Driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir

Types of Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir 

In Jammu and Kashmir, driving licences are categorised based on the type of vehicle an individual intends to drive. The main categories are: 

• Learner’s Licence: This is a temporary licence which is the first step to get a full driving licence later. It allows learners to practice driving under supervision for a limited period before appearing for the driving test. 
• Permanent Driving Licence: After passing the driving test and meeting all eligibility criteria, you can receive a permanent driving licence. It allows you to drive authorised vehicles without any requirement for supervision. 
• Commercial Driving Licence: If you decide to drive vehicles for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers, you must obtain a commercial driving licence. These licences are required for drivers of buses, trucks, taxis, and other transport vehicles. 
• International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP allows you to drive legally in foreign countries that recognise the Indian driving licence format. It is important for people planning to drive while travelling abroad. 

Each licence type has its own eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and fees, which are explained in the sections below. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Before applying for any driving licence, you must meet certain eligibility criteria based on the type of vehicle you want to drive: 

Two and Four Wheelers (With Gear) 

1. Must be at least 18 years old. 

1. Should understand basic traffic rules and regulations. 

1. Must prevent valid proof of age and address. 

Motorcycles Without Gear (Up to 50cc) 

1. Eligible from 16 years of age, but consent of parent’s consent is required. 

1. The person must have knowledge of traffic regulations and submit valid documents. 

Heavy Commercial Vehicles 

1. Applicants should have completed at least the 8th class of education. 

1. Must be above 18 (or 20 some cases). 

1. Should have received training from a government-recognised driving school. 

Document Required for Driving Licence Application 

To avoid delays or rejection of your application, just make sure to have the following documents in place: 

1. Learner’s licence: It is a required prerequisite for appearing in the driving test. 

1.  Vehicle documents: All documents such as Registration Certificate (RC), Insurance certificate (IC), tax card, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate are required. 

1. Training certificate (form CMV 5): It is required if you’re appearing for transport vehicles. 

1. Application form: It should be fully completed and signed. 

1. Recent photographs of passport size. 

1. Any additional documents: such as parental consent for minors. 

The individual applying must ensure that all copies are clear and original and are carried during in-person appointments, as officials often verify them. 

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir 

There are two main ways to apply for a driving licence: online and offline. 

Online Application Process 

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal. 
• Select the state as Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Choose “apply for Driving licence” and fill in all your details. 
• Upload scanned copies of all required documents. 
• Select a slot for your driving test (if applicable). 
• Pay the applicable fees online 
• Appear at the RTO for the test with original documents. 
• After passing the test, your licence will be issued and sent to your address. 

Offline Application Process 

• Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). 
• Request the driving licence application form and complete it. 
• Submit your form along with required documents. 
• The RTO will verify your submission. 
• After verification, schedule you driving test. 
• Clear both the practical and road tests. 
• Receive your permanent licence once all requirements are met. 

Driving Test Procedure 

Passing the driving test is the most important step to receive your permanent licence. The test includes both ground and road segments. 

Four-wheeler test 

1. Ground test: You will drive through a marked path that check basic control, like driving in a straight line and making U-turns. 

1. Road test: Conducted on public roads where the inspector evaluates your ability to follow traffic rules and drive safely.  

Two and Three-wheeler Test 

1. Ground test: In this test you need to navigate the vehicle in a figure-8 path. 

1. Road test: The inspector will assess how well you ride and follow road safety norms. 

A motor vehicle inspector conducts these tests. If you fail any portion, you must reappear for a fresh attempt. 

Driving Licence Fees in Jammu and Kashmir 

The cost of obtaining a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir depends on the type of service you request. Common fees include: 

It is important to note that these fees can be updated by the transport authorities, and applicants should confirm current fee details through official Parivahan website before applying. 

Renewing your driving licence 

A permanent driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir typically remains valid for 20 years or until you reach 50 years of age, whichever comes first. After the age of 50, licences must be renewed every five years. Commercial licences have a shorter renewal cycle, often requiring renewal every three years. 

Online Renewal 

• Visit the Parivahan Portal. 
•  Select the “driving licence renewal” option. 
• Enter your licence number and other required details. 
• Upload all your necessary documents. 
• Pay fees online. 
• Visit the RTO if required for verification. 

Offline Renewal 

• Visit an RTO with your existing licence. 
• Submit the renewal application form and documents. 
• Pay renewal fees. 
• After verification, the renewed licence will be dispatched. 

Duplicate Licence Issuance 

If your driving licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate licence. Important documents include an LLD form, FIR (if stollen), existing licence copies if damaged, passport size photos and proof of address. The process involves verifying documents at the RTO and paying the prescribed fee before the duplicate DL is issued. 

Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) 

An IDP can obtained as follows: 

• Visit the official Parivahan portal on your browser. 
• Select “Apply for International Driving Permit”. 
• Enter all your details and upload required documents (valid licence, passport proof, visa medical certificate, etc.) 
• Pay the IDP fees. 
• After verification, the permit will be issued within a few business days. 

Obtaining a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir involves following a structured set of steps, starting from qualifying for a learner’s licence to passing a driving test and finally receiving a permanent licence. Whether applying online or offline, it’s important to meet the eligibility criteria, prepare all documents, and familiarise yourself with the test procedures. Renewal and duplicate processes are also straightforward once you understand the requirements.