10 Must-know Facts about Driving Licence

As the digital world is taking over, regional transport offices are now issuing driving licences in the form of smart cards. When compared to traditional driving licences, these smart cards offer several advantages.

10 Facts You Should Know about Driving Licence

Given below are 10 facts you should know about your driving licence:

• It is a mandatory document to be carried while driving: According to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory for every vehicle owner to carry a valid driving licence while driving. A penalty will be charged on those who fail to do so.
• It serves as valid proof of identity, age, and nationality: A driving licence is issued after thorough verification and diligence. The documentation of a driving licence includes your birth certificate and address proof. Therefore, it serves as valid proof and is accepted by many private as well as government organisations to verify your identity, age, and nationality.
• Its validity is for 20 years: The validity of a driving licence is for 20 years. Your driving licence will expire when you attain 50 years of age. You must visit the regional transport office (RTO) to renew your driving licence when its validity ends.
• It is an All-India Permit: You can apply for a driving licence at the RTO of the state where you reside. Your driving licence is valid throughout India. However, you will have to re-register your vehicle if you are relocating to another state.
• It stores your personal data: Presently, a driving licence is issued in the form of a smart card with a small golden coloured chip on it. This chip not only enhances the overall appearance of the driving licence but also stores your biometric data. To obtain any required information about you, this chip can be scanned by the authorities.
• It has alpha-numeric codes to indicate vehicle type: Your driving licence has alpha-numeric codes to indicate your vehicle type. The alpha-numeric code, printed on the front side of your driving licence to indicate the different classes of vehicles you are permitted to drive.
• You should pass a driving test with at least 12 marks: To get a driving licence, you must clear an online driving test first. The test consists of questions about traffic rules and regulations as well as good driving practices. You need to secure at least 12 marks by answering 12 answers correctly out of 20 questions to pass this test.
• You can apply for a driving licence online: The digital India campaign has facilitated online driving licence applications. To acquire a driving licence, you have to upload the relevant documents on the Parivahan website. While you can apply for a driving licence online, visiting the RTO is required to take the online and practical tests.
• Practical exams require practice: The practical driving exam involves driving forward on an 8-shaped path and backward on an S-shaped road. Therefore, it is recommended to practice such complicated turns well before taking the exam.
• Use your Aadhaar card to avoid excessive documents: To set up an account on the Parivahan website, you can use your Aadhaar card. Your Aadhaar UID will be used to access your personal information. This way, you can apply for a driving licence without furnishing too many documents.