It is an essential legal document to be held by any driver for any motor vehicle use on the public roads of the Indian state of Punjab. For people learning to drive or for experienced drivers, a Punjab Driving Licence would mean driving with responsibility and following all road safety laws. It provides proof of identity in many situations.
This comprehensive guide will walk through the driving license-getting process in Punjab, the different types of licenses available, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply for it in both online and offline modes. Furthermore, we will inform you about tracking the Punjab Driving Licence status, how to apply driving licence online in Punjab, how to make corrections, renew, or apply for duplicates. Whether you are a newly budding motorist or someone hoping to renew their document, everything is here in this blog.
Types of Driving Licence
There are several types of driving licences in Punjab that meet the needs of various categories of vehicles. Let us briefly see them:
This is the first step toward acquiring a Punjab Driving Licence. It is issued to a person who is still learning to drive. The learner’s licence is valid for 6 months, and during this time, such a person must drive with the aid of a licensed driver.
- Permanent Driving Licence:
When a person has passed the learner’s period and has shown enough skill in knowing how to drive, they can apply for a permanent driving licence. This allows one to be free of driving, attached or dependent on someone.
- Commercial Driving Licence:
It is for people who want to drive commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, or taxis. One should possess a valid permanent driving licence before a commercial driving licence is acquired.
- International Driving Licence:
If you plan to travel abroad and hope to drive in some foreign country’s roads, then you need this type of driving licence, which stays valid for a year and allows accessing nearly all countries worldwide.
| Type of Licence | Purpose | Validity Period | Vehicle Type |
| Learner’s Licence | For new drivers learning to drive | 6 months | All types of vehicles |
| Permanent Driving Licence | For experienced drivers after passing the test | 20 years (renewable) | All types of vehicles |
| Commercial Driving Licence | For driving commercial vehicles | 3 years (renewable) | Trucks, buses, taxis |
| International Driving Licence | For international travel | 1 year | All types of vehicles |
Punjab Driving Licence: Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a punjab driving licence, one must fulfill specific eligibility criteria concerning it, so that seeds of well-qualified persons will be allowed to drive on public roads.
- Minimum Age: To apply for a punjab driving licence for a private vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc.), you must be at least 18 years old. For obtaining a commercial driving licence, the minimum age required is 20 years.
- Medical Fitness: You should be medically fit for driving. Examples of which are sufficient eyesight for safe driving.
- Learner’s License: Getting a learner’s license for at least 30 days is the first step an individual takes toward obtaining a full-fledged driving license.
- Proof of Residence: An applicant must be a resident of Punjab in order to obtain a Punjab driving license.
Documents Needed for Driving Licenses
Certain documentation is required for the application for a Punjab Driving Licence. The three principal considerations that come into play regarding the driving licence are identity, age, and domicile. Documents required are as follows:
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate, passport, or school-leaving certificate.
- Proof of Residence: Aadhar card, voter ID, utility bill (electricity, water, etc.), passport-size photographs. Normally, 2-3 passport-size photographs are required.
- Medical Certificate: This is issued by a registered medical practitioner to certify the health and fitness of the applicant for getting the commercial driving licence.
- Learner’s Licence: For the permanent licence grant, the learner’s licence must be valid.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence-(Both Offline and Online) in India.
Offline Procedure
- Visit the Local RTO: First, go to either of the nearby Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Punjab. With this, you can check on the web for RTOs close to you or even just ask some locals if they are aware of any. Do ensure that you are going in working hours so that you can find it open.
- Fill the Application Form: At the RTO, you will be provided with the application form to secure either the learner’s licence or the permanent driving licence. Just fill in your personal particulars, such as name, address, and date of birth.
- Submit Documents: Next, submit the application form which you have filled with the required documents. The common documents include proof of age, proof of residence, and passport-sized photos. If you are applying for commercial license, medical certificate may also be required.
- Pay the Fees: After submitting your documents, you need to pay the money equivalent to the application fees. The regional transport office will give you the information of how much is the fee. You will be able to pay it normally in the office of the regional transport office.
- Schedule a Test: A permanent licence requires you to schedule a driving test at the RTO. You will be directed to available dates, and you choose a time that is convenient for your driving test.
- Appear for the Test: Then on the date, appear for the driving test. The driving test will consist of driving a vehicle in front of a licensed examiner. On being successful, your Punjab Driving Licence will be issued.
Do Read: Driving licence application procedure for better understanding
Online Driving Licence in Punjab: Application Process
To submit an application for an online driving licence in Punjab, go first to the official Punjab Transport Department website, as this is where you apply and track progress.
- Create an Account: On the site, create an account. You now have to fill in the basic details like your name, email, and phone number to create an account. Once your account is created, you will log in to apply.
- Fill out the Application: After logging in, fill out the online application form. In that process, you will have to provide personal details and choose what kind of driving license you want to apply for, a permanent or learner’s.
- Upload Documents: After that, upload the documents that are required by scanning them like proof of age, proof of residence, and photographs. Check their clearness and legibility before uploading them.
- Pay the Fees Next: You will pay the application fees online after the successful submission of the application and uploading of the required documents. The credit or debit card can be used, as well as net banking, to pay.
- Schedule Test: You can book your driving test when you have completed the application. Pick a date and time of preference for conducting the test; the test will be taken at your local RTO center.
- Give The Test: Finally, come to the appointed day to the RTO center and give the driving test. If you succeed, the process of sending your Punjab Driving Licence will begin.
Test Process for Driving License
As it involves both the theory and practical parts, the test procedure of a Punjab driving licence consists of:
- Written Test: The theoretical test includes questioning of signs used on the road and traffic rules and regulations. To pass this, a candidate needs to score the minimum number of correct answers.
