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Punjab has more than 27 million inhabitants and is the 16^th largest state by population. Also, this state has the 4^th highest share of food processing industries. As a potential agro-processing hub, this state maintains an excellent network of roadways. To improve road safety and ensure citizens adhere to traffic rules, the Punjab Transport Department has digitised and computerised all the services.

In fact, Punjab is the first state to successfully implement Vahan 4.0 web application & Sarathi web application across the state. So, if you want to know all about driving licences in Punjab, read more.

You can master the skill of driving any vehicle on the road. However, you cannot put it to use on the main road until you have a driving licence.

Below are the types of driving licences Punjab RTO issues:

1. Commercial Driving Licence

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, the government of Punjab issues a commercial driving licence once they find you are eligible to drive a commercial transport. Moreover, there are about 8 types of commercial driving licences in Punjab.

2. International Driving Licence

RTO Punjab issues an international driving permit so that you can drive or rent vehicles in another country outside India. This licence serves as your identity proof. Moreover, it allows you to visit almost 150 countries. However, you might have to undergo a driving test to receive this driving licence.

3. Learner’s Driving Licence

A learner's licence is a restricted document valid for 6 months. You must pass a written or online test to receive a learner's licence. Furthermore, make sure another person holding a permanent driving licence accompanies you if you drive on Indian streets with a learner's licence.

4. Permanent Driving Licence

To receive a permanent driving licence, you must be of 18 years or above. After 6-months, RTO Punjab will issue a permanent driving licence after you complete the driving test. Once you receive a permanent driving licence, you can drive on Indian roads legally.

You must follow the traffic rules strictly. It prevents unnecessary road accidents and traffic issues. If you are driving a vehicle without a valid driving licence, you will incur a traffic fine of ₹5000.

The eligibility criteria to apply for a Punjab driving licence includes the following:

• You must own a valid learner’s licence to apply for a driving licence in this state.
• Your learner’s licence must be a minimum of 30 days old and not older than 180 days when you apply for a permanent driving licence in this state.
• In the case of commercial vehicles, the minimum age limit to apply for a driving licence is 20 years in this state.
• In the case of a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV), you must be a minimum of 18 years old or more than that.
• You must be of 16 years of age or more if you want to drive a non-geared motor vehicle (up to 50cc engine capacity).
• If you are under 18 years, you must submit a consent letter signed by your parent or guardian.
• You must be aware of traffic rules and regulations.

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

1. Address Proof

• Aadhaar card
• Ration card
• Electricity bill
• Phone bill

2. Age-Proof

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Ration card
• PAN card

3. Other Necessary Documents

• Form 4
• Passport-size photographs
• Form 1 (medical certificate)
• Form 1A (Physical Fitness Certificate)

The following are the steps to help you to apply for a driving licence in Punjab online.

You can use the Sarathi Parivahan website portal to apply for a driving licence in this state. Here are the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan Website Portal.

• Step 2: Go to 'Online Services' and choose 'Driving Licence Related Services'.

• Step 3: As this page redirects you to a new page, choose your state’s name: Punjab from the drop-down section.

• Step 4: You will land on a new page. Click on ‘Application for Driving Licence’.
• Step 5: Enter your learner's licence number, and date of birth and fill out the application form attaching all the documents.

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

• Step 1: Reach your nearest Regional Transport Office in Punjab and collect a driving licence application form.
• Step 2: Duly fill in the application form with all the details as required.
• 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, receive a learner’s licence. 

Or, you can also download the form online and then carry out the remaining process physically. The steps are:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Punjab Transport Department.
• Step 2: Go to the 'Form' section and download your application form. Fill in all the details in the printed copy of the form as required and submit it at your local RTO.
• Step 3: Provide all the necessary documents.
• Step 4: Book a slot for the driving test.
• Step 5: Once you pass your driving test, you will receive your driving licence in a few weeks.

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

After you have applied for a driving license in Punjab, you will be required to undergo a driving test in order to prove that you are capable of driving cars or motorcycles on the road. The driving test process varies among two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.

Driving Test For Two and Three-Wheeler Vehicles

Candidates who are taking the driving tests for two and three-wheelers need to ride the vehicle on an '8' shaped track. The examiner will evaluate your riding skills and your ability to control the vehicle. If they are satisfied with your performance, you will get permission to ride the bike on the public road.

Driving Test For Four-Wheelers

In a four-wheeler driving exam, you will need to drive the car through the 'H' shaped track. The motor vehicle inspector will assess your driving skills and comfort level. If the test goes well and the inspector is satisfied, you will get permission to drive a car on the public road.

Once you pass the driving test, the concerned RTO inspector will initiate the procedure to dispatch your DL.

To get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Punjab, you need to have a permanent driving licence in the first place. Following are the steps to opt for an International Driving Permit: 

• Step 1: Go to the official portal of the Punjab Transport Department or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) where online IDP issuance services are given. 
• Step 2: Enter your permanent licence number on the portal.  
• Step 3: Provide your DOB in the correct format i.e., DD/MM/YYYY.
• Step 4: After this, access the application form for the International Driving Permit and fill in all the necessary details correctly.
• Step 5: Then upload the necessary documents like valid Indian DL, ID proof, address proof, and passport-sized photos. Make sure that the documents fulfil the specified needs.
• Step 6: Keep a hard copy of the same for future reference. 
• Step 7: Double-check the application form and click on ‘Submit’.
• Step 8: Make sure that you pay the application fees for the IDP.

There are two ways to renew a driving licence in Punjab. They are as follows:

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Punjab

• Step 1: Visit the official website of Sarathi Parivahan. Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ section at the top of the page.
• Step 2: Select the name of your state from where you want to take the service. Here, choose Punjab.
• Step 3: This page will redirect you to the next page. Choose ‘Apply for Driving Licence Renewal’ from several services related to a driving licence.
• Step 4: It will take you to a new page explaining all the instructions related to application submission. Next, fill in the application form and double-check all the details you have provided.
• Step 5: Upload the necessary documents, a photo and your digitised signature.
• Step 6: Pay the fees and verify payment status.

Once you complete these steps, you will see your application ID on the ‘Acknowledgement Page’. Use it for future reference.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Punjab

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO in Punjab.
• Step 2: Submit all the necessary documents and NOC for the vehicle if you are applying for a driving licence renewal from another state.
• Step 3: Provide your driving licence details and your passport-size photographs.
• Step 4: Complete the payment process. Book a slot for a driving test.
• Step 5: Take the exam and receive your driving licence after successfully clearing it.

You must renew a driving licence after 5 years from the expiry date. If you fail, you must apply for a new driving licence. It is due to the reason that the earlier driving licence will lose its validity.

To renew your driver's license in Punjab, you will need the following documents:

• Two passport-size photos of applicant (coloured) 
• Form 1A 
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Copy of the expired DL
• Medical certificate (if applicable)
• Form 9
• Payment receipt for the application charges of ₹200.
• Copy of ID proof as a resident of Punjab

Note: Make sure that the driver must be at least 40 years old.