How to Apply for Learning License in Kerala?

If you're a new driver and or planning to learn how to drive, you must first have a clear idea of what vehicle you want to drive. This is because the driver's licence you apply for must match the vehicle you'll be driving. So there are many types of Kerala driving licences available.

To get a specific type of driver's licence in Kerala, you must first satisfy a few conditions. The Motor Vehicles Department of Kerala has set the following eligibility requirements that an individual needs to comply with to obtain a valid driver's licence.

• For a non-geared two-wheeler driver's licence, the applicant must be at least 16 - 18 years of age and needs written consent for their parents or legal guardians.

• For a private non-transport vehicle licence - four-wheeler or two-wheeler, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

• For a transport vehicle, the applicant must be at least 20 years of age. In addition, they must have received passing marks during Std 8. A transport vehicle here refers to vehicles used for hire or reward.

• If the transport vehicle is an autorickshaw, the applicant will be exempt from needing the one-year driving experience requirement.

• The applicant must be familiar with basic traffic rules and regulations.

• The applicant must apply for a permanent driver's licence after 30 days and/or within 180 days of getting issued their learner's permit/licence.

Here is the list of documents you must have on hand if you want to apply for a driving licence in Kerala.

• Form 1 - A physical declaration form for applicants below the age of 50 applying for a non-transport vehicle driver's licence.

• Form 1(a) - A medical certificate from a medical practitioner. This form should be submitted by applicants over 50 applying for a non-transport vehicle driver's licence.

• Form 4 - The driver's licence application form.

• An eye test certificate obtained from an ophthalmologist.

• Copies of valid age and address proof documents like Aadhar, voter ID, birth certificate, or passport.

For any additional forms required or requested from you, you can find them here or here on Kerala’s official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website.

The application for a driver's licence in Kerala is an easy process. You can do this in two ways: online or offline/in-person.

**Applying Online For A Driving Licence In Kerala **

This process should begin for new drivers by applying for a Learner's Licence first on the Parivahan official website.

1. If you already have a Learner's Licence, click the "Apply for Driving Licence" option.

2. Click continue and choose the appropriate choice.

3. Fill in the details on the given form and click "Ok."

4. Upload your required documents, and upload your signature and photograph (if required).

5. Book an appointment slot for your driver's licence test after checking if this option is available in your state.

6. Pay the online application fees on the website.

7. After which, an application number will be generated.

8. Print out all the forms and documents you uploaded for the application process to present at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Remember to bring the originals of the documents as well.

9. Book an appointment at the RTO if the online facility isn’t available for your state (step 5).

10. Appear for your driving test at the allotted date and time.

Note: Remember to maintain your application number, as it will come into use if you wish to track your application status.

**Apply For A Driving Licence In Kerala Offline **

1. Visit the state's RTO and collect the application from them.

2. Fill out the application form and attach any required relevant documents to it.

3. Submit the form at the RTO and book an appointment for your driving test after paying the fees.

4. Appear for your driving test on the allotted date and time.

You can only appear for the driver's test after 30 days from your learner's licence issuance date. In Kerala, a driving test is conducted in two parts - a ground test and a road test.

In the road test, your control over the vehicle will be tested. So your proficiency and familiarity with manoeuvring the vehicle will be examined. For example, for a two-wheeler driving test, you'll need to ride along an 8-shaped track without lowering your feet or touching any side rails.

When cleared, you'll be asked to do a road test where you'll need to ride a certain distance with the driving instructor while following traffic rules and regulations.

You'll be asked to drive along an H-shaped track while avoiding columns and obstacles for a car or four-wheeler driving test. Similarly, after clearing this stage, you'll need to do a road test by driving a certain distance with your driving instructor while following traffic rules.

The road test will assess your driving ability and skills. On passing the tests, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt, and your Kerala driving licence will be sent to your registered address within a week's time.

In the state of Kerala, a permanent driver's license will be valid for 20 years or until the applicant reaches 50 years, whichever is earlier. You will get a grace period of 30 days from the expiry date to renew your driver's license. If you apply for a renewal after the grace period, a fee of ₹300 will be charged.

**Documents Required For A Driver's Licence Renewal In Kerala **

Here are the documents you’ll need for a driver’s licence renewal in Kerala:

• Driver's Licence

• Application Form 9 - Driver's Licence Renewal Form.

• Form 1 and Form 1(a).

• 2 Passport-sized photos, recently taken.

• The application fee of ₹200 and a service charge of ₹50.

If you apply for renewal five years from the expiry date. Then, you'll need to apply for a new driver's licence altogether.

**Application Process For A Driver's Licence Renewal In Kerala **

Online Kerala Driving Licence Renewal Process:

You can download the form from Kerala's official Motor Vehicles Department website. Or you can apply online through the Parivahan site.

1. First, click "Apply for DL Renewal" and fill in the required details for the driving licence number, date of birth, and the correct captcha. Then, click "Proceed" to generate an online form you must fill in.

2. Fill out the form and upload the necessary documents. After which, you'll have to reprint the application form and visit your nearest RTO with the application form and the original copies of your documents.

3. Submit your documents for verification at the RTO. You will get a renewed driver's licence delivered to your registered address in a few days.

Offline Kerala Driving Licence Renewal Process:

1. You'll need to visit your nearest RTO and collect the application form from there. Remember to bring along copies and the originals of your address proof and age documents to attach to your application form.

