Driving licence in India
In India, a driving license is an official document that authorises its holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on highways and some other roads to which the public has access. In various Indian states, they are administered by the Regional Transport Authorities/Offices (RTA/RTO). A driving licence is required in India by any person driving a vehicle on any highway or other road defined in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This act sets limits on the minimum age for vehicle operation ranging from 16 to 20, depending on specific circumstances. A modern photo of the driving licence can also serve many of the purposes of an identity card in non-driving contexts such as proof of identity (e.g. when opening a bank account) or age (e.g. when applying for a mobile connection). Background Applications for a provisional driving license can be made from the age of 16. Valid for driving a moped or gear less motorcycle from aged 16, and a car or any motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle who are aged 18 or older. The common "All India Permit" allows the licensee to drive throughout the country. For driving commercial/transport vehicles, one should obtain endorsement (and a minimum age of 20 years, in some states) in the driving license to effect under s.3(1) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Until a driving test (which consists of three sections: verbal or written test (depending on the state), road sign test followed by a supervised driving examination) has been passed a driver may hold only a provisional license and be subject to certain conditions. The conditions attached to provisional licenses of a particular category of vehicle are: L-plates must be conspicuously displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. Learner drivers of a particular category and transmission type of vehicle must be accompanied by somebody who has held a full driving license for that category and transmission type, except in the case of solo motorcycles and vehicles of certain categories designed solely for one person. Motorcycle riders must not carry any pillion passengers. Bus drivers must not carry any passenger except a person giving or receiving instruction. Anyone applying for a driving license for the first time has to apply for a learner license (LLR) as a prerequisite. If you have a learner’s permit, you are only permitted to drive while under a licensed driver’s supervision. After passing a driving test, the provisional license may be surrendered in exchange for a full Indian license for the relevant kind of vehicle. Full car licenses allow use of mopeds, motorcycles and cars. A license is valid until the age of 40, if applied before 30 years of age. Between 30 and 50 years of age, it is valid for 10 years. From 50 to 55 years of age, it is valid until the holder's 60th birthday. Above 55 years of age, it is valid for 5 years under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. The driving license is required to