Welcome to Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, and where every road holds the promise of a new adventure. In this vibrant city the key to seamless and exciting journeys lies in your Mumbai driving licence.
Our comprehensive blog will demystify the process of obtaining your driving licence in Mumbai. A valid Mumbai driving licence grants you the freedom to explore the lively neighbourhoods, coastal drives, and cultural hubs of this dynamic city.
As Mumbai's streets continue to buzz with an ever-increasing number of vehicles, the importance of safe and responsible driving cannot be overstated. Join us as we simplify the journey to secure your driving licence in the Maximum City!
What is the Eligibility to Apply for a Driving Licence in Mumbai?
If you want to apply for a driving licence in Mumbai, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have a valid learner’s licence.
- Applicants must be at least 18 (eighteen) years of age.
- Applicants must apply for a permanent driving licence 30 (thirty) days after or within 180 (one hundred and eighty) days of acquiring the learner’s licence.
- Applicants have to know the traffic rules and regulations thoroughly.
- Applicants must be at least 20 (twenty) years old when applying for a commercial driving licence.
Types of Driving Licences in Mumbai
The Transport Department in Mumbai issues Driving Licences (DLs) based on different types of requirements and vehicles. Before you get a driving licence, you should get a learner's licence.
Here are the kinds of licences you can apply for:
| Type of Driving Licence | Type of Vehicle |
| Two-wheeler (gearless) | Scooters, mopeds, gearless bikes, etc. |
| Two-wheeler (geared) | Geared motorcycles, scooters, etc. |
| Private four-wheeler (geared) | Hatchbacks, SUVs, MUVs, Coupés, Sedans, etc. |
| Commercial vehicles | Transport buses, trucks, etc. |
| Other vehicles | Transport trucks that transfer hazardous/industrial goods. |
Documents Required to Apply for a Driving Licence in Mumbai
Applicants require the following documents to apply for a driving licence in Mumbai:
Any of the following as proof of age:
- Educational certificate
- Birth certificate
- Attested copy of the passport
- Certificate issued from the employer if you are working for the state/ central government or a local body.
Any of the following as proof of residence/address:
- Voter’s ID
- Ration card
- LIC policy bond
- Valid passport
- Employer certificate issued by local/central or state government
Other documents:
- Form 4: Driving licence
- Form 5: Commercial driving licence
- Form 1A: Medical certificate, which has to be filled by a physician (necessary for applicants older than the age of 40)
- Form 1: Physical fitness declaration by the applicant
- Original learner’s licence
- Three passport-size photographs
Also read – Driving Licence Status Online
How to Apply and Prepare for a Learner's Licence in Mumbai?
To apply for a Learner’s Licence in Mumbai, you need to do the following:
- Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Select your state
- Once you’ve selected your state, click on “Apply for a Learner Licence.”
- Click on “Continue” and enter the required details.
- Once you have completed the application, you need to appear for an online test to get a learner’s licence. Here’s what this test consists of:
- 10 Multiple Choice Questions
- Duration: 10 Minutes
- Topics Covered: Road Signs, Traffic Rules and Regulations
- Qualifying criteria: Minimum 6 marks out of 10
Note: In case you fail the qualifying test, you are allowed to reapply after 7 days. After 30 days of receiving the learner’s licence, you are eligible to apply for a permanent licence.
How to Get a Driving Licence in Mumbai?
Mumbai offers three types of driving licences:
- Licence for 2-wheelers without gears and engines smaller than 50cc
- Driving licence for a Commercial Vehicle (CV)
- Driving licence for a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
If you want to apply for a driving licence in Mumbai, you can choose from the following options:
- Online application through the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Offline application at the nearest RTO in your city.
Read on to understand these processes in detail.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Mumbai Online?
Applying for a driving licence is far from a daunting task now. Once you’ve received your learner’s licence, you can apply for a driving licence after 30 days or within 6 months.
Here’s how you can apply for a driving licence online in Mumbai through the Parivahan Portal:
- Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Select your state.
- Once you’ve selected your state, click on “Apply for Driving Licence.”
- Click on “Continue” and enter the required details.
- Fill out the application form and upload your documents on the portal.
- After uploading all the documents, you need to select a slot for your driving test to be held at the RTO.
- Select LL Slot Booking.
- Select a date and time and book your appointment to take the driving test.
Once the form is filled out and your driving test is booked, you’re left with the final step, fee payment. To pay the driving licence fees online, you need to follow these steps:
- Head over to the main menu of the Sarathi Parivahan portal
- Select your state
- Click on “Fee Payments” as shown below
- Proceed to enter your details and click on “Pay Now"
- Once the payment is made at your end, head back to the main menu
- Click on “Check Payment Status” to get your payment details and receipt
- After entering your Application Number, Date of Birth, and the Captcha code, your payment receipt is generated as shown below.
- Remember to print/save this receipt.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Mumbai Offline?
