How to Get a Driving License in Kerala

How to Get a Driving License in Kerala

Driving license is an important document that enables vehicle owners or drivers to operate a vehicle on Indian roads. A driving license is specified according to the vehicle the person wishes to operate. For instance, driving licenses can be issued for four wheelers, two wheelers and even trucks and bigger vehicles.

In Kerala too, the driving license is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and authorises the licensed person to drive and operate a particular kind of motor vehicle. Obtaining a driving license requires the applicant to successfully clear a test in the presence of officials, including a demonstration of them driving the said vehicle.

Once a driving license has been secured, the licensed individual is expected to carry it at all times and produce it when asked for. This can happen when the person is driving on Indian roads or even as a form of identification, when asked for by officials or others in authority. Indian roads also mandate motor insurance, and more specifically, third party insurance which ensures that the driver of the vehicle is covered in case of damage caused to any third person or their property owing to the vehicle. When you buy motor insurance, available on Finserv MARKETS, you not only obtain third party insurance but also get access to a host of benefits including on-road assistance in case of emergencies.

Types of Driving Licenses

In Kerala, an applicant is issued a driving license based on the kind of vehicle they intend to operate. Read on to learn about the different types of driving licenses.

1. Motorcycles which have an engine capacity of 50CC or lesser

2. Motorcycles which include or do not include gears such as scooters and mopeds

3. Light motor vehicles intended for purposes other than transport

4. Light motor vehicles intended for commercial purposes

5. Heavy goods vehicle

6. Heavy passenger vehicle

7. Any other motor vehicle with a specified description

Eligibility Criteria for a Driving License in Kerala

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Kerala driving license and even for an online driving license in Kerala has been clearly specified by the state’s Motor Vehicles Department. Read on to learn the eligibility criteria you must fulfill in order to get a Kerala driving license or even for driving license renewal Kerala.

1. For a license to drive motorcycles which have an engine capacity less than 50cc, the applicant needs to be aged between 16 to 18 years and requires a written consent from their parents

2. For a non-transport vehicle, the driving license applicant must be at least 18 years old

3. For a license to drive a transportation vehicle, the applicant must be at least 20 years old and must have passed Class VIII

4. For a transportation license to drive an auto rickshaw, the applicant will be exempted from driving experience of one year

5. All applicants applying for a Kerala driving license must be well aware of traffic rules and regulations

6. After 30 days of being issued a learner’s license, the applicant needs to apply for a permanent license. This application must be mandatorily made within 180 days of issuance.

Documents for Obtaining a Driving License in Kerala

For acquiring a Kerala driving license, even if an online driving license Kerala, the applicant is required to submit the following documents:

1. Form 1, which is a physical declaration form that certifies the applicant being below the age of 50 years applying for a license for driving a non-transport vehicle

2. Form 1A must be acquired from a medical practitioner, and has to be submitted for all applicants above the age of 50 years who are applying for a non-transport vehicle driving license

3. Form 4 which is the driving license application form

4. An eye test certificate, which has to be obtained from a certified ophthalmologist

5. Attested copies of documents proving age and address

Process for Obtaining a driving license in Kerala

The process of applying for an online driving license Kerala and for a Kerala driving license differs in certain respects. Read on to learn more:

Online Driving License Kerala:

• Download the application form from the state Motor Vehicles Department website, which is available in both English and Malayalam
• The form is also available on the Central website, where you need to click on ‘online services’ and select ‘driving license related services’
• Select Kerala, click on ‘apply online’ and then click on new driving license to continue
• Once you have filled the applicant details, upload your documents and photograph and signature
• For most states, you can book a slot for your driving license test, and then pay the fees online
• Once your online application form is generated, take a printout of the forms and documents submitted
• When you visit the RTO, you need to submit these printouts while displaying your original documents
• Once you have completed these duties, you can appear for the driving test which will ultimately determine whether you get a driving license or not

Applying for Kerala driving license offline:

• You can visit the RTO, collect an application form and fill it out while attaching the relevant documents
• Submit the filled out form and document back to the RTO
• Book a slot for your test and appear for it

For getting a Kerala driving license, all applicants are required to pay a fee of Rs. 200 at the time of application.

Driving License Renewal in Kerala

It is mandatory to carry a driving license for driving a vehicle, so if yours is about to expire, make sure you have applied prior. For driving license renewal in Kerala, take care to ensure you apply well before 30 days from the date of expiry. For renewals made 30 days after the license has expired, a new driving license can only be issued on the date the application and payment has been issued. A fee of Rs. 250 is applicable on driving license renewal Kerala done before 30 days from the date of expiry of the existing driving license.

Duplicate Driving License

If you have lost or had your driving license stolen, it is essential to get a duplicate copy. These can be availed by submitting the application form which can either be picked up offline from the RTO or accessed via the website. Along with the application form, you need to submit a copy of the FIR if the license has been lost, passport size photographs and details of the license including license number and your own details.

International Driving License

Additionally, you can also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Kerala if you already hold a valid license in India. You can collect the form, which is available only in English, either directly from the RTO or you can apply online. Online driving license Kerala requires you to visit the RTO with the application form and pay the fees. Once the documents, which include your visa, passport and air ticket, have been verified you will receive the license.

Conclusion

Obtaining your driving license is the first step to understanding and following India’s road safety and traffic norms. The second step? Obtaining motor insurance. Protecting you and your vehicle from financial liabilities is crucial. Moreover, the process to obtain motor insurance is simple, smooth and speedy. While your driving license issue requires visits to the RTO, this is not the case with applying for insurance. Apply for Motor Insurance, available on Finserv MARKETS, and get access to a host of benefits including roadside assistance in case of cars and cashless servicing at network garages across the country. You get access to swift claim settlements as well as your very claim settlement wallet that gives you instant approval of claims up to Rs. 20,000.

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