Uttar Pradesh is the 4^th largest and most populous Indian state. Being the 3^rd largest economy of India, Uttar Pradesh has an excellent transport system. The Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh deals with several transport-related matters. They ensure RTOs strictly follow all the road safety regulations and all the other enforcement functions assigned to them as per Motor Vehicles Act 1988.

Furthermore, the Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh offers fully digitised services to vehicle owners here. Read below about driving licences in Uttar Pradesh.

The driving licence is an important document you can use as documentary evidence of personal identification. As per the rules of the Motor Vehicle Department of Uttar Pradesh, you must carry a valid driving licence whenever you drive in and around Uttar Pradesh. Below are the types of driving licences Uttar Pradesh RTO issues:

1. International Driving Licence

An international driving licence is valid for 1-year, and you can only apply for an international driving licence if you hold a permanent driving licence. Moreover, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for an international driving licence. RTO Uttar Pradesh issues an international driving permit so that you can drive/rent 2/4-wheeled vehicles in another country.

2. Commercial Driving Licence

RTOs in Uttar Pradesh ensure you are eligible to drive a commercial vehicle, then only they issue a commercial driving licence to you. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a commercial driving licence authorises you to drive heavy vehicles – cars, trucks, buses, etc.

3. Learner’s Driving Licence

A learner's licence legally allows you to learn to drive on Indian roads. If you hold a valid learner's licence you can practise driving on main roads if a permanent driving licence holder is accompanying, you. A learner's licence is valid for 6 months, and you can receive this driving licence if you pass the driving test – online or written.

4. Permanent Driving Licence

A permanent driving licence allows you to drive legally on Indian streets. RTO offices in Uttar Pradesh generally issue a permanent driving licence after 6 months. However, you must be at least 18 years old and pass the driving test to receive a permanent driving licence in Uttar Pradesh.

RTOs in Uttar Pradesh charge ₹5000 as a fine if you drive/ride a motor vehicle without a valid driving licence.

If you are an applicant requiring a driving licence in this state, you must meet some parameters. The eligibility criteria to apply for an Uttar Pradesh driving licence are as follows:

• The basic criterion is that you must be at least 18 years old.
• You must hold a valid learner’s licence before you apply for a permanent driving licence.
• You must apply for a permanent driving licence 30 days after or within 180 days of getting the learner’s licence.
• Ensure to know the traffic rules and regulations and strictly follow them when driving a vehicle.

To apply for a driving licence in Uttar Pradesh there are certain documents you must submit along with the application form. These are as follows:

1. Age Proof

• Passport
• Educational certificate
• Birth certificate
• Certificate issued from the employer if you are working for state/central/local government

2. Address Proof

• Voter ID
• Ration card
• LIC policy bond
• Valid passport
• Employer’s certificate issued by local/central/state government

3. Other Necessary Documents

• Form 4
• Form 5 (for a commercial driving licence)
• Original learner’s licence
• Three passport-size photographs

Follow the below steps to apply for a driving licence in Uttar Pradesh online:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa, Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

• Step 2: Go to the top left section and select 'Online Services'. Select 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the drop-down list.

• Step 3: As you land on the Sarathi website portal, enter your state’s name - Uttar Pradesh.

• Step 4: Select 'Apply for Driving Licence' from a host of services.

• Step 5: It will take you to a new page that mentions the methods of applying for a driving licence. Read these instructions carefully before filling out the application form.

To apply for a driving licence in Uttar Pradesh offline, follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Arrive at the nearest RTO in Uttar Pradesh and collect an application form to apply for a driving licence.
• Step 2: Duly fill in the application form and double-check all the details. Attach the age, address proofs, and passport-size photographs. Submit this form to the RTO officials.
• Step 3: Book an appointment for the mandatory driving test.

