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Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest princely states in India. As per the latest news, the number of commercial and private vehicles in this state increased to 24 lakhs in 2022 from 12 lakhs in 2014-15. 

The Transport Department of Jammu and Kashmir is responsible for looking after the functions of J&K Motor Garages, J&K Road Transport Corporation, and J&K Motor Vehicle Department. Furthermore, it implements the Motor Vehicle Act and its rules.

However, one of the main functions of RTO offices in Jammu Kashmir is to issue driving licences to vehicle owners. Read below to know all about driving licences in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 makes it mandatory for vehicle owners to have a valid driving licence so that they can drive on Indian streets legally. The various types of driving licence Jammu and Kashmir RTO issues are as follows:

1. Commercial Driving Licence: The Jammu and Kashmir government issues a commercial driving licence to the vehicle owners of this state after acknowledging their eligibility to drive a commercial vehicle. The validity of a commercial driving licence in J&K is 3 years.

2. International Driving Licence: RTO offices in Jammu Kashmir issue an international driving permit that allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign land. However, an official can only issue an international driving licence if you already have a permanent driving licence.

3. Learner’s Driving Licence: A permanent driving licence is valid for 6 months. It is a restricted and provisional document that implies you must polish your driving skills within this time. A person gets a learner's licence after passing a written or online exam. However, another person holding a permanent driving licence must accompany the person having a learner's licence.

4. Permanent Driving Licence: After 6-months, the RTO office in J&K will issue a permanent driving licence if you complete your driving test. Once you receive a permanent driving licence, you can drive on Indian roads legally. However, the age of the applicant must be 18 years.

If you are driving or riding a vehicle without a valid driving licence, officials will penalise you with a hefty fine of ₹5000. Therefore, adhering to traffic guidelines is crucial to avoid road accidents.

Before you apply for a driving licence in this state, you must know the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria to apply for Jammu and Kashmir driving licence includes the following:

• If you have a motor vehicle not exceeding an engine capacity of 50 CC, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir.
• If you have a motorcycle having an engine capacity of more than 50 CC, you must be of a minimum of 18 years of age to apply for a driving licence in J&K.
• You must be of a minimum of 20 years of age if you apply for a commercial or transport vehicle.
• You must hold a valid learner’s licence if you apply for a permanent driving licence in this state.

You can apply for a permanent J&K driving licence, after or within 30 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s licence.

To get a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir, you must provide copies of the below documents to the RTO in Jammu and Kashmir:

1. Address Proof: 

• Voter ID
• Ration card
• Passport
• LIC policy bond
• Employers' certificate provided by local/central or state government

2. Age-Proof:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Educational certificate
• Employer's certificate issued by state/central /local government

3. Other Necessary Documents:

• Passport size photographs (3)
• Original learner’s licence
• Form 4 and Form 5, if applying for a commercial driving licence

The following are the steps to help you to apply for a driving licence in Jammu Kashmir online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the J&K Transport Department.

Step 2: Now, download the application form to apply for a driving licence and print it.

Step 3: Duly fill in the application form, mentioning every detail as required.

Step 4: Visit the nearest RTO and submit the application form. Attach all the necessary documents along with it.

Step 5: Book a slot for the driving test, where authorities will test your driving skills.

Step 6: After passing the test, you will receive a driving licence within a few weeks.

To apply for a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir offline, applicants can follow the below steps:

Step 1: Reach your nearest Regional Transport Office and gather a driving licence application form.

Or, you can also download the application form from the official website of the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department.

Step 2: Duly fill in the form with all the details.

Step 3: Attach the address, age proofs, and passport-size photographs.

Step 4: Book an appointment for the driving test. The officials will test your knowledge of traffic and road rules.

Step 5: Once you pass the driving test, you will receive a learner’s licence. 

For a permanent driving licence, you must hold a learner’s licence for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 180 days.

