Driving Licence in Maharashtra

For driving any vehicle on the roads of Maharashtra state, you would require a valid Driving Licence for sure, as per the 1988 enacted Motor Vehicles Act, as it is illegal to drive motor vehicles in Maharashtra without a valid DL. Typically, the Regional Transport Authority of Maharashtra issues the Saarthi, headed by the commissioner of transport of the respective region. The RTO is responsible for giving national and international DL, renewed DL, complying with the traffic rules, etc. So here we are, about to look at the process of applying for a Maharashtra driving licence in a detailed manner.

Types of Driving Licence in Maharashtra

There are various types of DLs in Maharashtra, India which include the following-

1. LMV Licence- Issued to individuals who want to ride light motor vehicles such as bikes, scooters, cars.
2. Medium Motor Vehicle Licence- Applicable for vehicles such as delivery trucks and tempos having medium motors.
3. Heavy Motor Vehicle Licence- Applicable for individuals required to drive commercial trucks and buses.
4. Commercial Motor Vehicle Licence- It includes commercial taxis, trailers, etc.
5. Motorcycle without Gear Vehicle- It means a motorcycle with a gear of less than 50cc.
6. Motorcycle with Gear Vehicle- Individuals who want to drive geared motorcycles of more than 50CC.

Maharashtra (MH) Driving Licence (DL) Eligibility Criteria:

These conditions must be satisfied by each applicant before moving forward as below:

• The applicant must possess a valid learner’s licence.
• For a 2-wheeler with an engine capacity less than 50cc, the applicant must be over 16 years of age.
• Applicants must only apply for a permanent DL 30 days after acquiring the learner’s licence.
• While applying for a commercial driving licence, the applicant must be above 20 years of age.

Documents Needed for Obtaining a Driving Licence (Saarthi) in Maharashtra:

Age proof:

• Educational certificate
• Birth certificate
• Employer issued certificate if you are working for central/state governments

Residence Proof: Passport

Address proof:

• Voter’s ID
• Passport
• Ration card
• LIC policy bond
• Local body/State/Central government-issued certificate for public servants

Other docs:

• Original learner’s licence
• Application form 4
• 3 passport-sized photos
• Application form 5 for commercial driving licence

How to Apply in Maharashtra (MH) for a Driving Licence?

• Online- Visit the website and click on “e-services.” Now, select" DL-related services" and then “Apply online.” Next, click on "new DL.” Fill up the details and upload scanned documents. Pay the prescribed fee and book a slot at your nearest RTO for the test.
• Offline- You will require to visit the nearest local RTO and ask for the application form. Fill in necessary details, and submit documents and the application form. Next comes the slot booking for the DL test.

How to Get a Duplicate Driving Licence in Maharashtra?

If you have lost your driving licence or someone stole it, you can apply for a duplicate driving licence. It can be done through both online and offline modes. The documentation needed is as follows:

• Copy of the original DL
• Application Form 1
• Application form LLD
• If stolen, details of the driving licence
• If stolen, a copy of the FIR
• Challan clearance report (commercial DL)

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Maharashtra?

You can follow either online or offline mode for DL renewal. If you are above 40 years, file your application in Form 1A. Other documents required are:

• Self-attested age proof
• Self-attested address proof
• Application Form 9 for DL renewal
• Form 1A (for drivers over 40 years of age)
• Copy of the expired DL

Method of Applying for an International Driving Licence in Maharashtra

An eligible Maharashtra resident can apply for an online or offline international driving licence. Following documents are required-

• Valid residence proof attested copy
• Valid nationality proof
• Attested photocopies of passport, valid driving licence, and visa
• Medical form- 1A
• 5 passport photographs

How to Avail of a Commercial Driving Licence in Maharashtra?

The following documents are required for a commercial DL in Maharashtra:

• Application form- 1A, 2, 5
• Address Proof
• Identity Proof
• Photographs of passport size

How to Check Driving Licence in Maharashtra?

Follow the steps given below after visiting the Saarthi website:

1. Click Online Services
2. Select DL-related services
3. Select “Maharashtra”
4. Click “Apply Online”
5. Click “Application status”
6. Submit credentials
7. Submit Captcha

Maharashtra’s Driving Licence Test Procedure

In Maharashtra, the driving test for releasing a driving licence to an individual is conducted at the RTO premise of the applicant’s jurisdiction in the presence of the Motor Vehicles Inspector. To attend this test, the applicants must visit the RTO on the scheduled date of the test in their vehicle. The class of the vehicle brought must match the one that was mentioned in the application. The licence tests will be conducted separately for the 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler categories and the 4-wheeler category.