How to apply for driving licence in Punjab: Online and Offline

With 324 vehicles per 1,000 citizens, Punjab is one of the most densely motor vehicle-populated states in India. However, with the increase in vehicles and road infrastructure, Punjab has seen a rise in fatal road accidents. To address this, the Punjab government launched the ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ (SSF), or Road Safety Force, in January 2024. This special force is tasked with patrolling the state and national highways to enhance roadway safety. A crucial part of road safety lies in ensuring only properly trained and qualified drivers make it to the roads. This is where the network of RTOs, and stringent testing and verification processes, plays an integral role. Read on to learn about the process of applying for a DL in Punjab, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, fee structure and driving test preparation tips. 

Types of driving licences in Punjab 

There are three broad categories of driving licences – one for private vehicles, another for commercial vehicles and a third category for the internal driving permit. These further have two types –a) learner’s licence and b) permanent driving licence.

1. DL for private vehicles: This type of a licence enables the licence holder to drive two-wheelers and light motor vehicles, i.e., cars for non-transport purposes. Before obtaining the permanent licence to drive either of these vehicles, an individual needs to get their learner’s licence by giving a knowledge test. One can only apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days from obtaining a learner’s licence.. The permanent DL is provided only after the applicant clears their practical driving test. The licence also indicates whether the holder is authorized to drive only two-wheelers, only four-wheelers, or both two- and four-wheelers. 
2. DL for commercial vehicles: This type of licence is required for driving commercial vehicles used to transport goods or passengers. The licence is categorized into several classes: Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV), Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) for deliveries or passenger transport, Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV), Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle (HGMV), Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle (HPMV), Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV), and a category for driving trailers. For commercial passenger vehicles, this licence is mandatory when the seating capacity exceeds eight passengers. 
3. International Driving Permit (IDP): A citizen of India who holds a valid driving licence can obtain an International Driving Permit. This allows them to  drive in another country that they might be visiting. An IDP is valid for up to one year.  

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for a driving licence in Punjab

To apply for a driving licence in Punjab, the following criteria must be met: 

1. Two-Wheeler (without gears, up to 50cc): Applicants must be at least 16 years old, understand traffic rules and regulations, and provide the required documents for age and address verification. A consent letter from parents or guardians is also necessary.
2. Motor Vehicle and Two-Wheeler (with gears): Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid learner’s licence, and have all necessary documentation to apply for a permanent driving licence. 
3. Commercial Driving Licence: In Punjab, applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a commercial driving licence. Additionally, they must have a minimum education qualification of 8th standard, undergo driving training at a government-approved school, and provide valid documents for age and address proof.
4. International Driving Permit: Applicants must be Indian citizens with a valid driving licence. They may also need a valid passport, visa for the destination country, and present flight ticket details for verification. 

What documents are required to apply for a driving licence in Punjab

 Here is a list of the documents an applicant will need when applying for a driving licence. 

1. Age proof:  The following documents are accepted as age proof:
   1. Aadhar card
   2. PAN card
   3. Birth certificate 
   4. Matriculation certificate or transfer certificate from school
   5. Voter’s ID card
2. Address Proof: The following documents are accepted as address proof:  
   1. Passport 
   2. Aadhar card 
   3. Ration card
   4. Electricity bill or telephone bill that is received at the applicant’s address 
   5. Voter’s ID card
   6. Life insurance policy documents 
3. Recent passport sized photographs of the applicant 
4. If the applicant is over 40 years old, they must provide a medical certificate (Form 1A).
5. If the applicant is 16 years of age, but less than 18, a  letter of consent from guardians or parents is required. This is valid only in case of gearless two-wheelers with an engine capacity less than 50 cc.
6. Duly filled application Form 4 

Driving licence fee structure in Punjab 

How to apply for a driving licence in Punjab online 

There are two ways to apply online for a driving licence in Punjab – via the Parivahan website or via the state transport website. Please note that obtaining a learner’s licence is mandatory before applying for a permanent DL. The applicant can apply for both LL and DL online. For a detailed guide, please see the steps below:

1. The Parivahan seva website has been created by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to centralise various transportation related processes. Here is how an applicant can apply for a new driving licence on the website. 

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website

Step 2: On the home page, click on the section titled ‘License Related Services’.

