to attain the age of 18 years or more.
• In order to drive heavy transport vehicles, applicants should be at least 20 years of age.
• Applicants must know the different traffic rules and regulations and understand road symbols.
• He or she must be a holder of a temporary driving licence or learner’s licence for at least 30 days; however not more than 180 days.

In order to apply for a driving licence in Mizoram, here are the following self-attested documents you may need to submit to the Regional Transport Office:

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

Here is the step-by-step procedure for applying for a MZ driving licence online:

• Step 1: Visit the official portal of the Transport Department of the Government of Mizoram and select ‘Driving Licence’.

• Step 2: Go to its ‘Online Services’ option and select ‘Driving Licence’. It will take you to the Sarathi Parivahan website.

• Step 3: Choose your specific state.

• Step 4: Fill up the form properly by providing all the correct details.

The offline method of checking the driving licence in Mizoram can be done by following the steps:

• Step 1: Visit the closest RTO office and get the driving licence application form. Applicants can download this form from the official website of the Transport Department of Mizoram and get a printed copy.
• Step 2: In this application form, fill up all your required details like full name, residential address, educational qualification, date of birth, blood group, etc.
• Step 3: Submit all your documents along with this application form and passport-size photos at the RTO.
• Step 4: Select a favourable date and time for your appointment for the driving test where your knowledge about the traffic rules will be tested.
• Step 5: Upon clearing this driving test successfully, you will receive a learner’s driving licence.

The presence of a motor vehicle inspector is essential for conducting a driving test in Mizoram. For the test, the applicant needs to have a vehicle of the same class for which they are applying for a license. If the applicant does not have a vehicle, the car driving school can provide one.

Driving Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler

The applicant must ride within the imaginary border of eight without stalling the vehicle. Consequently, the inspector evaluates the driving performance of the applicant prior to granting permission to them to ride on public roads.

Driving Test for Four-Wheeler

For four-wheelers, the applicant must take the test on a specially designed road for learners and avoid touching the columns. After this, the applicant needs to drive the car on a public road, and their performance will determine whether they pass or fail. 

If any applicant is unable to clear the driving test, they can opt for a retake after a week or so by paying a small fee.

The applicant should go to the regional transport office to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Mizoram. Although there is no such test to get an IDP, you need to have a permanent driving license to become eligible for it. 

Here are the steps to avail of an International Driving Permit: 

• Step 1: Go to the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) or the Mizoram Transport Department 
• Step 2: Provide the permanent DL number in the given section
• Step 3: Insert your date of birth in the correct format i.e., DD/MM/YYYY.
• Step 4: After your driving license is displayed on the screen, click on ‘Next’.
• Step 5: Enter the additional information and click on ‘Apply’.
• Step 6: Get a hard copy of the application forms and keep the application number for future reference. 
• Step 7: Collect the necessary documents and forms and click on ‘Submit’

As per the vehicles’ laws and provisions, it is important to renew your driving licence after every 5 years once it has attained its validity date. Renewing a driving licence is quintessential as this document states that vehicle owners are accustomed to the prevailing road or traffic rules and regulations.

In addition, applicants looking to renew a driving licence can apply the same in two methods – online and offline.

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Mizoram

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Govt. of India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
• Step 2: In the dashboard, under the “Online Services” section, select “Licence”.
• Step 3: On the redirected page, choose "Mizoram" under its state’s drop-down list.
• Step 4: Now select the RTO as per your preference from where you would like to renew your Driving Licence.
• Step 5: From the dropdown list on the left, select “Apply Online”.
• Step 6: On the redirected page, click on “Services on Driving Licence”.
• Step 7: On this page, an applicant needs to read all the instructions and click on "Continue".
• Step 8: On the redirected page, provide the necessary details like Driving Licence Number, Date of Birth, State, Category of the Driving Licence holder, and the preferred RTO. Upon completion of providing the above information, select “Proceed”.
• Step 9: In the redirected page, choose the service you want to update and click “Proceed”. This is followed by choosing “Renewal” and entering all your essential information correctly. Once done, click “Confirm”.
• Step 10: Read all the instructions properly and take a printout of the acknowledgement document. You need to submit this document at the RTOs on a particular date.
• Step 11: Once the Regional Transport Office verifies the application, a new driving licence will be issued and sent to you by mail.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Mizoram

• Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO and collect the renewal application Form 9
• Step 2: Fill up the form correctly and attach all the required documents like an expired copy of the driving licence, passport-size photographs, and Form 1A along with a medical certificate, if the applicant is above the age of 40 years. In addition, you must also provide copies stating the address and age proof.
• Step 3: You need to make payment for the driving licence renewal at the RTOs.
• Step 4: Upon completion of all the verification of forms and documents by RTOs, a renewed driving licence will be delivered to you in your mail.

The list of documents required for the renewal of DL in Mizoram are:

• Get Form 1A (The driver must be a minimum of 40 years old)
• Photocopy of the expired driving license.
• Two coloured passport-size photos of the applicant 
• Form 9
• Payment receipt for the ₹200 application fee.
• Photocopy of ID proof as a resident of Mizoram