RTO office in Jammu and Kashmir provides several services. Some of them include the following:

• Register New Motor Vehicles
• Deliver and Renew a Driving Licence
• Grant NOC for Vehicles to Transfer Ownership
• Provide International Driving Licence
• Provide Tourist and Motor Vehicle Permits
• Undergo Vehicle Inspection and Issue PUC Certificates
• Collect Road Tax
• Provide Vehicle Fitness Certificate
• Arrange and Re-Register a Vehicle Registration Certificate

People who have applied for a driving licence can check the driving licence application online on the Parivahan website. Steps to check driving licence status online through the Parivahan website include:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Sarathi Parivahan.

Step 2: Select 'Online Services' and choose 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: You will land on a new page. Open this page and select your state – Jammu and Kashmir.

Step 4: Now select from the main menu ‘Application Status’. Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code.

Step 5: Submit it to check your application status.

You can get a duplicate driving licence through your nearest RTO or Sarathi portal. Below are the steps to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir through online and offline methods:

●       Online Method:

Step 1: Visit the government portal and download the application form for a duplicate driving licence.

Step 2: Fill out this form, attach passport-size photographs and provide your signature.

Step 3: Once you get the printed copies of the documents, sign them.

Step 4: Attach the necessary documents and submit them. You might not have to undergo any driving test.

Step 5: Pay the fee and collect a receipt from the RTO office. This receipt serves as a temporary driving licence until you get a new one.

You will receive the duplicate driving licence via registered post at your residential address.

●       Offline Method:

Step 1: Collect the relevant form from the RTO office in Jammu and Kashmir.

Step 2: Duly fill out the form and submit it by duly filling it out and attaching the required documents. Always double-check before submitting the documents.

Step 3: Pay the fees, and collect the payment receipt.

You can use this receipt temporarily until you receive the driving licence at your registered address.

It is important to note that before applying for a duplicate driving licence, you must visit the nearest police station to register an FIR. The notary officer will provide an affidavit mentioning that your driving licence is stolen or lost. 

According to the Department of Transport, Jammu and Kashmir, you can renew your driving licence by applying to the nearest RTO. However, you can also apply via the Sarathi portal.

Here are two ways to renew a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir:

●       Online Method:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa. Go to the ‘Online Services’ section and click ‘Driving Licence Related Services’.

Step 2: Select your state’s name – Jammu and Kashmir. This page will redirect you to the next one.

Step 3: On the next page, you will find several services associated with a driving licence. Select the 'Apply for Driving Licence Renewal’ option.

Step 4: You will land on a new webpage explaining all the instructions related to application submission. Duly fill in the application form.

Step 5: Now, upload the necessary documents with a photo and your digitised signature.

Step 6: Pay the fees and verify the payment status. After you complete these steps, you will see your application ID on the 'Acknowledgement Page'.

You can use it for future reference.

●       Offline Method:

Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO centre carrying all the necessary documents.

If you are applying for a driving licence renewal from a different state, submit an NOC for vehicle and all the necessary documents.

Step 2: Provide your driving licence details along with your passport-size photograph.

Step 3: Pay the fees. The officials will ask you to book a slot for a driving licence test.

Step 4: If you successfully pass the driving test, you will receive a new driving licence.

A driving licence is a crucial document that confirms that all vehicle owners know the traffic and road rules properly. If you fail to renew a driving licence after 5 years from the expiry date, you will have to apply for a new driving licence. It is because the previous driving licence will lose its validity.

A smart card driving licence has several advantages. You cannot change the details on the smart card. Therefore, it creates a permanent audit trail. Below are the steps explaining the ways to acquire a smart card driving licence through online and offline methods:

●       Online Method:

Step 1: First, visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa.

Step 2: This page will display the different state options. Now, select the name of your state – Jammu and Kashmir and the RTO centre.

Step 3: The screen will display the 'Apply Online' option in its menu. Choose the 'New Driving Licence' option from there. However, you can only opt for it if you hold a learner's licence. If you do not have a learner's licence, apply for it initially.