Step 3: Under this section, select ‘Drivers/ Learners License’ and click on ‘More’.

Step 4: This will redirect to the Sarathi.Parivahan website. On the homepage, select Punjab from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Next, the section for the Transport Department, Government of Punjab will open. ‘Skip’ the pop-up, and click on ‘Apply for Driving License’.

Step 6: The next page will list down all the steps or stages involved in applying for a new driving licence. Read carefully, before clicking on ‘Continue’.

Step 7: Fill in the required details, i.e., the learner’s licence number, date of birth and captcha. 

Step 8: The system will display the registered mobile number, prompting the applicant to click on 'Generate OTP'. This will send the OTP on the registered mobile number linked with the Aadhaar card. Fill the OTP and click on ‘Authenticate with Sarathi’.

Step 9: The next section, cross-check all the pre-filled details, such as name of the applicant, address, and other details. Scroll down and select the vehicle types for which the licence is needed. Click on ‘Submit’. 

Step 10: A pop-up will show the preview of the address that will be printed on the smart card driving licence. Click on ‘Ok’ to move forward.

Step 11: Fill the requested information on the new application form. Once you click 'Submit', you will receive an application number. Check the details listed and click on ‘Next’.

Step 12: Fill in the captcha code and click on ‘Submit’. After this, click on ‘Proceed’ to be able to upload the required documents in jpeg, jpg or pdf formats. The file sizes should be up to 500 KB. 

Step 13: Once a required document has been uploaded, click on ‘Confirm’. Continue this process until you have uploaded all the necessary documents. After uploading all documents, select 'Next'. 

Step 14: Next, the fee for the driving licence will have to be paid online. After the payment process is completed, the applicant can print the payment receipt.

Step 15: The 'Home' button will appear right next to the print receipt button. Clicking on this will take the applicant to the driving licence services page again.

Step 16: Once here, click on ‘Application Status’ on the top right and fill in the required details – driving licence application number, date of birth and captcha. 

Step 17: This will open the status page, where the applicant will see the first three steps have been completed, i.e., filling up application details, uploading documents and application payment, 

Step 18: The next step is to book the driving test. Under the status click on ‘Proceed’ 

Step 19: Fill in the captcha code and click ‘Submit’. Next, choose the vehicles you want to get the DL for and click on 'Proceed to book'. Please note that you’ll have to appear for a driving test for each vehicle type separately. 

Step 20: This will redirect to the calendar where the green marked dates are available for the test. Select the date of choice and the time slot for the test and click on ‘Book Slot’. 

Step 21: Enter the security code, which will be sent to the registered mobile number and click on ‘confirm to book slot’. 

1. Applying for driving licence through the Punjab State Transport Website 

Step 1: Visit the Punjab State Transport website

Step 2: Scroll down on the home page and click on the hyperlinked section “Apply for inclusion of your Driving Licence in SARATHI”

Step 3: This will redirect to the Sarathi.Parivahan website, select Punjab from the drop-down menu. 

Step 4: Return to Step 5 from the preceding section, and follow through with the same steps. 

How to apply for a driving licence in Punjab offline

To apply for the driving licence offline, an applicant will have to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO). 

Step 1: An applicant can go to the nearest RTO to get the application form which is to be filled. An alternative route is that an applicant can visit the Parivahan website and download Form 4.  

Step 2: Fill out all the details in the application form correctly. The applicant must also carry self attested photocopies of the necessary documents for submission along with the application.

Step 3: Visit the RTO to submit the filled-out form and pay the fee. The RTO will provide a payment receipt. This receipt will enable the applicant to book a driving test slot at the RTO.  

Step 4: The driving test slot is the final step in the application process. The applicant will need to take the test on the decided date and if the applicant clears the test, their application will be processed for approval. 

Process of the RTO driving test in Punjab

The applicant must pass the driving test before receiving a permanent DL. On the test day, the applicant must demonstrate diving skills under the supervision of a driving inspector. Since June 1, 2024, taking the driving test at the RTO is no longer required. It can also be taken at private driving training schools, authorised to conduct the tests and issue the certificates to the applicants.

