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The city of Kolkata still witnesses old modes of transportation like the old-school rickshaw which is still pulled by hands. But with the change of time, the roads are filled with multiple cars and two-wheelers, amongst other vehicles. The Regional Transport Office looks after the safe public transport system. If you live in Kolkata and want to ride a bike or car, the first thing you'll need is your driver's licence, as per the law held by the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

The types of Driving licences can be divided into the following categories:

Basis Motor Vehicle Category

1. Driving licence for a Light Motor Vehicle includes two-wheelers with bigger than 50cc engines and all motorized four-wheelers.

2. Driving licence for an automatic two-wheeler with an engine smaller than 50cc in sizes

3. Driving licence for commercial vehicles

Basis Licence Category

1. Learner’s Licence: To get legal approval to drive in Kolkata, you need to acquire a learner's licence. You need to visit the nearest RTO office and complete the application procedure.  

2. Permanent Driving Licence: After getting the learner's licence, you can apply for one. To do so, you need to visit the RTO office and clear the written and driving tests.

3. Duplicate Driving Licence: In case you have lost the permanent driving licence, you can apply for a duplicate driving licence from the RTO office.

• You need to be at least 18 years of age if you want to ride a vehicle with gears.
  

• You need to be at least 16 years of age for a vehicle without gears.

• You need to be at least 20 years of age, in the case of commercial vehicles.

• You should be well aware of your city’s traffic rules and violations.

• You need to first apply and have a valid learner's licence, after which you'll receive your driver's licence (if you pass the tests, of course!)

• Driving Licence Application form-4 available both online and offline.
  
• 6 passport size photographs for learner’s licence and 1 for permanent DL.
  
• Address Proof like ration card, voter’s id, copy of passport, or LIC policy that may be older than 6 months at least.
  
• Age Proof-like educational certificate, birth certificate, or 10th class mark sheet.
  
• Copy of valid learner’s licence.
  
• Copy of PAN card.
  
• Receipt of the payment fees.
  

The application procedure for a Driving Licence is divided into two stages: Learner’s Licence and Driving Licence. This procedure is applicable for both two-wheelers and four wheeler.

There are two ways to apply for a learner's licence: online and offline. You can go for any of the procedures at your convenience. Both the application procedure is explained below for your reference.

Steps to Apply for Learner’s Licence Online

• Step 1: Go to the official website of the road transport ministry.

• Step 2: Under the “Licence Related Services”, select “Drivers/Learners Licence”.

• Step 3: You will be redirected to a new page where you need to select the state as West Bengal.

• Step 4: Navigate the “Apply for Learner Licence” option and click on it.

• Step 5: Continue after carefully reading the instructions.

• Step 6: After completing the application procedure, a web application number will be generated. Keep a note of it for future reference.
• Step 7: Pay the fees of ₹151 and the test fee of ₹50, and get a time slot from the RTO for the preliminary test. This test is an evaluation of your knowledge of traffic rules.

Steps to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Offline

• Step 1: If you are comfortable with the offline application procedure, consider visiting the nearest RTO office and collecting the application form.
• Step 2: Enter the required details on this application form and attach the relevant documents.
• Step 3: Pay the fees of ₹151 and an additional charge of ₹50 for the test.
• Step 4: Take a time slot from the RTO and appear for the test on the scheduled date and time.

If you clear the test, you can immediately get the learner's licence. But if you fail, you must apply again and retake the test.

You can then book a slot for the driving test to be taken for DL.

For the permanent driving licence, you will have to take a driving test on the date of the slot booked. Your slot will be scheduled 30 days after you receive the learner’s licence. The test will be conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Inspector. 

• Step 1: You must take your motor vehicle and learner's licence for the test.
• Step 2: If the Motor Vehicle Inspector is satisfied with your performance, you will be sent for the biometrics.
• Step 3: Pay your fees of Rs.200/-
• Step 4: After this, you will be issued your permanent Driving Licence.

You would need a Duplicate Driving Licence when they lose or misplace their original document. The matter is of utter importance because you will not be allowed to drive a vehicle on the roads without a valid licence.

So, if DL is stolen or might get lost, you should immediately apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence. But do not forget to lodge an F.I.R and a complaint to RTO. You should also get it written and get the affidavit as an essential document.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Licence Online

• Step 1: For online application, you need to visit the official website of parivahan.gov.in.

