How to Get a Learning, Permanent & Duplicate Licence in Delhi?

Delhi is the capital of India and is considered a metropolitan city. Its population is whopping, and the roads are jam-packed. Moreover, it is the centre of many government offices. 

We all know that every person needs a driver's licence. But before that, we should also understand the importance of a driver’s licence- in the first place.

A driving licence is legal permission from the state government to drive a vehicle within the defined territorial boundaries. In the worst case, when individuals do not show a responsible attitude, the licence can be cancelled permanently to make everyone cautious about the traffic and humans on the road.

There are different types of driving licences in Delhi; you can apply based on your requirements:

Basis Motor Vehicle Category

1. Driving Licence for Two-Wheelers without Gears: It will include vehicles like Mopeds or scooters.

2. Driving Licence for Two-Wheelers with Gears: It includes all vehicles with gears, like bikes, scooters, etc.

3. Driving Licence for Light Motor Vehicles: This type of DL is issued for hatchbacks and sedans.

4. Driving Licence for Transport Vehicles:  As the name suggests, this type of DL will be for trucks, vans, and buses. 

5. Driving Licence for Motor Vehicles of a Specified Description: This type of Driving Licence is issued for the selected category.

Basis Licence Category

1. Learner’s Licence: You need to fill out an application form from the RTO for a learner's licence. It is a mandatory requirement to get a permanent driving licence.

2. Permanent Driving Licence: Once you pass the written and driving tests, the RTO will issue you with a permanent driving licence.

3. Duplicate Driving Licence: If you have lost the original driving licence, you can apply for a duplicate one.

• You must be 18 years or above.

• You must be aware of the basic traffic rules to clear the test.

• You must possess a valid learner’s licence and be eligible for 30 days.

• You must apply for a permanent licence after 30 days of receiving a valid learner's licence but before 180 days from the date of the Learner's Licence issuance.

Proof of the genuinity makes it easy for the authorities to provide a driving licence. Some documents that are needed for a Driving Licence in Delhi include:

• Driving Licence Application Form-4 is available both online and offline.

• Six passport-size photographs.

• Residence Proof, such as a copy of a ration card, voter's ID, copy of passport, or LIC policy, may be older than six months at least.

• Age Proof, such as an educational certificate, birth certificate, or 10th-class marksheet.

• Copy of valid learner’s licence.

• Copy of PAN card.

• Receipt of the payment fees of Rs.400/- paid for DL.

Earlier, the process of applying for a driving licence was only offline. But thanks to technology, a driving licence can be applied online, too! 

The procedure is generally divided into two stages: first, you apply for and get the learner's licence, and second, you get your permanent driving licence. Let us look at the steps under each stage.

You can opt for both the online and offline application process for a learner's licence. Here's a step-by-step interpretation of both the procedure:

Steps to Apply for Learner’s Licence Online

• Step 1: Visit the website of the transport department of the government of NCT of Delhi.

• Step 2: Click "Others” and select “Online Services” from the drop-down menu. Click on “Online Services for Driving Licence” from the services offered.

• Step 3: You will be redirected to the Parivahan Sarathi portal (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways). Click on “Select States” and choose “Delhi”.

• Step 4: Select “Apply for Learner Licence”.

• Step 5: Select the right category and click on “Submit”. Provide the necessary details to fill the application form.

• Step 6: After successfully submitting the form, pay the fees of ₹400, and you will receive an application number. Keep this record to track your learner’s licence application status.

Steps to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Offline

• Step 1: To apply for the learner's licence offline, you must visit the RTO office and collect Form 4 for a driving licence.
• Step 2: Fill out Form 4 and attach the required documents while submitting.
• Step 3: After you submit the application form, the RTO will provide you with an application number, which you must bring when visiting the RTO office for the driving test. Upon clearing this test, you can get the learner’s licence immediately. 
• Step 4: The learner’s licence is valid for 30 days, and you must collect it after paying the fee.
• Step 5: Once you have paid the licence fee, schedule a slot for the driving test.

• Step 1: You should visit the RTO office on the date of the driving test 30 days after you receive the learner's licence. The test will be conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Inspector. Take your motor vehicle for the test.
• Step 2: If the Motor Vehicle Inspector is satisfied with the performance, you will be sent for the biometrics.
• Step 3: After this, a permanent Driving Licence will be issued.
• Step 4: Check the Application Status of Driving Licence in Delhi.
• Step 5: Log in to the Delhi Transport Authority website to check the status of your driving licence. Enter the application number and date of birth to check the status.

Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence if the original driving certificate gets stolen or lost. But before you apply for a duplicate DL, you need to inform the R.T.O. authority about the loss and file an F.I.R. to the nearest police station. The individual will have to get an affidavit of declaration stating that the Driving Licence is lost.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Licence Online

• Step 1: Visit parivahan.gov.in, Sarathi Parivahan's official site, and select “Driving License Related Services” from the “Online Services” list.

• Step 2: Select “Apply for Duplicate DL" and carefully fill out the LLD form.

