How to Get a Driving Licence Without a Test?

There are various documents associated with owning a vehicle and driving it, such as your driving licence, registration certificate, motor insurance, and more. For most of these documents, except for things like motor insurance, you are required to visit the RTO (Regional Transport Office). Till now, this included getting your driving licence. However, such would not be the case anymore. According to the new driving licence rules, you will no longer be required to be personally present at the RTO and give tests to be able to obtain your driver’s licence. It can now be issued to you without any such hassles.

New Driving Licence Rules in India

According to the amendments to the current regulations notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a person requiring a driving licence will no longer need to visit the RTO and appear for a test. If they are registered with a recognised driving school, they can obtain their licence from the school. This applies to licences for two-wheelers as well as four-wheelers. This may provide relief to licence applicants who may have dreaded the test and procedures of the RTO for acquiring a licence. Your licence can now be obtained through your driving school. As a process, the ease of this may be comparable to getting your car insurance online as opposed to offline. Since the licence issuance will be done by driving schools, there are a few new rules that they may have to abide by. These are as follows:

1. If the driving school acts as a training centre for two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, as well as three-wheelers, it will be required to have at least one acre of land to facilitate training. A minimum of two acres of land will be required if the centre trains for medium or heavy vehicles (passenger or cargo). *
2. Trainers at the driving school should be qualified. They should hold at least a Grade 12 diploma, or they should possess at least five years of driving experience. In addition to this, trainers must also have a clear understanding of traffic rules and regulations. *
3. The training school must have a course of a minimum of 4 weeks or 29 hours for training light motor vehicle drivers. The course ought to be divided into theory and practical training. *
4. As part of the practical side of the course, the students are expected to be taught how to drive on common roads, highways, as well as major roads. They also ought to be trained for downhill and uphill driving, parking, reversing, and other such things that a driver needs to be well-versed with.

* Standard T&C apply In India, citizens over the age of 18 can get a licence for light motor vehicles. If you are someone who is planning to get a driving licence as well as buy a car or a bike and ply it on the roads, ensure that you have all other relevant documentation as well. For example, if you are planning to buy a bike, you may also need to ensure that your bike is registered and get bike insurance alongside. Remember to renew your bike insurance at the end of every term. As a person who is driving, it is also ideal for you to get life insurance and health insurance. If you are worried that the costs may burn a hole in your pockets, you can check a life or health insurance premium calculator to get a better idea of how these plans work.

How to Apply for a Driving License Online?

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website or the state-specific RTO website.
2. Register on the Portal: Create an account using your email ID and phone number for registration.
3. Select License Type: Choose the appropriate type of driving license (learner's or permanent license).
4. Fill in the Application Form: Complete the online application form with required personal details.
5. Upload Documents: Upload necessary documents such as proof of identity, address, date of birth, and passport-sized photographs.
6. Pay the Fees: Make the required payment for the application using available online payment methods.
7. Schedule a Driving Test (if required): For a permanent driving license, schedule your driving test at the nearest RTO office.
8. Book Appointment for Document Verification: After payment, book an appointment for document verification at your RTO office.
9. Attend the Test: Take the written and/or practical driving test as scheduled.
10. Receive Your License: After passing the test, the driving license will be issued to you, either in physical form or digitally.

Also Read: Mountain Driving Safety Tips

How to Apply for a Driving License Offline?

1. Visit the Nearest RTO: Go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your area to apply for a driving license.
2. Obtain the Application Form: Get the application form for a learner’s or permanent driving license. The form is available at the RTO or can be downloaded from the official website.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the form with your personal details such as name, address, and contact information.
4. Submit Required Documents: Provide necessary documents like: - Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or Aadhar card) - Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, or Aadhar card) - Passport-sized photographs - Medical fitness certificate (for applicants above 50 years)
5. Pay the Fees: Pay the application fee for the learner’s or permanent driving license at the RTO.
6. Schedule the Driving Test: For a permanent license, schedule a driving test. The RTO will provide a date for the test.
7. Appear for the Driving Test: On the appointed day, appear for both the theory and practical driving test.
8. License Issuance: If you pass the tests, you will be issued a driving license. The physical copy will be sent to your address.

Also Read: Types of Driving Licenses in India

FAQs

Q. How does the learner's license authorize me to drive?

A learner's license allows you to drive a motor vehicle, but only under specific conditions. It permits driving under the supervision of a person with a valid permanent driving license and restricts driving alone. It is a provisional license that is granted before obtaining a permanent driving license after completing the mandatory training and passing tests.

Q. Is a learner's license valid outside Delhi?

Yes, a learner's license issued in Delhi is valid throughout India. The learner’s license is recognized nationally, allowing you to practice driving in other states as well, provided you follow the applicable rules of the state you’re in.

Q. Who is eligible for a permanent license?

To be eligible for a permanent driving license in India, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old (for a non-commercial vehicle).
2. Hold a valid learner's license for at least 30 days.
3. Pass the driving test, which includes both a theory and practical exam.
4. Be medically fit to drive (a medical certificate may be required for those above 50).

Q. What is the minimum qualification for a driving license in India?

The minimum qualification required to apply for a driving license is usually completion of at least the 8th grade, though some states may accept applicants with lower education levels. The applicant must be able to read and write in one of the official languages of India.

Q. Is it hard to get a driving license in India?

Getting a driving license in India can be relatively straightforward if you follow the prescribed steps—attending a driving school, passing the required tests, and submitting the necessary documents. However, the difficulty varies by region and depends on the applicant's driving skills and knowledge.

Q. Is a paper driving license still valid in India?

Yes, a paper driving license issued before the plastic card format is still valid in India. However, it is recommended to get it converted to the plastic card format, as the paper license is more prone to damage and may not be recognized in certain situations. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.