• Step 2: Navigate to the "Drivers/Learners Licence".

• Step 3: Select the state as “West Bengal”.

• Step 4: Then, choose the “Apply for Duplicate DL” option.

• Step 5: Go through the instructions and click "Continue” to proceed.

• Step 6: On the next page, enter your driving licence number, date of birth, and CAPTCHA code.

• Step 7: Submit the application form with relevant documents and applicable fees.
• Step 8: After verification, the authorities will release your duplicate DL by post.

Remember that the application for the duplicate licence should be made within 6 months.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Licence Offline

• Step 1: To apply offline, you need to visit the same RTO where you got your permanent driving licence. 
• Step 2: Ask for the application form for duplicate DL.
• Step 3: Complete the form with relevant information and documentation.
• Step 4: Pay the required fees and provide a valid reason for the DL loss.
• Step 5: Your duplicate DL will be delivered to your address after completing the verification process.

Documents Required for a Duplicate Licence

• Application form duly filled and signed.

• A copy of the complaint, F.I.R, and an affidavit.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Proof of residence.

• The fee receipt of ₹200/- for a duplicate licence.

• Medical Certificate Form 1A

You must plan and get the licence renewal on time. Generally, a driving licence is valid for 20 years or up to 50 years of age, whichever is earlier. A Driving Licence issued for a commercial vehicle is valid for 3 years.

Steps to Apply for the Renewal of Driving Licence Online

• Step 1: The online application procedure is easy and seamless. First, you need to go to the RTO Website.

• Step 2: You need to navigate the “Drivers/Learners Licence” option from there.

• Step 3: After selecting the state (West Bengal), you will be redirected to a new page.

• Step 4: Select the "Apply for DL Renewal” option and proceed after reading the instructions.

• Step 5: Enter your DL number, DOB, and CAPTCHA code and continue.

• Step 6: Submit a copy of your expired driving licence and other necessary documents and the application fee of ₹250.

Steps to Apply for Renewal of Driving Licence Offline

• Step 1: To renew the DL offline, visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Step 2: Collect the renewal form from the authorities and submit it with the required documents and a copy of the expired DL.
• Step 3: Pay the required DL renewal fee of ₹250 and collect the receipt.

Documents Required for Renewal of Driving Licence

• Copy of expired driver's licence.

• Medical certificate if the driver is more than 40 years old.

• Application form 9.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Self-attested copies of age proof and address proof.

• Application fees of Rs.250/- and receipt.

• Form 1 and Form 1A for medical fitness if your age is above 50 years.

If you wish to drive abroad, you need an IDL. To get an IDL, you can visit the nearest RTO and submit the required information. The RTO will ask for some documents, as mentioned, but the IDL will always work in conjunction with the original Driving Licence.

Filled and signed application form 4A for IDL. The form can be downloaded online through www.parivahan.gov.in. You can also visit the RTO personally to get and fill the form.

• A Copy of a Valid Driving Licence.

• Fee Receipt for Rs.1000/-.

• Valid Identity and Residence Proof.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Medical certificate 1 A.

• Copy of an air ticket.

While driving, whether within the Indian boundaries or abroad, it will be wise to act wisely to avoid penalties and fines. Here is what you can do:

• Abide by traffic rules.

• Wear seat belts.

• Do not rush or break the signals.

• Avoid drinking and driving.

To check the status of your Driving Licence, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the website Parivahan portal.

• Step 2: Click on the option “Drivers/Learners Licence”.

• Step 3: Then, enter your state name on the next page.

• Step 4: Select the "Check Payment Status” option from the next page.

• Step 5: Enter your application number, DOB, and the provided CAPTCHA code to proceed.

A few things can increase your chances of getting a Driving Licence. Keep in mind these things when you appear for the test.

• You will have to drive a motor vehicle on an 'S' or 'H' shaped track, depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive. So, it will be wise if you practice it well.

• Appear for the driving test with confidence.

• Do not give the test when you are under the effects of alcohol.

• Be aware of the traffic signals.

• Using the side mirrors and indicators will always help.

• Make sure you press the gears smoothly and the vehicle does not turn off during the test while driving.

• Barsat RTO: Barsat Kolkata West Bengal. 700124
  
• Alipore RTO: 25, Belvedere Road, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700027
  
• Road Transport Corporation, Entally, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700014
  
• Road Transport Corporation, 17, Tarachand Dutta Street, Burrabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700073