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

The driving test method conducted in Uttar Pradesh is similar to the approaches followed in other states. Whether you are driving a two-wheeler, there-wheeler, or four-wheeler, you have to clear these tests:

Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler

During the test, two or three-wheeler riders must ride through an "8" shaped track without touching the boundary line. Any small error can lead to disqualification. Here, the inspector will evaluate your riding skills before allowing you to hit the public roads.

Test for Four-Wheeler

Regarding four-wheelers, the drivers must showcase their car handling and driving skills by navigating through an "H" shaped track. In this test, a minor mistake can also result in disqualification. After this test is successful, a practical test will be conducted on the public streets. If you satisfy the examiner, you will get permission to drive on public roads and approval for DL.

The online and offline procedure to receive an international driving licence is simple. Here are the steps you must follow:

Online Method

• Step 1: Visit the official portal of Parivahan.
• Step 2: In the top left section, select the 'Online Services' option, and tap on 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the drop-down menu.
• Step 3: It will redirect you to the Sarathi website portal. Surf at the bottom of the page. It asks you to enter your state's name. Here enter Uttar Pradesh.
• Step 4: You will land on a new page. Click on the 'Apply for International Driving Permit' option.
• Step 5: Provide details of your date of birth, driving licence, and Captcha. Upload identity proofs, residential proofs and other necessary documents with these forms. Double-check the details you entered in the application form before submission.
• Step 6: Pay fees and verify the payment status.
• Step 7: Book a slot for the driving test and visit the RTO to give your driving test.

If your application is successful, you will receive your international driving licence within a few days.

Offline Method

• Step 1: Visit your local RTO office in Uttar Pradesh.
• Step 2: Gather an application form for an international driving permit.
• Step 3: Fill in the necessary details in the application form, and mention the countries you want to visit. In addition, mention your tenure of stay in these countries.
• Step 4: Attach the necessary documents and submit them to the RTO officials.
• Step 5: Pay the fees, collect the payment receipt, and you will receive your international driving licence at your registered address.

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, you cannot drive a vehicle on Indian streets without a valid driving licence. Failing to renew a driving licence after 5 years from the expiry date causes you to pay hefty fines.

There are two ways to renew a driving licence in Uttar Pradesh:

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Uttar Pradesh

• Step 1: Visit the official portal of Parivahan.
• Step 2: In the top left section, you will find 'Online Services'. Click on that option. Now, tap 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the list of services.
• Step 3: It will redirect you to the Sarathi website portal. Enter Uttar Pradesh (your state’s name).
• Step 4: This page will further redirect you to the next page.
• Select ‘Apply for Driving Licence Renewal’ from several services.
• Step 5: A page explaining all the instructions related to application submission will appear on the screen. Enter your driving licence number, date of birth and Captcha.
• Step 6: Fill in the application form, and attach the necessary documents, a photo and your digitised signature.
• Step 7: Pay the fees and verify your payment status. Use this payment receipt for future reference.

After verifying the documents, the RTO officials will send the new UP driving licence to your residential address via registered post.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Uttar Pradesh

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO in Uttar Pradesh.

Collect, duly fill, and submit the application form with the necessary documents at the RTO office. Always double-check the details you mentioned before submission of this form.

• Step 2: The RTO officials will ask for your driving licence details. Provide that and attach a passport-size photograph.
• Step 3: Pay the fees, collect the payment receipt and use it for future reference.
• Step 4: Book a slot for a driving test, undergo the driving test and get your driving licence after successfully passing it.

To save yourself from last-minute hurries and unnecessary fines, please check the expiry date of your driving licence and apply for a new one within time.

In order to renew your driver's license in Uttar Pradesh, make sure you have the following documents:

• Copy of the permanent DL
• NOC certificate (if applicable)
• Medical certificate
• Vehicle PUC certificate (if required)
• Form 9
• Form 1A 
• Application fee payment receipt of ₹200.
• 2 applicant’s passport-size photographs (coloured) 
• Copy of ID proof as a dweller of Uttar Pradesh