The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a Driving Licence in West Bengal

Driving in West Bengal comprises a blend of fascinating British architecture, a picturesque countryside, and unmatched cultural diversity. Whether you’re driving through the old streets of Kolkata or alongside the tea gardens in Siliguri, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

However, while you drive around, you must also comply with the state’s norms and carry a valid driving licence. So, if you’re all set to get behind the wheels of your car to visit the Victoria Memorial or grab some mouthwatering puchka, here’s how you can apply for a driving licence in West Bengal and embark on your journey.

Types of Driving Licences in West Bengal

The Transport Department in AP issues Driving Licences (DLs) based on different types of vehicles. Here are the kinds of licences you can apply for:

What is the Eligibility to Apply for a Driving Licence in West Bengal?

If you want to apply for a driving licence in West Bengal, 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.

What Documents do I Require to Apply for a Driving Licence in West Bengal?

Applicants require the following documents to apply for a driving licence in West Bengal:

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
• Employers 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 applicant
• Original learner’s licence
• Three passport size photographs

Driving Licence Fee Structure in West Bengal

When applying for a driving licence in West Bengal, you need to pay the application fee online. Here’s a breakdown of the amount you need to pay:

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in West Bengal 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:

1. Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
2. Select your state.
3. Once you’ve selected your state, click on “Apply for Driving Licence.” 
4. Click on “Continue” and enter the required details.
5. Fill the application form and upload your documents on the portal.
6. After uploading all the documents, you need to select a slot for your driving test to be held at the RTO. 
7. Select LL Slot Booking.
8. Select a date and time and book your appointment to take the driving test.

Once the form is filled and your driving test is booked, you’re left with the final step, fee payment. To pay the driving licence fees online, head over to the main menu of the Sarathi Parivahan portal, select your state and 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 and 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. 

Next, 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

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. Here’s how you get your permanent driving licence.

1. Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website and select West Bengal as your state. Click on “Appointments” once you see the main menu.
2. Click on “DL Test Slot Booking.”
3. Enter your details in the form that appears. Click on “Proceed to Book.”
4. Select the date and time of your RTO appointment.
5. Verify your details using an OTP that you will receive on your registered phone number. Proceed to confirm the booking by clicking on “Confirm to Slot Book.”

Once you have confirmed your booking, visit the RTO on your selected date of appointment and take the driving test. After you clear your test, your driving licence will be delivered to your residential address within a few days. 

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in West Bengal Offline?

If you wish to skip the online process and apply for your driving licence offline, you will need to do the following: 

• Visit the RTO office in your area and collect Form 4 or print it from the Sarathi Parivahan website.
• Fill 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 West Bengal, click here.

What is the process of the RTO driving test in West Bengal?

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.

FAQs

Q. When to check your driving licence status in West Bengal?

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 West Bengal.

Q. Is there any fee to check the driving licence status?

There is no fee to access the website or check driving 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 West Bengal?

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.