Step 4: Duly fill in the form mentioning every detail as required. Finally, upload the necessary documents, your photo and your digitised signature.

Step 5: Book a driving licence test slot, and pay the fees. RTO officials will collect your biometrics to proceed further.

Step 6: Visit the RTO office to undergo a driving test.

Once you pass this test, you will obtain/acquire your smart card DL through a registered post at your residential address.

●       Offline Method:

Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO office in Jammu and Kashmir.

Step 2: Collect an application form for a smart card driving licence. Additionally, collect the physical fitness and medical certificate form.

Step 3: Duly fill out these forms mentioning the details as required. Double-check every detail you fill in to ensure the information is correct.

Step 4: Attach the documents required, and submit your application to the RTO.

Step 5: Pay the fee based on the vehicle type for which you need a driving licence. Collect a receipt.

Step 6: Book a time slot for your driving test based on availability. Undergo the driving licence test as per the schedule.

Step 7: After passing the driving licence test, it will direct you towards the biometric collection hub. Here, officials will collect your biometrics.

Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your smart card driving licence via registered post at your residential address.

●       Convert an Old Driving Licence to Smart Driving Licence:

If you have an old driving licence, you can convert your plastic/paper driving licence to a new smart card driving licence. Below are the steps that you can follow to change your old book-based driving licence to the new smart card version:

Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO in Jammu and Kashmir, and collect a licence upgrade application form or smart card driving licence form.

Step 2: Duly fill out the form and attach all relevant documents. Then submit the biometrics to the RTO authorities.

Step 3: Pay the required fees, collect the receipt and use it until your smart card driving licence arrives.

Below are the steps you can follow to receive an international driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Additionally, you can avail permission directly from your nearest RTO office.

Step 2: Select your state – Jammu and Kashmir, and apply for an ‘International Driving Permit.’ Step 3: Download and fill out the following forms:

• Form 1A
• Form 4A

Step 4: Provide your driving licence details and furnish your identity and residential proofs accordingly.

Step 5: Attach all the necessary documents with these forms and pay the fees during submission.

Step 6: Book a slot for the driving test and undergo the test.

If your application is successful, you will receive your international driving licence in 4 to 5 business days.

The online application process for an international driving licence is hassle-free. Moreover, if you wish to opt for the offline method, visit your nearest RTO office. Collect and fill out the forms, pay fees and submit them after attaching the necessary documents.

The RTO will translate your driving licence into an international driving licence.

Below are the steps of the driving licence test in Jammu and Kashmir:

Step 1: Go to the RTO and collect the application form. You can also download the application form from the official website of the National Government Services Portal.

Step 2: Furnish the necessary documents – your learner's licence, registration certificate, insurance certificate and tax certificate, and PUC certificate. In addition, attach recent passport-size photographs, duly filled out an application form, etc.

Step 3: If you appear for the test with a transport vehicle, you will require the certificate in Form CMV5. Your driving training school will issue this document.

Pay the fees, and book a slot for the driving licence test. Submit the application form to the RTO after attaching the necessary documents. Once you pass the driving test, RTO officials will take your biometrics. You will receive your driving licence after a certain period.

A motor vehicle inspector will supervise the driving test. Furthermore, you have to drive through the RTO's designated driving track. RTO officials will check your general driving skills and knowledge of traffic rules.

Practising in advance is one of the important tips to clear a driving test in one go. In addition, you must be aware of the basic traffic guidelines and know about the traffic symbols.

Below are some other tips for clearing the driving test:

Tip 1: Carry all the necessary documents during the test day. It includes your address and age proof, identity proof, etc.

Tip 2: It is best to reach the venue before the test time. It will prevent last-minute nervousness.

Tip 3: Change gears smoothly and ace your driving test by keeping your hands on the steering wheel.

Tip 4: Use indicators and hand signals on turns.

Tip 5: If you are not confident regarding your driving skills and do not know about the traffic signals, it is better not to attempt the driving test. It might lead to rejection.