How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Bihar in 2024?

Getting a driving licence can be a hectic process if someone does not have a comprehensive idea about the whole process. This article can give someone, who wants to apply for a driving licence in Bihar, a proper idea and easy guidelines.

Different types of driving licences issued in Bihar are as follows:

1. Learner’s Licence

A learner’s licence is provided when a candidate is still learning to drive a vehicle. This licence is valid for up to 6 months. In 6 months, if the candidate is still not ready, they must apply for their learner’s licence again. However, while holding a learner’s licence, drivers must be accompanied by another experienced driver.

2. Permanent Licence

After 6 months, the permanent licence is issued. However, there are certain conditions. Candidates must be above 18 years of age and must have cleared the driving test to obtain a permanent driving licence. This licence is valid for 20 years or until the licence holder turns 50. When licence holders turn 50, they must renew their driving licence, irrespective of the issue date.

3. Commercial Licence

A commercial driving licence is issued to those who drive commercial or transport vehicles like buses, cabs, or goods-carrying vehicles. Unlike a permanent licence, candidates must be above 20 to be eligible for a commercial driving licence. Moreover, a candidate must qualify for the 8th standard and have a minimum driving experience of 1 year.

4. International Vehicle Permit

An international driving licence allows individuals to drive in a foreign country. Candidates must hold a permanent driving licence before applying for an International Driving Permit. This permit remains valid for a year; candidates must apply for it again after it expires.

The transport department has introduced laws regarding traffic behaviour on the streets of Bihar, which concerns traffic regulations. Among others, this department enforces a minimum eligibility criteria for driving licence application:

• According to the rules of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, any citizen of India who has attained age 18 is eligible to apply for a learner’s and a permanent driving licence.
• A candidate must be 20 years old to qualify for a commercial driving licence, giving them the right to drive all public service and goods carriage vehicles.
• To qualify for a regular or commercial driving licence, one must know the traffic regulations in Bihar.

Documents required to apply for a driving licence in Bihar are as follows:

1. Proof of Age

Documents that can be provided as proof of age are mentioned below:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Utility Bills
• Employment Certificate from the Central or State Government

2. Address Proof

The documents that can be provided as address proof are mentioned below:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Ration Card
• LIC Policy Bonds

3. Other Necessary Documents

Documents necessary to apply for a driving licence are mentioned below:

• Application form 2/4
• Driving Licence Form 5 for those applying for a commercial driving licence
• Passport size photographs
• Application fee charges

Here is a step-by-step guide for getting a driving licence in Bihar: 

• Step 1: Go to the Parivahan website.
• Step 2: Tap on ‘Online Services’ and then ‘Driving License Related Services’.

• Step 3: Then, select the state as Bihar to move forward.

• Step 4: Fill in all the necessary information and documents.
• Step 5: After that, pay the fees and book a driving test slot.

Let’s take a look at the offline method of applying for a driving licence in Bihar first. Here is the step-by-step guide for the application: 

• Step 1: Go to the nearest RTO and get an application form.
• Step 2: Or one can skip step 1 by downloading and printing an application form from the official website.
• Step 3: Fill the form with details like the applicant's name, father's name, date of birth, place of birth, identification mark, blood group, educational qualifications, residential address etc.
• Step 4: Submit the form with all the document proofs mentioned above.
• Step 5: Secure an appointment and be ready to give a test where examiners will test one’s knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
• Step 6: After one passes the test, one will get a learner’s licence.
• Step 7: Apply for a permanent licence after 30 days of getting a learner’s licence and before 180 days. 

Now let's move on and look into the online process of applying for a driving licence.

A motor vehicle inspector is present throughout the entire driving test procedure. Let’s discuss the procedure:

Driving Test For Two and Three-Wheeler Vehicles

The applicant must abide by the imaginary ‘8’ design and not drive outside it. After that, if the motor inspector decides, then they will allow the applicant to drive on the public road.

Driving Test For Four-Wheelers

For the four-wheeler driving test, the applicant has to drive around the column and not touch it or the edges. If the applicant clears it, then they are allowed to drive on the public road.

In case you don’t clear the DL test, then you can re-take it again after 7 days.

To apply for an International Driving License (IDL) in India, you need to follow these steps :

• Step 1: First of all, go to Parivahan's official website.
• Step 2: Go to ‘Driving License Related Services’ under the' Online Services' tab.
• Step 3: Select your state on the next page.
• Step 4: Select ‘Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP)’
• Step 5: Click ‘Continue’.
• Step 6: Please enter your DL number, date of birth, and the captcha.
• Step 7: Read the terms and conditions and click OK to continue.
• Step 8: Complete the application form.
• Step 9: Submit all the documents that need to be attached to the application form.
• Step 10: Scan your written photograph and then provide your signature.
• Step 11: Pay the fee.

After that, it will take 4-5 days. Once you complete all these steps, you will have your IDL.

In Bihar, a driving licence expires after 20 years. It also expires if the holder becomes 50 years old. So, to keep it valid, one has to renew the licence. A renewed licence stays valid for 5 years. For commercial licence it is 3 years. 

Let’s take a look at the documentary requirements and application process for driving licence renewal one at a time.

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Bihar

If you want to renew your Driving Licence online in Bihar, you would like to read the following steps in detail.

• Step 1: To use RTO services, log on to the official website of the Parivahan online portal.
• Step 2: Click the “Online Services” tab at the top of the webpage, then select “DL Related Services” in the drop-down list.
• Step 3: Choose the state and click ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.
• Step 4: Click “Continue” after reading all the instructions on the screen.
• Step 5: Provide the details such as DL number and the date of birth.
• Step 6: Enter the captcha code and click “Get DL Details”.
• Step 7: Enter all the details, select the DL category, state, and RTO and then click on proceed.
• Step 8: Choose the service type as DL Renewal and then complete the online application form.
• Step 9: Scan and attach the necessary documents and click the “Submit” button.
• Step 10: Ensure to note the application number and download /print the acknowledgement receipt.

Submit the online application and update the details as applicable on the date given by the RTO. Once the documents have been authenticated, the RTO will mail the renewed DL.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Bihar

• Step 1: Visit the RTO and get the needed forms for DL renewal. Otherwise, you can download it through the Parivahan portal by completing a form online.
• Step 2: Complete the application form with accurate details.
• Step 3: Ensure that all the necessary papers are easily accessible.
• Step 4: Enclose the application forms and documents in an envelope and post it to the RTO.
• Step 5: Pay the DL renewal fees at the cash counter and collect the acknowledgement receipt.

Once the forms and documents are scrutinised, the RTO will send your renewed Driving Licence by post.

Here are the documents that are likely required when applying for DL renewal in Bihar online or offline.

• Form 2 was completed and submitted for renewal of DL (This form can be downloaded through the Parivahan Sewa website).
• Original/expired Driving Licence
• Identity proof (like an Aadhaar Card, etc.)
• Any identity proof such as residence (Electricity bill, Ration Card, etc.).
• Age proof (self-attested copy)
• Photographs (Two passport size and taken within a year).
• Medical fitness form 1A (if the applicant is over forty or applying for a transport vehicle driving licence).