• Step 3: After submission, get a printout of the form and pay the nominal charges required. The authorities will verify your documents, and you might have to pay a nominal fee. Then, they will send the duplicate license by post.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Licence Offline

• Step 1: You can visit the RTO office and apply for your duplicate licence offline.
• Step 2: Get the LLD application form, fill it out, and provide the necessary documents. They will also ask why you are applying for a duplicate DL. Come up with an appropriate reason for seamless licence generation.
• Step 3: Pay the required fees while submitting the form and collect the application slip or receipt. This receipt works as an alternative until you receive the duplicate DL.

You must apply for a duplicate licence within six months of losing the original. Once you submit the form on time, the duplicate licence is delivered in a few days.

Documents Required for a Duplicate Licence

• Application form duly filled and signed.

• A copy of the complaint, F.I.R., and an affidavit.

• Challan clearance report from Delhi Traffic Police.

• Form No.1

• For transport vehicles, Form 1A

• Self-Attested copy of proof of residence.

• The fee receipt is Rs.400/- for a duplicate licence.

• A fitness certificate form.

Generally, a driving licence issued in Delhi is valid for 20 years. But if you reach the age of 50 years before the completion of 20 years, the renewal should be processed immediately.

Similar to an insurance policy, it is wise to plan the renewal 30 days before to get the driving licence renewed. You must visit the local zonal office to renew your driving license.

Steps to Apply for the Renewal of DL Online

• Step 1: Visit the RTO website, parivahan.gov.in, and navigate to "Licence Related Services”. Select “Other Services” from there.

• Step 2: Select “Apply for DL Renewal”.

• Step 3: Submit the required documents and a fee of ₹400 to process your request for the driving licence renewal.

Steps to Apply for the Renewal of DL Offline

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO office in Delhi.
• Step 2: Collect the Driving Licence renewal form and complete it with all the required details.
• Step 3: Submit the form with the required documents and pay the fee of ₹400/-.
• Step 4: Your driving licence will be renewed after document verification.

Documents Needed for Renewal of the Driving Licence

• Application Form 9 duly filled and signed.

• A copy of the original driver's licence that is expired.

• Medical certificate and Form 1 A if the driver is over 40 years old.

• Two passport-size photographs.

• Self-attested copies of age proof and address proof.

• Application fees of Rs.200/- and receipt.

Applications above 40 years of age must submit a medical certificate. You must submit a refresher training certificate to renew your driving license for transport vehicles and a short-term refresher training course for commercial vehicles.

You must first acquire an International Driving Licence to drive a vehicle overseas. Though the Driving Licence issued by the Indian Government is valid in many countries, it has not been approved by all. You can visit the nearest RTO and submit the required information to get an IDL. The RTO will ask for some documents like:

• Filled and signed application Form 4A for an IDL. (Application form for international driving license)

• Form 1A (medical certificate)

• A Copy of a Valid Driving Licence.

• A copy of your Passport and Visa. The passport should be valid for one year from the date you apply for an IDL.

• Fee Receipt for Rs.1000/-.

• Identity and Residence Proof.

• 5 passport-size photographs.

• Medical certificate.

• Air Ticket Preferably.

Here are the steps to follow for checking the application status of driving licences:

• Step 1: Log in to the Delhi Transport Authority website or https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.
• Step 2: Navigate the Service section and select “Other Services”.

• Step 3: Click “Check Payment Status” on the next page.

• Step 4: Enter your application number, birth date, and CAPTCHA code to click on verify to check your application status.

Getting a Driving Licence is as important as getting a vehicle insurance policy. Driving a vehicle on the road without both of these documents can result in a driving licence being cancelled. One should follow some of these rules to avoid mistakes and fines.

• Abide by traffic rules.

• Wear seat belts.

• Do not rush or break the signals.

• Avoid drinking and driving.

If you are desperate to get a permanent driving licence as fast as possible, then keep the following things in mind:

• You should be alert and confident. But avoid being over-confident while appearing for the driving test.

• Abstain from alcohol while driving and taking the test. 

• Be sure of the traffic signals carefully. 

• Always use side mirrors and indicators.

• Press the gears smoothly and make sure the vehicle does not turn off in the middle of the test when driving. 

• Be equipped enough to make an imaginary ‘8’ with the tyres.

The methodology used for driving tests in Delhi depends on the vehicle type.

Four-Wheeler Driving Test

• Driving test for four-wheelers involves two tests: ground and road test

• You will be asked to drive along the 'Straight T' line or the 'U-turn'.

• You will have to drive in the road test, and your knowledge of traffic rules will be examined. A Motor Vehicle Inspector will monitor the test.

• If the motor vehicle inspector considers your driving skills unsatisfactory, you must appear for a retest.

Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler Driving Test

• You have to appear for both ground and road tests.

• In the ground test, you must drive along a figure of '8' or a 'Straight T'. 

• The road test will scrutinise your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

• You must appear for a retest in case the Motor Vehicle Inspector needs to find your driving skills satisfactory.

RTO Offices in Delhi Where You Can Apply for a Driving Licence

You can apply for a driving licence in Delhi at any of the following locations:

• Deputy Director Zonal Office-Central Delhi, ISBT, Sarai Kale Khan, New Delhi.

• Deputy Director Zonal Office – Office of The Z T O, Vasant Vihar, South West Delhi, New Delhi

• South-West District – DTC Depot, Vasant Vihar

• South-West District – B-Block, Community Centre 1st Floor, Janakpuri