Becoming an adult comes with added responsibilities. The upside to this is that with great responsibility comes great power, like a license to drive on public roads. Assuming of course that you’ve passed your driving test and have a valid driver’s license. But, if you don’t have a driver’s license but have plans to get your hands on that piece of plastic symbolizing ‘freedom’ and ‘independence’, here are few things that you should know:
- First of all, there are two kinds of licenses that you can obtain: a learner’s license and driver’s license. A learner’s license is valid for up to six months and only after one month of receiving your learner’s license can you obtain a permanent license.
- The minimum age one must be, in order to get a learner’s license, is 18 years for four wheelers and 16 years for two wheelers.
- You will have to fill out two forms which will be available at the RTO, to apply for a learner’s license.
- You will also have to provide documents which prove your age and address (one each). Valid documents that can be provided for proof of age include passport, Pan Card, School Certificate and Birth Certificate issued by State Government / MCH Authorities. Valid documents for address proof include Ration Card, Electricity Bill, Passport or Pay slip / ID card which has been issued by a State or Central Government body, that displays the candidate’s residential address on it.
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- Once the relevant documents and duly filled forms are submitted, you will be required to have a digital photo of yourself taken by the RTO authority.
- You will then have to pass a written test in order to get the learners permit. This written exam will test your knowledge of traffic signals and other rules regarding driving in public. There will be 20 questions, out of which you will need to get at least 12 right. There is a lot of material available online to help you prepare for the test. Alternatively, you can purchase a book from the RTO with all the relevant information (which costs about Rs.15), which you can use to prepare for the test. If you clear the test you will receive the learner’s license which will be valid for 6 months from the date that you received the learner’s permit.
- The next step to finally get your car on the roads legally is obtaining the permanent license. You can apply for it only after 30 days of receiving the learner’s license. If you don’t know how to drive already, this period can be used to learn how to drive from scratch. There are plenty of driving schools which may use a combination of simulators and real driving lessons to help you become a competent driver.
- To take the permanent driving test, you must go to the RTO, fill out a form and pay the applicable fee (usually less than Rs. 500). Then the officials will ask you to drive or ride the car/bike on the test track provided. As long as you complete the test without too much trouble, you should be able to get yourself that license which validates your driving skills on the roads.
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Getting a license is not as easy as it used to be. If you want a license, you have work hard for it! Getting a Car Loan on the other hand, can be really easy especially if you apply for one online. So, if you’re looking for one, why not try us?