If you wish to skip the online process and apply for your driving licence offline, you will need to do the following:
- Visit your nearest RTO office in Mumbai and collect Form 4 or print it from the Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Fill out and submit the application form.
- Attach all the required documents.
- Book a slot for your driving test.
- If you pass the test, your licence will be sent to you via speed post.
To view a list of RTOs in Maharashtra, click here.
Also Read –Regional Transport Office – RTO State Code of India
How is a Driving Licence Test Conducted in Mumbai?
Your driving test will be conducted by an Inspector at the RTO. It requires the applicant to drive on the RTO's designated driving track. Applicants are tested on general driving skills, how well they follow the rules, and their knowledge of the rules.
In Mumbai, the driving licence test adheres to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. Applicants should bring their vehicle for the test. Alternatively, they can use a motor driving school's vehicle. Here's how the test is conducted:
- Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler Test Candidates
- You must navigate within a designated area, forming figure-8 patterns while avoiding stalling
- Upon success, you may proceed to ride on public roads
- Four-Wheeler Test
- Driving a four-wheeler requires precise control without touching boundary markers during the test
- Afterward, candidates must demonstrate their skills on public roads
In case you are unsuccessful, you can take the test again after 7 days, after paying a nominal fee.
How to Obtain an International Driving Licence in Mumbai?
In Mumbai, acquiring an international driving permit (IDP) necessitates an application at the RTO along with the necessary documents. While no test is mandatory, applicants must possess a permanent DL.
If you intend to secure an international driving permit, you should gather the following documents from your current place of residence:
- A copy of your Visa
- A copy of your Passport
- A copy of your permanent driving licence
- Proof of residence
- Medical form 1-A
- Evidence of your nationality
- 5 passport-size photographs
Also Read: RC Transfer : How to Transfer Ownership of Vehicle
Driving Licence Fee Structure in Mumbai
When applying for a driving licence in Mumbai, you need to pay the application fee online. Here’s a breakdown of the amount you need to pay:
| Purpose | Fees |
| Driving Test | ₹50 |
| Issuance of Learner’s Licence | ₹150 |
| Issuance of International Driving Licence | ₹1,000 |
| Addition of Vehicle Class to Licence | ₹500 |
| Driving Licence Renewal | ₹200 |
| Driving Licence Renewal After Grace Period | ₹200 (plus an additional fee of ₹1,000 for each year or part thereof of delay) |
| Issue of Duplicate Licence | ₹200 |
| Road Safety Cess forDriving Licence, Non-Transport Light Motor Vehicle, Transport Light Motor Vehicle, andMedium and Heavy Motor Vehicles | ₹100 |
| Form 7/Smart Card | ₹200 |
The Bottom Line
In summary, a valid driving licence in Mumbai is the first step towards exploring the organised chaos, the landscapes, and the delectable cuisine that this city has to offer. From the iconic Gateway of India to bustling Colaba markets, your licence lets you explore Mumbai safely.
With more vehicles on the road, safe driving has become more important than ever. Whether you're new to the city or a long-term resident, this guide is here to help you every step of the way. So, drive safely, explore the city, follow the rules, and make every drive a memorable part of your Mumbai journey!
FAQs
Q. When to check your driving licence status in Mumbai?
It takes 30 days to get your driving licence after the date of the driving test. You can start checking your driving licence status two weeks after clearing your driving test in Mumbai.
Q. Is there any fee to check the driving licence status?
There is no fee to access the website or check your driver's licence status.
Q. Can I drive on public roads with a learner's driving licence?
Yes, you can drive on public roads with a learner's driving licence. However, you must be accompanied by someone carrying a permanent/valid driving licence.
Q. For how long is a learner's driving licence valid?
A learner's driving licence is valid for 6 months or 180 days. However, the licence holder must apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days and before 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner's licence.
Q. Can I renew a learner's driving licence?
Yes, a learner's driving licence can be renewed if it expires.
Q. Can I reappear for my driving test if I fail on the first attempt?
Yes, you can reappear for your driving test after 7 days of your first attempt.
Q. What is the legal age for driving in India?
The legal age for driving a geared vehicle is 18 years, while the legal age for driving non-geared vehicles is 16 years.
Q. If I have an existing driving licence, how do I check its status?
You can check the status of your existing driving licence here.
Q. How do I download my driving licence on DigiLocker?
Here’s how you can download your driving licence on DigiLocker:
Step 1: Visit the https://www.digilocker.gov.in/ or app and sign up.
Step 2: Select “Get more Issued Documents” from the “Issued Documents” menu. Click on “Pull documents”.
Step 3: Select “Ministry of Road Transport and Highways” under “Central Government”.
Step 4: Click on “Driving Licence” under “Document Type”. Enter your details: name, date of birth, and driving licence number. Click on “Get Document.” This will download your DL on your phone.
Q. What is the validity of a driving licence in Mumbai?
A private driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till the holder attains 40 years of age, whichever comes earlier. After the age of 40, a driving licence is issued for 10 years and then 5 years subsequently.