The driving test evaluates an applicant’s driving skills and adherence to traffic rules and regulations. The test consists of several stages, each requiring successful completion to proceed to the next. Failing any stage results in failing the entire test, and the applicant can only retake the test after one week. Applicants must complete each stage within the designated time frame, and they can only retake a stage a limited number of times if they make mistakes or miss specific marks. A traffic inspector monitors the test from an observation box and determines whether the driver passes or fails based on their performance.

The applicant typically undergoes testing on the following types of manoeuvres:

Driving test for four wheelers in Punjab:   

1. Reverse S: In this, the car is driven in reverse and in the shape of an S. 
2. Figure of 8: Driving the car in a loop, forming an 8-like shape.
3. Parallel Parking: The applicant will need to move their car ahead a bit, then reverse it to park parallel to the pavement. 
4. Gradient (uphill): This stage assesses a driver’s ability to manoeuvre on an uphill road, including how they stop and then start driving again without allowing the vehicle to roll back or reverse too much downhill.

Driving test for two wheelers in Punjab:

1. Serpentine track: The two-wheeler must be driven in a left-right formation (almost like forming a double figure of  8). No mistakes or retakes are allowed in this stage. 
2. Emergency braking: This stage tests the ability to apply brakes quickly. No mistakes or retakes are allowed in this stage and the foot must also never touch the ground.  

FAQs

Q. Can I drive on public roads with a learner's driving licence in Punjab?

A learner’s driving licence holder can drive on public roads in Punjab only when accompanied by someone with a permanent driving licence. Additionally, they also need to display a red “L” on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Q. Can I renew a learner's driving licence in Punjab?

A learner’s licence cannot be renewed. If an individual has not applied for a permanent driving licence within 180 days of learner’s licence date of issue, they are required to re-appear for the knowledge test to re-apply.

Q. How do I download my driving licence on DigiLocker in Punjab?

To download the driving licence from DigiLocker, first log into the account. Go to the ‘Issued Documents’ section, select ‘Driving Licence’ and click on ‘Download’.   

Q. What is the validity of a driving licence in Punjab?

A driving licence in Punjab is valid for 20 years from the date of its issue or till the time the licence holder turns 50 years old. A commercial vehicle licence is only valid up to three years from the date of issue.

Q. Can I apply for an international driving license?

Yes, any Indian citizen who holds a permanent driving licence can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). The applicant must present their valid driving licence, along with a valid passport, with a valid visa for the country they wish to visit (and drive in), and flight tickets. 

Q. What should I do if I lose my driving license in Punjab?

If you lose your driving licence, you can apply for a duplicate DL. Visit the Parivahan website, and on the home page, click on ‘Driver/ Learner License.’ This will take you to the Sarathi.Parivahan website, where you must select Punjab from the drop-down menu. After this, click on the option titled ‘Apply for Duplicate DL.’

Q. What does the driving test involve in Punjab?

The driving test for four wheelers involves four stages 1) Reverse S, 2) Figure of 8, 3) Parallel parking and 4) Gradient or uphill driving with stopping and starting. In the case of two-wheelers, there are two tests 1) Serpentine driving and 2) Emergency brake application. Each stage must be completed in a given time frame and with only a limited number of retakes. Some stages do not allow any mistakes or retakes. One can move to the next stage only if they successfully complete the previous stage. An instructor observes the driver from an observation box and qualifies or fails an applicant based on their performance on each test.   

Q. Are there any additional charges in Punjab?

There are no additional charges for licences in Punjab.  

Q. How to make corrections in driving licence in Punjab?

For a change of address or the addition of a new vehicle category, the applicant can visit the Parivahan website. On the homepage, click on the ‘Other Services’ section. This will redirect the applicant to the Sarathi Parivahan website, where they can update their address details by selecting ‘Apply for Change of Address’ or add a new vehicle category to their licence by selecting ‘Add Class of Vehicles to an Application.

Q. How to change address for driver's licence in Punjab?

The address on the driving licence can be changed online via the Sarathi.Parivahan website. Click on ‘Apply for Change of Address’ and follow the steps on the web portal. 

Q. Do I need to take my own car or bike for a driving test? 

An applicant can take their own car or motorcycle to the RTO for the driving test. However, in case an individual does not yet own a vehicle or is unable to take it to the RTO, they can request for a vehicle to be provided. As of June 2024, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued regulations allowing privately owned driving training schools to get authorization for conducting driving tests. In these training schools, vehicles are available for an applicant to take the driving test.