Telangana is a state in the southern part of India. It is one of India’s most wealthy economies. Besides, it is a highly developed state. The state’s estimated population is close to 3.8 crores which makes it highly populated. Therefore, the number of vehicles on the streets keeps increasing, which adds more to the task of the state's RTO offices. There are several functions of the RTO offices which include the issuing of driving licences in Telangana.

Different types of driving licences issued in Telangana are mentioned below:

1. Learner’s Licence

A learner’s licence is provided when a candidate is still in the learning stage. This licence is valid for up to 6 months. After 6 months, if candidates still are unable to drive smoothly, they are required to apply for this licence again. However, it is essential that a learned driver is present with the candidates while they are driving at all times.

2. Permanent Licence

Those who are able to drive smoothly within 6 months are issued a permanent driving licence. However, there are certain conditions that apply. Candidates must be above 18 years of age and must have cleared their driving test. A permanent driving licence is valid for 20 years or until licence holders turn 50. Once a licence holder turns 50, he or she is required to renew their licence irrespective of the date of issue.

3. Commercial licence

A commercial driving licence is issued by those who drive commercial or transport vehicles like buses, cabs or good-carrying vehicles. Candidates who are above 20 years of age are applicable for a commercial driving licence. In addition, they must hold a qualification till a minimum of the 8th standard and must have one year of driving experience. 

4. International licence

An International Driving Permit allows individuals to drive in a foreign country. Only those who hold a permanent driving licence are eligible to apply for an International Driving Licence. This licence remains valid for a year and has to be reapplied for after it has expired.

The eligibility criteria to apply for a driving licence in Telangana are mentioned below:

• Candidates must be above 18 years of age to obtain a permanent driving licence.
• In order to apply for a commercial driving licence, candidates must be above 20 years of age.
• Candidates must have complete knowledge of all traffic rules and regulations.
• Every candidate must hold a learner’s licence before applying for a permanent driving licence.
• Permanent driving licences must be obtained after 30 days and within 180 days of the issue of the learner's licence.

Documents required to apply for a driving licence in Telangana 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

• Application Form 4
• Application Form 5 (application form for commercial driving licence)
• Amount needed as application and driving test fee
• Learner’s licence
• Passport size photographs

Steps to apply for a driving licence in Telangana online are mentioned below:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Telangana Road Transport.

• Step 2: Next, select ‘Licence’ and then ‘Driving Licence’.

• Step 3: Fill out the form providing every necessary detail and upload the required documents.

Step 1: Visit the RTO office of your locality and collect the application form.

Step 2: Fill out the form providing all necessary details and submit it along with the required documents.

Step 3: Select a date for the driving test.

Step 4: Appear for the test on the agreed date and time.

After you successfully pass the test, the licence will be sent to your registered address.

Driving test applicants have to take a test before getting their licence and permission to drive on public roads. The process is different for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. Let’s discuss it:

Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler

Candidates performing in the driving tests for two/three-wheelers must ride the vehicle on an '8' shaped track. The examiner will analyse your riding skills and ability to control the vehicle. If they are happy with your performance, you will get permission to hit the main road. In addition, you will receive their driving licence shortly.

Test for Four-Wheeler

During a four-wheeler driving licence test, you will be asked to drive the car through an 'H' shaped track. The motor vehicle inspector will check your driving abilities and how well you handle the car. A minor mistake here can lead to disqualification. Hence, stay attentive while driving. Once you successfully clear the test, you will get a driving licence.

An International Driving Licence can be obtained by visiting the official website or by directly visiting the RTO office. The procedure to acquire an International Driving Permit is mentioned below:

• Step 1: Collect the form for application for an International Driving Permit.
• Step 2: Fill out the form providing the necessary details and submit it along with the required documents.
• Step 3: Pay the application fees.

Driving licences can be renewed via online and offline methods. Both the methods to renew a driving licence in Telangana are mentioned below:

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Telangana

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Telangana Government Transport Department.
• Step 2: Click on ‘Renewal of Licence’. On the page that opens, a set of guidelines will be provided. Go through the guidelines, then click on 'Continue Slot Booking. After this, agree to an undertaking by clicking on 'I Agree’.
• Step 3: On the new window, click on 'Licence Renewal' and then click 'Go'.
• Step 4: Enter all the details that, including details of driving licence and personal details like the date of birth and contact information. 
• Step 5: Make the payment and collect the transaction receipt.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Telangana

• Step 1: Visit the RTO office of your locality and collect the form for licence renewal.
• Step 2: Fill out the form providing all the necessary information and attach valid documents along with it.
• Step 3: Make a payment for the licence renewal charges.

If the licence has expired for over a year, licence holders will have to reappear for the driving test.

Remember that the driver needs to be 40 years old to opt for a DL renewal. Following are the documents required for driving licence renewal in Telangana:

• Form 1A
• Copy of the permanent DL
• Copy of ID proof as an inhabitant of Telangana (PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID card)
• ₹200 application fee payment receipt
• Two passport-size photos of the applicant 
• Form 9
• Medical certificate 
• NOC

Note: Make sure that all documents are authentic and duly updated.