How to get Driving Licence in Maharashtra
Types of Driving Licence in Maharashtra
Applicants who wish to make a driving licence application in Maharashtra can choose the type of vehicle they wish to apply for. The state of Maharashtra offers driving licence for a number of vehicle types, as given below:
Transport Vehicles– this licence is applicable to those who drive commercial and goods vehicles, with a further classification mentioned below:
Light Motor Vehicle (Passenger) – this category includes taxis, auto rickshaws, delivery vans, jeeps etc.
Medium Goods Vehicle- This category includes vehicles such as tempos, delivery trucks which are used for the transport of goods.
Medium Passenger Vehicle- This category includes vehicles like minivans, tempos for passengers, larger commercial vehicles.
Heavy Goods Vehicle- This category includes vehicles such as trucks and large vans, meant to transport goods.
Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle- This category includes vehicles such as buses used for commercial passenger transport.
Road Roller
Non-Transport Vehicles– this licence is applicable to applicants who drive private vehicles, with further classification as mentioned below:
Motorcycle with gear- this includes vehicles such as scooters, mopeds.
Motorcycle with gear- this category includes all gear motorcycles.
Light motor vehicle- this category includes small private cars (sedans, hatchbacks etc)
Motor vehicles- this option is to be selected if the vehicle you are applying for a licence for does not feature in the list mentioned above. You will have to provide a description of the vehicle.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Maharashtra
Those applying for a driving licence in Maharashtra can now do so from the comfort of their homes as well, with the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) in the state introducing online applications as well.
Driving Licence Eligibility in Maharashtra
Before applying, however, the applicant has to ensure he fulfills the following criteria laid down by the Motor Vehicles Act regarding eligibility:
- Individuals should be above 16 years of age to apply for a two-wheeler driving licence and above 18 years of age to apply for a vehicle driving licence.
- Applicants who wish to apply for a transport vehicle driving licence have to be above 20 years of age.
- Applicants must have a Learner’s Licence before applying for a permanent driving licence.
- The permanent Driving Licence has to be applied for after 30 days and within 180 days of the Learner’s Licence being issued.
Offline Driving Licence Application Process in Maharashtra
Individuals can apply for a driving licence offline in Maharashtra by visiting their nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and collecting the form for a new driving licence application.
Online Driving Licence Application Process in Maharashtra
Online applications for driving licence have been introduced in Maharashtra, making it easier for applicants to apply. Now applicants do not need to visit the RTO to collect a form or submit their documents but can do it wherever they are, at their convenience.
The entire application process is conducted online, and you will receive an acknowledgment or receipt at each stage of the application process.
Additionally, as an applicant, you can also schedule an appointment for their driving test. You will be able to bypass the driving test queue and be assured of a driving test schedule in this way.
Application Form:
The procedure for applying for a Driving Licence online in Maharashtra is a simple one, with the details mentioned below:
- Visit www.sarathi.nic.in, the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Select the “Driving Licence” tab on the homepage, whereupon the form for a new driving licence will be displayed.
- You can choose to download the form onto your computer and fill in the information requested (such as vehicle details, personal details etc.) at the moment or fill it up at a later time.
- Once you have filled in all the relevant details, upload the documents required and submit the form. You will have to carry the originals when you visit the RTO for your driving test.
- You will receive an acknowledgment, an application number and you will receive a notification once your application has been processed.
Booking Appointment for Driving Licence test
Once you have submitted your application form and received a notification regarding your eligibility to take the test, you can book an appointment for the same online.
The procedure for booking an appointment is given below:
- Visit www.sarathi.nic.in and select the “Appointment for slot booking” option on the homepage.
- Select the “DL Slot Booking” option from the drop-down menus at the top of the page and select the “Slot Booking for Online Applications” option.
- Fill in the details on the page that opens, such as the online application number.
- You will then be able to select a date and time slot for your driving test.
Driving test:
Once the appointment slot has been fixed, you will have to be present at the RTO with your original documents as mentioned in your application form.
If you pass the test successfully, you will be issued a Driving Licence, which will be sent by post to the address mentioned in the application form.
Documents to be Submitted for Driving Licence Application in Maharashtra
When applying for a driver’s licence in Maharashtra, applicants have to provide certain documents on the basis of which their eligibility is determined. The documents to be submitted are mentioned below:
- Application Form (Form 4)
- Learner’s licence (original)
- Recent passport sized photographs (3 copies)
- Proof of age document (refer below for document list)
- Proof of address document (refer below for document list)
- Driving school certificate (for transport vehicle licences)
- All documents pertaining to the car being used for the driving test
Proof of Age documents
Applicants can submit any 1 of the below documents ass proof of age for their driving licence application:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- School certificate
- Voter’s identity card
- Pan Card
- Other documents as prescribed by the state government
Proof of address documents
Applicants can submit any 1 of the documents listed below as proof of address for their driving licence application:
- Passport
- Voter’s identity card
- Life insurance policy
- Ration card
- Utility bills such as electricity bill, telephone bill
- State or Central government issued pay slip
Driving Licence Application Fee
Individuals applying for a driving licence in Maharashtra are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 200 for a computerized chip licence as well as Rs. 50 for the driving test. An ordinary licence would cost Rs. 40.
Driving Test Procedure in Maharashtra
- Applicants who wish to obtain a driving licence in Maharashtra are required to take a driving test to measure their driving skills and abilities. On the basis of their test, they will be issued a licence.
- The driving test would be conducted at the nearest RTO under the supervision of a Motor Vehicle Inspector.
- The applicant is required to report for the driving test with the original documents (age proof, address proof, car documents), which will be verified.
- Applicants have to possess a Learner’s Licence and a certificate from a driving school (in case of transport vehicle licence applicants).
- If the applicant is successful, a driving licence will be issued to him, with the licence being sent by post to the address mentioned in the application form.
- If the applicant is unsuccessful, he can re-take the test within 7 days.