2. Fill out the application form and submit it along with your documents for verification. Your renewed driver's licence will be dispatched to your registered address within a few days after verification.

A duplicate driver's licence is a placeholder for a permanent one if the original gets lost, damaged, or stolen. It is often issued by the same RTO that issues permanent driver's licences.

**Documents Needed For A Duplicate Driver's Licence: **

Here are the documents you will need in case your Kerala driving licence gets lost, damaged, misplaced or stolen.

• Application form LLD/ Form 2.

• Original licence - written or defaced if available. Or driver's licence details like driving licence number in Kerala, name, date of birth, etc.

• Photocopies of the original driver's licence, if available.

• A copy of the FIR is needed if the driver's licence is lost.

• Passport-size photographs.

**Duplicate Driving Licence Application Process In Kerala **

Applying for a duplicate driver's licence can be done online or offline, like for a permanent driver's licence.

Online Process For A Duplicate Driver’s Licence:

Here are the steps to obtain a duplicate driver's licence online.

1. The candidate must download the application form first and fill it out. The form is available only in English. This can be done through the Parivahan site.

2. Next, click the "Apply for Duplicate DL" option and fill in the required details. You must enter your name, date of birth, and driver's licence number and click "Go" to generate the application.

3. After filling out the form, reprint the application form and submit it to your RTO along with the relevant documents and their originals. On verification, you will receive your duplicate driver's licence.

Offline Process For A Duplicate Driver’s Licence:

This can also be done offline by visiting your nearest RTO and collecting the application form for a duplicate driver's licence from them.

1. You'll need to fill out the form, attach the necessary documents, and submit them back to the RTO.

2. On submission, you must also pay a small application fee, after which the documents will be verified.

3. You will get your duplicate driver's licence post verfication.

Applicants who want to drive overseas or outside of India can apply for an international driver's licence in the state of Kerala. Note that you'll need to have a valid driver's licence first before you can apply for an international driver's licence.

So if you haven't applied for a permanent driver's licence, you must do that first.

Documents Required For An International Driving Licence Or IDP In Kerala

Here are the specific documents you need for an international Kerala driving licence, or IDP:

• Valid Driving Licence.

• Form 4A, written/filled out to submit to the RTO for your international driver's licence application.

• Form 6A, for an international driving permit.

• Three copies of passport-sized photos that were recently taken.

• Copies of your visa, passport, and air tickets.

• Application fee of ₹1,000 and a service charge of ₹200.

**Application Process For An International Driver's Licence In Kerala **

The application process is similar to a permanent driver's licence or a duplicate driver's licence. Only the documents you'll be required to submit will differ.

Online Process For An International Driver's Licence In Kerala

You can get the application through the official Motor Vehicles Department website Departmenthe Parivahan site.

1. To start your application process, click on the "Apply For International Driving Permit (IDP) option on the webpage.

2. Fill in the required details like your driver's licence number, date of birth, and the correct captcha, and click "Proceed".

3. Next, fill out the online form and click submit. An application number will be generated, after which you'll need to reprint your online form and have copies of your age and address proof documents to take to your nearest RTO.

4. Remember to bring the original copies of your documents with you as well. Then, submit your application form to the RTO and your other documents for verification.

5. You will get your international driver's licence or IDP after verification.

Offline Process For An International Driver's Licence In Kerala

Much like all the other driver's licence application procedures, this, too, can be done offline.

1. Visit your nearest RTO and request an application form for an IDP, and bring all the above-stated documents along.

2. Fill out the application form, submit it along with the other documents, and pay the application fee.

3. Your documents will be verified first, and your IDP will be dispatched to your registered address only after verification.

After submitting your application form and other documents for verification at the RTO, you can check and track your application status through the Kerala Transport Department's official website or Parivahan.

Here's how you can track your application status before your Kerala driving licence gets dispatched:

1. On the Parivahan webpage, click the "Application Status" option at the top of the page.

2. Fill out the details on the given fields for your application number - generated when you applied for a driver's licence on the website; you can find it on your application form, date of birth, and the correct captcha.

3. Click "Submit", and you'll be provided with the current application status details.

A driver's licence is a crucial document that serves as Identity proof for motorists. It also signals that they have passed the required tests that qualify them to drive on public roads without risking the safety of other motorists and pedestrians.

As more and more people are choosing to get private vehicles, especially bikes, for their convenience. There is also a rise in demand for good two-wheeler insurance. Much like getting a specific type of driver's licence for your vehicle, it is also mandatory for you to get the right motor insurance.

For example, if you own a geared two-wheeler like a scooter, you will need insurance for your two-wheeler and a driver's licence for geared two-wheelers. Basic third-party two-wheeler insurance will cover any financial costs for damages incurred to the third party or another person(s) during an accident or collision. A two-wheeler insurance plan also protects you from any legal liabilities you may face due to the accident.

However, it is advisable to go for a comprehensive bike insurance plan that covers not only third-party liabilities but also damage to the bike, its theft and a personal accident cover for the owner-driver and provides a choice of add-ons.

Affordability plays a huge part when it comes to buying insurance for your two-wheeler as well. This is why using a tool like Tata AIG's bike insurance calculator can come in handy when choosing the best bike insurance policy that fits your price range.