How Do you get your Driving Licence
Life of a youngster getting into a corporate world, moving to a new city, can be challenging in the beginning The trouble can be even more, if you have to depend on public transport for commuting to your office, specially in Bangalore traffic. So, a solution is to buy a vehicle of your own. But wait, don't you need a licence for that?? Of-course, you do. And of-course, you need money for that too. :) Nowadays, there are many easy installment options. So, getting a two-wheeler for yourself should not be too difficult.
The two ways..
Many of we Indians will be under the impression, that for getting a licence you will have to go through those agents involved in the business. Actually, that is one way to go for it. I shall list out the drawback in this approach according to me:
1. You will have to pay a hefty amount to the agent, which will vary depending on your exact requirements.
2. You may not feel the sense of achievement as I did, when you actually get the license.
Advantage can be, that you won't even have to go to the RTO (Regional Transport Office) even once. Not even for the driving test! Yes, that still happens in some parts of India.
The other method however, is the way in which I got my license. Here, we follow the general rules in order to get the license. I have shared the complete details of this procedure below.
Now, it is upon you to decide, which process you want to follow. If you are with me, please continue reading.
The Actual Process
The process can be broadly divided into two parts:
1. Learning licence application
2. Driving licence application
1. Learning licence
A) Visit the RTO website of your respective state, and find out the RTO branch under whose jurisdiction your locality falls.
I went to Jayanagar 4th Block, Bangalore RTO office, after visiting the
Karnataka RTO website and getting relevant information.
B) Apply online for filling in your details required as per the online application. You will find the link to apply online by navigating in your respective RTO website .
Be careful and read through the instructions properly. Make sure the application page is working fine in your browser, since the browsers which we commonly use Chrome/Firefox might have javascript issues in the application page, in which case your application will not be submitted.
C) Once you complete your application, make sure it gets submitted and generates an application number against it.
D) Go over to the RTO office along with a print-out of the generated application details along with the supporting documents and their photocopies. You will be needing the following documents:
- Residence proof: Any ID that contains your present address in it, or your rental agreement if you are a tenant. Do carry a recent utility bill eg. Electricity bill, to be on the safe side.
- Age proof
- Identity proof
- 2 recent passport size photographs
You can refer to the website, for the documents that come under the above document types.
E) When you go to the RTO office, you need to do the following:
- Pay for Learning Licence application fees in the Cash counter. Try to carry the exact amount in your pocket. They never have change :)
- Next is to get your documents verified from Assistant RTO's office (Learner's Section).
- The officer assigns you a date for your Learner's test, in case your documents are successfully verified. If you go early, you will generally get to write the test on the same day.
F) Regarding the Learning Licence test, better prepare yourself by going through online questionnaires. There are plenty of resources available online. I prepared similarly. Don't worry too much, its not IIT JEE :)
With reasonable preparation and basic knowledge of traffic rules, you should be able to clear it.
In the exam I had, the test was MCQ types, and the cutoff was to answer correctly 10 out of 15 questions. I scored 12.
G) If you fail the test, you need to apply afresh and pay the exam fees again. But, don't get disheartened, and keep trying.
H) If you clear the test, you should get your license on the same day, or a week later depending on the process followed in the respective RTO.
I got it a week later, that too after a lot of searching :D
2) Driving Licence Application
Once you successfully get your Learning licence, you have 6 months to get your DL. After which, the LL expires. So, be careful not to apply too late, and always count a couple of failed attempts in that. Prepare for the worst, Hope for the best!
The application process is pretty much similar to that of the LL application process above. The driving test is different of-course.
A) Fill up the DL application form in the RTO website and submit it. This application will have reference to your Learning License number.
B) Carry the print-put of the system generated application with supporting documents, which also includes the original copy of your LL. So better take a photocopy of your LL for your future reference.
C) Go to the RTO and pay for the DL test fees and the smart card.
D) Get your documents verified by Assistant RTO (Driving License section), who will assign you a date for driving test.
E) Before appearing for your test, practice to driving a bit, specially the famous 8 curve for two-wheelers. Practice using hand signals, even if they are not used in our daily lives. However, don't expect it to be a completely practical test. You might be asked some questions as well. Questions related to different kinds of road divider lines are common. Other questions could be related to traffic signs.
F) Once your exam is done, you will get to know the result instantly as the DL inspector will write it on your original Learning licence. If you fail, don't get disheartened, come back and apply after 7 days, as it is a rule.
I too failed in my first attempt.
G) Once you clear the test, you will have a photo session, and submit the complete documents in the respective location. Don't worry, you'll get to find that when you are in the RTO.
Once everything is done, the license (smart card) is sent to your residence within 15 days.
Useful Tips..
- Carry glue and paper pins, they will be useful.
- Try to ensure that you are prepare for the test before you go for it. Better be thorough, with basic traffic rule, hand signals, etc.
- Practice your handling of the vehicle. Make sure you are comfortable with it, before you appear for the test. Don't give the DL inspector the impression that you are not comfortable driving it.
I guess, that is good enough. All the best for your tests, and safe driving!
