Learning Licence in Kolkata

To legally ride a two-wheeler as a beginner, individuals in Kolkata will need a learning licence for Kolkata. A learning licence is a government-issued document that allows riders to learn to ride in public areas of Kolkata. However, every learner must be accompanied by another rider who holds a permanent driving licence.

Acknowledging the increasing number of accidents in India, the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 has made it mandatory for individuals to procure a permanent driving licence. However, without a learner’s licence, one cannot apply for a permanent one.

There are certain conditions associated with a learner’s licence such as it is valid for six months. If one wishes to apply for a permanent licence, an application for the same can be made after 30 days or within 180 days from the time the learner’s licence has been issued.

Riders need to acquaint themselves with the critical aspects of acquiring a learning licence. In that regard, riders must know which licence they require from the following types of learning licence in Kolkata:

• Non-geared motorcycles

• Geared motorcycles

• Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)

• Medium Goods Vehicles

• Medium Passenger Vehicles (MPV)

• Heavy Goods Vehicles (LHGV)

Heavy Passenger Vehicles (HPV)

• Invalid Carriage

• Motor vehicles with specific descriptions

Now that we have taken a look at the kinds of motor vehicle licences, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria and other prerequisites to apply for a learning licence in Kolkata.

• The application requirements vary based on the class of a motor vehicle and the type of learner’s licence one is applying for. Typically, however, here are the eligibility criteria for the RTO learning licence in Kolkata:

• The applicant must be at least 16 years of age for vehicles with an engine capacity of 50cc and at least 18 years of age for riding vehicles with more than 50cc engine capacity. Applicants under the age of 18 will require consent from parents or a legal guardian.

• The applicant will need to submit all the essential documents, such as proof of address, proof of age, etc.

• A written test on road rules, signs, and regulations will need to be cleared by the applicant

• It is important to be mindful of the eligibility criteria prior to applying for a learning licence in Kolkata.

Whether you are applying for a learning licence in Kolkata online or offline, you will need to ensure you have all the essential documents ready before you apply for a seamless process. For novice riders, here are the documents required for a learning licence in Kolkata:

• Duly filled out Form 2. This form is divided into four sections: the first section comprises vehicle category and RTO details, the second section is for candidate details, the third part is for minor applicants and the fourth part is for official purposes.

• Proof of address such as the applicant’s Aadhar card, passport, etc.

• Proof of identity such as PAN card, voter ID, etc.

• Proof of birthdate such as birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.

• Passport-size photographs of the applicant

• Now that all the prerequisites are in place, let’s take a look at how to apply for a learning licence in Kolkata.

In India, the RTO websites of the state enable applicants to apply for a learning licence in Kolkata online. For learner’s licence applicants in Kolkata, here is the application procedure:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the RTO West Bengal, and from the “Governance Services” drop-down, look for “Driving Licence” and click on “Learner.”

Step 2: Fill out Form 2 with all the essential details as asked for.

Step 3: Once the form has been filled, you will have to upload all the essential documents, as mentioned earlier.

Step 4: Finally, you will be asked to pay the learning licence fees in Kolkata by your preferred mode of payment.

Step 5: Once the payment status has been verified, you can print the receipt and book your slot for the learner’s licence.

You can also apply for a learning licence in Kolkata online via the Parivahan website. Here are the steps for the same:

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website and click on “Online Services,” and from the drop-down, select “Driving Licence Related Services.”

Step 2: Select your state from the menu and in this case, it is West Bengal. Fill out the application details and upload all the relevant documents along with your photograph.

Step 3: Pay the learning licence fees in Kolkata by your preferred mode of payment.

Step 4: You can then print the payment receipt and book your slot.

Those who prefer the offline method will have to visit the RTO. Here is the process to follow:

Step 1: Obtain Form 2 from the Kolkata RTO office or download the form from the internet.

Step 2: Fill out the form while ensuring all the details are accurate.

Step 3: Submit all the essential documents with the form and pay the registration fee after you schedule the test.

Step 4: Once you clear the test, the learner’s licence is sent to your communicated address.

Of the aforementioned methods, applicants can choose one that is most convenient to them. Generally, however, the online methods are designed to ensure a seamless application experience.

In January 2017, the Central Motor Vehicle Rules witnessed its 22nd amendment. This revision revealed a change in the fee structure for several vehicle-related concerns.

This also entails revisions in fees for driving licence, learning licence, international driver's licence, new vehicle registration, etc.

Based on this revision, the learning licence fee in Kolkata is ₹150. To complete the application process, applicants must pay this registration fee.

Learning how to ride a two-wheeler is an exciting experience and an important milestone in adulthood. However, while two-wheelers offer plenty of convenience they come with their set of risks. These risks are magnified for learners who are new to operating a motor vehicle. So, in addition to helmets and learner’s licence, comprehensive two-wheeler insurance becomes crucial.

To legally ride on Indian roads, every rider must possess at least a third-party bike insurance policy. However, third-party two-wheeler insurance only offers partial protection as it compensates exclusively for third-party liabilities.

This means that third-party insurance for a 2-wheeler will not pay for damages to one’s own vehicle. Without your own damage bike insurance, these expenses can burn a hole in your pocket.

A comprehensive bike insurance policy combines the benefits of the two to offer more wholesome protection on roads.

Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance will stand by you in unfortunate events such as unforeseeable accidents, theft, and fire, as well as for natural and man-made calamities.

If you are a resident of Kolkata who is under the age of 18 years and you wish to ride a motor vehicle in the city, you will need to ensure you always carry the essential documents, including your bike insurance policy and learning licence.

With a valid learner’s licence, you can legally ride on the roads. However, once this validity expires, individuals must apply for a permanent driving licence in Kolkata.