Learn How To Apply for Driving Licence Online & Offline in Kolkata

The bustling city of Kolkata is a popular tourist destination and is also known to be the metro city with the most vehicle density per kilometer. According to the West Bengal Trasportation Department, the city has about 2,448 vehicles per kilometre. There was a sudden surge in vehicle demand during the pandemic in Kolkata, and even though the total number of vehicles do not compare to cities like Delhi, their density increased exponentially. This has led to increased road traffic and a higher need for safe driving. If you are a vehicle owner in Kolkata, make sure to have the right documentation before going on the roads.

If you have questions about driving licence in Kolkata, driving licence online apply in Kolkata and the entire process, read on to know more!

Types of driving licence Kolkata

If you are looking for a driving licence in Kolkata, there are many types you can acquire, depending on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of licence you need. They are essentially of two broad categories.

1. Learner’s permit: Before getting a driving licence, you are required to get a learner’s permit, which is official documentation that validates your learning process. Once you have learnt how to drive, you can apply for a permanent licence. This permit is valid for up to 6 months and can be renewed if you do not manage to get a driver’s license within this period.
2. Permanent licence: Pass a driving test at the RTO and get a permanent licence for your vehicle. This licence has many types, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

• Gearless two-wheelers
• Geared two-wheelers
• LMVs (Light Motor Vehicles)
• Commercial/Heavy vehicles

The age limit for these licences depend on the type of vehicle you operate and the state you are in. In Kolkata, the age for geared two-wheelers and LMVs is 18 or above. Gearless two-wheelers are 16 or above, and commercial vehicles require an age limit of 20 or above. Check with your RTO for more information.

Application Process for Driving licences

The first thing to know is whether you want to apply for your license online or offline. However it is, the process is usually smooth and straightforward. After at least 30 days of having a valid learner’s permit, you can apply for a permanent driving licence in Kolkata.

Driving Licence Online Apply Kolkata

1. Go to the RTO website and get redirected to the Sarathi portal via “Driving licence related services”
2. Select the state you are currently residing in (West Bengal) and where your vehicle is registered.
3. Click on “Apply for learner’s license”
4. Fill in the application details and attach the required documents.
5. Book a test slot and take the test.

Usually, you will get your learner’s permit almost immediately as they will issue it on the same day. Your learner’s permit will be valid for 6 months, within which you should apply for a new driving licence and get it. Once you’ve had the learner’s license for 30 days, here are the steps you need to know.

1. Visit the Sarathi platform again and click on “Apply for Driver’s License” under which you click on the option “Holding Learner’s License”
2. Pick a slot at the RTO for your test and pay the fees.
3. Appear for the driving test. This is the process for driving licence online apply in Kolkata.

You can also get your driving license application offline by visiting the RTO directly.

1. Go to your nearest RTO and collect Form 2.
2. Fill out the details for a learner’s permit and attach the necessary documents
3. Get the documents verified
4. Book your test slot and get your LL.
5. After a minimum of 30 days, you can visit the RTO and submit your application for your DL.
6. Book a slot and appear for the test.

Driving Test | Driving licence online apply Kolkata
The driving license tests all over India are conducted by the RTO and follows the guidelines in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The same rules apply for Kolkata. If you want to take the test, you can do it with your own vehicle or choose a vehicle provided by a motor driving school.

Test for Two-wheeler & Three-wheeler:

• Demonstrate your ability to navigate an 8-shaped road. This tests your overall skills in acceleration, brakes, navigation and more. That’s because you have to go through curved areas as well as straight, within a given boundary.
• Demonstrate your road rules knowledge with a public road driving test.

If you pass these tests, you can move on to the next step of checking the driving licence application status in Kolkata.

Test for Four-wheeler:

This test is also two-tiered. The first step is to pass a test track where the candidate will be tested for their ability to drive smoothly. After that, their performance will be evaluated on a public road, where your eye for road rules, safety and driving among other vehicles are all tested.

If a candidate does not pass the performance test for any of the vehicles, they can try again after waiting seven days. They will, however, have to pay a small fee.

Driving Licence Application Status Kolkata

Once you are done with your driving test, you can go online and do a check to see what your application status is.

1. Go to the Transport Department website and choose the state where you took the test
2. Select “DL and LL registration”
3. Enter your application number
4. Click submit to view your application status.

You can also check through government websites.

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.
2. Select the link that says “Driving license related services”
3. Choose your state and city, and enter your DOB and application number
4. After entering the correct captcha, the status will be displayed.

Documents required for driving license:
The documents required for driving license in Kolkata are as follows:

1. A completed application form with no errors or blanks
2. Two passport-size photographs of the applicant
3. A copy of your PAN card
4. If you are over 40, a copy of your medical certificate
5. If you are a minor, a copy of a written form of consent from a parent or guardian. This must include the date and their signature.
6. Address proof (Voter ID, ration card, PAN, Aadhar, etc.)
7. Age proof (Birth certificate, Class 10 mark sheet)
8. Copy of your valid learner’s license permit
9. Receipt of fee confirmation for the driver’s test

Duplicate driving license

If your driver's license (DL) is lost or damaged, you can obtain a duplicate one online. Here are the documents required for driving license in case you need to apply for a duplicate.
 

1. An FIR, in case your driving license was stolen. Confirm with your RTO before filing one. If it was lost or damaged, there might not be a need to.
2. Pay a fee of Rs. 200, and submit the required documents like a copy of the FIR, LLD form, ID proof and address proof.
3. Your documents will be verified and a duplicate licence will be issued.

International driving license Kolkata

It is possible to get an international driving license in Kolkata with just a few documents. For starters, you have to own a permanent driving licence. By submitting that and a couple of other documents, you are eligible to receive an international driving licence in Kolkata.

You do not require a driving test for this type of licence.

1. A copy of the visa of the country you are visiting
2. A copy of your passport
3. Driving license copy
4. Address proof
5. Medical form 1A
6. Nationality proof
7. 5 passport-size photographs

Ensure proper documentation, including driving licence, RC, and vehicle insurance when you are driving in Kolkata (And anywhere in India). According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, you are required to produce valid documentation at any point of time on Indian roads to be considered eligible. Under section 3/181, steering vehicles without an active license could result in a fine of Rs.5000 and subsequent penalties. The same amount of fine is also imposable on the individual allowing an unauthorized person to drive.

As a citizen of the country, make sure to be safe and responsible on our roads, making it safe for others around you as well.

Check out Chola MS’ wide range of vehicle insurance policies and choose one according to your vehicle and budget. Let’s ensure safe Indian roads.