- Practical Test: While undergoing the practical driving test, you are supposed to drive a vehicle in a controlled environment or public road with your driving examiner. Proper control of the vehicle, signaling, and following traffic laws are just parts of the prerequisite of demonstrating safe driving practices.
Ways to Check Driving License Status (Offline and Online)
Offline Method:
- Visit the RTO: Go to the regional RTO office that has jurisdiction over your area and the RTO staff can assist you with your inquiry regarding how to check the status of your driving license.
- Provide Details: Give any detail that is necessary such as application number or learner’s license number to the RTO officer.
- Get Status Information: They will give you information regarding your driving license status.
Online Method:
- Punjab Transport Department Website: Visit the official site of the Punjab Transport Department.
- Enter Details: Go into the Driving License Status option and type in your details like application number or learner license number.
- Status Check: The current status of your driving license application will be visible over there.
Correction of an Issued Driving License
In case any errors appear on your punjab driving licence, you can apply for corrections. Here is how:
- Visit the RTO: Visit the RTO under which your license was granted.
- Fill the Correction Form: Fill out the correction form correctly and provide proof to show the right information (like your name or address).
- Submit Required Documents: Submit relevant documents together with the correction form.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the correction fees as applicable.
- Receive the Corrected License: You will receive the updated punjab driving licence after the correction process is completed.
How to Download Driving Licence in Punjab
Online services have rendered it very easy for a person to download driving licence in Punjab. One has only to visit the online site of the Punjab Transport Department to download his or her driving licence in Punjab.
The following are some of the important steps involved in downloading your driving licence in Punjab:
- Go to the Punjab Transport Department’s official website.
- Finish the verification process, after verification, the driving licence in Punjab can be downloaded directly from the site.
- This online service enables driving licence downloading in Punjab with no visit to a local office.
- It is important that you have all the right details and documents to download the driving licence in Punjab successfully.
Do read: How to Download Your Driving Licence in India – And Why You Should Bother
Driving License Renewal
A Punjab driving licence is generally valid for 20 years when it is for a private vehicle (meaning car/motorcycle) and for 3 years if it is for a commercial vehicle (meaning truck/bus). However, you can renew your license before it expires. Renewing the driving license helps in keeping oneself legally eligible to drive without interruption. Here is the process to be followed:
- The RTO visit: The first step in the renewal procedure is to visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Punjab. Check the official website for the RTO location and working hours. At the RTO, apply for the driving license renewal application form.
- Submit Documents: You would submit your current driving license with some other required documents.
- Pay Renewal Fees: After the document submission, you will pay a renewal fee at the RTO office. It usually varies, depending on vehicle type and duration of renewal. Payment is usually done at the payment counter of the RTO.
- Receive New License: Once the RTO has processed the application and fee, you shall be granted a renewed Punjab driving licence. Normally, you will receive a receipt or a temporary driving license until the new one is issued. The driving license will be either sent to your mailing address or put up for collection at the regional transport office.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving License
In the event of your punjab driving licence being lost or damaged, you may apply for a duplicate. The steps are as follows:
- File a Police Report: Firstly, inform the local police concerning the loss or theft of your Licence.
- Visit RTO: At the RTO, fill in the application form for a duplicate licence.
- Submit Documents: Submit the requisite documents along with the police report, if that is applicable.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the relevant fees for a duplicate driving licence.
- Get Duplicate Licence: You shall get your duplicate Punjab Driving licence after processing.
How to Get an International Driving License
For obtaining an international driving license in Punjab, the applicant must visit the RTO that issued their original Punjab driving licence. The application for the international driving license will be filled out by the applicant at the RTO. Along with the application, the original Punjab driving licence, passport, and visa (if one is applying for travelling to a foreign country), and any other documents specified must be submitted. After the required documents are submitted, the fee for the international driving license has to be deposited. Upon successful processing, international driving permits are usually issued on the same day.
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Driving Licence Charges
Charges for obtaining a driving license from Punjab differ according to the type of license you opt for as well as of the renewal of the license. The following is to give you a general idea of the charges.
- Learner’s License: Approx. 150-200 rupees.
- Permanent Driving License: Approx. 500-1,000 rupees.
- Commercial Driving License: Approx. 1,000-1,500 rupees.
- International Driving License: Approx. 1,000-1,500 rupees.
- Duplicate Driving License: Approx. 200-500 rupees.
- Driving License Renewal: Approx. 300-500 rupees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with this guide you have seen all aspects of obtaining a punjab driving licence for the first time (Fresher), how to carry out corrections, and how to renew your License. If you are a fresher on the road or need to get you license updated, following the above steps you to a smooth and hopefully legal driving experience. Be safe and drive safe!
FAQ’s
1. What is the process of online application for Punjab driving licence?
Applying online for Punjab driving licence is easy. Just visit the website of Punjab Transport. Then create an account there, complete the form with fill-out details, upload supporting documents, and pay the fee..
2. What documents are needed to apply for a Punjab driving licence?
What documents needed are, Certificate of Age, Proof of Residence (Aadhaar, Utility Bill), Medical Certificate (For Commercial), and Passport Size Photographs. Have these documents prepared.
3. Can I track my Punjab driving licence status through the Internet?
Just visit the Punjab Transport website, enter your application number, and track your status. It’s that simple and that fast!
4. How to renew Punjab driving licence?
After you’ve arrived at the RTO office, submit your documents, pay the fees, and you’ll get a temporary license until the new one arrives.
5. How can I get a duplicate Punjab driving licence if I lost it?
Immediately file a complaint with the police, after which go to the RTO, complete the necessary application form, and submit the relevant documents. You will receive a duplicate copy of your license. After making the necessary payment, you will receive a duplicate copy of your license.