Table of contents
Introduction
Maharashtra, which has seen a spate of road accidents in the past few months, had the sixth highest number of road accidents in 2022, with 33,383 total accidents, of which 14,058 were fatal. While in themselves road accidents are a matter of grave concern, the recent accidents have elicited a public outcry due to the age of the drivers, the fact that some of them were driving under the influence of alcohol, and attempts to escape responsibility.
Road safety begins with being cognizant of rules and regulations to be followed on the road. The legal step towards this awareness begins with obtaining the learner’s licence (LL), a prerequisite for obtaining a permanent licence.
Eligibility for applying for a learner’s licence
In order to apply for an LL for a transport/ private vehicle (for personal use) with gears which includes two wheelers such a scooter and motorbikes, and four wheelers, one has to be a minimum of 18 years of age. To apply for a licence for a transport/commercial vehicle which includes tourist taxis, cab services, autorickshaws, trucks and tempos, one has to be at least 20 years old.
Rane of Royal Motor Driving School says, “For commercial vehicles, you fill the form online, but you have to go to the RTO office for document verification and to give the test for the learning licence if you are applying for a commercial licence.”
He explains further that those who are above 40 years of age have to provide a medical certificate if they are applying for an LL for a private vehicle. But those applying for a commercial licence have to provide a medical certificate even if they are below 40.
He says, “When you drive a commercial vehicle, you are transporting a client. You are risking a third-party. In a private vehicle you are driving yourself or your family. You are responsible for the safety. In a commercial vehicle, for the security of the third person, they ask for a medical certificate.”
How to obtain a learner’s licence?
You can apply online for a learner’s licence using your Aadhaar Card, provided your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar Card. Doing this means you do not have to visit the RTO office to get the LL.
If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar Card, you can still fill out your forms online, but you will have to visit the RTO for a part of the process.
How to apply for an LL using Aadhaar Card linked to mobile, if you are 40 years or below
If you are over 40 years of age and use Aadhaar for authentication
If you do not use Aadhaar card for authentication
- The form has to be filled out online, but manually. However, you will not have the option of uploading your signature and photo online.
- You will have to visit the concerned RTO office with documents showing your date of birth and your address. Passport and Aadhaar Card are valid for both DOB and address proof. PAN card, school leaving certificate, and birth certificate work for DOB. In addition, address proof is needed. Take the original documents with the photocopy.
- At the RTO office, your photograph will be taken and your documents verified after which you will be able to book a slot for the LL test.
- You will also give the LL test offline at the RTO office.
What is asked in the LL test?
In the LL test, 15 questions are asked, with one point awarded for each right answer. There is an online tutorial to help you prepare for the test. You get 30 seconds to answer each question. You need to secure a minimum of nine marks to pass the test. After you pass the test, you receive your learner’s licence on your phone. You can download it and take a printout of the same.
How long is the LL valid?
The LL is valid for six months. Before the validity is over, apply for a permanent licence. If you don’t do so, you will have to start the process again and apply for a learner’s licence. The licence holder has to wait for a minimum period of 30 days before they can apply for a permanent licence.
Applying for a permanent driving licence (DL)
Renewal of DL
- If you apply for a renewal of your licence, one year prior to the expiry, you don’t have to visit the RTO office and the process is carried out online completely.
- But if you apply for renewal after the expiry date, you will have to visit the RTO office where you will undergo a test. Once you clear the test, the licence is reissued.
The first step towards road safety begins with following the law. Obtaining a driver’s licence after following due process, learning to drive and knowing the rules ensures your safety as well as of others on the road.
In the second part of this article, we look at the factors which compromise road safety and the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring that laws and rules are followed.