Driving Licence in Kolkata

Carrying driving essentials such as pollution control certificate, car/bike insurance, and driving licence in big cities like Kolkata have been made mandatory by West Bengal Transport Authority, as per Section 139 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act 1988, either in physical or digital form. The process of availing different licences is straightforward, now that every process has shifted to online portals.

Here, on the page, we have detailed the procedure to apply for DL in Kolkata city. We would also be looking into the documents required for other types of driving licences in Kolkata.

Different Types of Driving Licence in Kolkata

There are different types of driving licence (Saarthi) in Kolkata:

1. Light Motor Vehicle Licence: For driving light motor vehicles, like a car or a bike
2. Medium Motor Vehicle Licence: For driving medium/commercial vehicles such as tempos, delivery trucks, and minivans
3. Heavy Motor Vehicle Licence: For driving heavy vehicles such as commercial trucks
4. Motorcycle With Gear Licence: For driving motorcycles with gears, including mopeds, scooters, and vehicles exceeding the limit of 50CC
5. Motorcycle Without Gear Licence: For driving a motorcycle without gears
6. Commercial Motor Vehicle Licence: For driving box trucks, pickup trucks, taxis, trailers, etc.

What is the Eligibility Criteria to Avail Driving Licence in Kolkata?

To avail a driving licence (Saarthi) in Kolkata, you must meet the criteria mentioned below.

• Age of 18 years or above
• Must hold a valid learner’s licence
• A permanent driving licence in Kolkata can only be applied for after completing 30 days or before 180 days of obtaining a learner's licence.
• Age of 20 years or above for a commercial vehicle licence
• Knowledge about traffic rules and regulations

What are the Documents Required to Apply for Driving Licence in Kolkata?

For applying to avail a driving licence in Kolkata, you will need the following list of documents:

• Duly-filled application form
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Photocopy of the PAN card
• Copy of a valid Learner’s Licence
• Medical fitness certificate
• Fee payment receipt
• A copy of the birth certificate
• A copy of the address proof
• A copy of the parent/guardian’s written permission with date and signature if the applicant is a minor

How to Apply for Driving Licence in Kolkata?

A driving licence (Saarthi) in Kolkata can be applied via the online or offline process. Both the methods are given below.

• Online method: Visit West Bengal Transport's official website or Saarthi website. Click on 'Apply Online' and then on 'New Driving Licence.' Fill out the application form with the required details and upload the documents required for DL in Kolkata. Pay the application fee, and you will get an appointment for the first round of tests; give the test and, upon qualifying, get Learner’s Licence. Then after 30 days, you can get your permanent Driving Licence.
• Offline method: Visit any nearby RTO to get the application form. Fill out the form and submit the documents. Pay the application fee, and you will get an appointment for the first round of tests. Upon qualifying for the test, you can get a learner's licence. Then after 30 days of getting LL, apply for a permanent driving licence in Kolkata.

How to Avail a Duplicate Driving Licence in Kolkata?

You would require the following documents to get a duplicate driving licence in Kolkata:

• Duly-filled application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• A copy of the PAN card
• Challan clearance report (commercial DL)
• Copy of the FIR (if stolen)
• Damaged DL (if damaged)
• Application form LLD

One can avail a duplicate DL in Kolkata through the online or offline methods mentioned above.

How to Avail a Renewed Driving Licence in Kolkata?

One can avail a Renewed DL in Kolkata through the online or offline methods mentioned above. Following documents would be submitted to the RTO of your area:

• Duly-filled application form
• A copy of DL
• Copy of Identity proof
• Medical fitness certificate
• Two passport-sized photos
• A copy of the PAN card
• Challan clearance report (commercial DL)

How to Avail an International Driving Licence in Kolkata?

If you want to drive your vehicle on international roads, you need an international driving licence. You can avail it in your city online or offline. To apply for an International Driving Licence in Kolkata, you can visit the nearest RTO with the following documents:

• Application form for international driving licence
• Valid Indian DL
• Medical fitness certificate
• Identity proof
• Residence proof
• Two passport-sizes photographs

How to Avail a Commercial Driving Licence in Kolkata?

For the purpose of driving commercial vehicles in Kolkata, you need a commercial vehicle licence. For availing of a commercial driving licence (Saarthi) in Kolkata, the following documents would be required by the authorities:

• Form 1A (medical fitness)
• Form 5 (training centre)
• Form 2 for CDL
• Passport-sized photos
• Address proof
• ID proof

How to Check Driving Licence in Kolkata?

The process of checking your driving licence application status online is given below:

1. Visit Parivahan Sewa’s official website
2. Click on 'Online Services.' in the menu
3. Navigate across 'Driving Licence-Related Services’ and select ‘Apply Online’ after selecting your state
4. Click on ‘Application Status’
5. Enter the required details
6. Submit your request

Driving Licence Test Procedure in Kolkata

The driving licence test in Kolkata is conducted by an Inspector from the RTO Office. This test examines your awareness and knowledge about the various traffic. Qualifying the test will grant you a learner's licence. Thirty days after availing LL, take your motor vehicle and LL for a driving test to show driving skills. Passing it will make you avail permanent DL in Kolkata.