Eligibility for Getting a Driving License
For gearless bike the minimum age is 16 years.
For bikes with gears and four-wheelers the minimum age is 18 years.
Valid Learner’s Licence (LL)
After 30 days but not more than 6 months after the issuance of LL
Minimum age for getting a commercial driving licence is 20 years
Must have knowledge of traffic rules and regulations
Application process for driving license in Kolkata, West Bengal
Steps to apply for a driving license in Kolkata are as follows:
Visit the nearest RTO in Kolkata to collect your application form or directly apply through a motor driving school.
You may also download and print the RTO online application form from the website.
In the form, you will have to fill the following details:
Full name
Father’s Name
Residential address
Education qualification
Date of birth
Place of birth
Blood group
Identification mark
Submit the required documents (residential address proof, passport sized photos, ID proof, etc.)
After submitting the documents, you will get a slot for a preliminary test to judge your familiarity with regulations, traffic laws, and road rules
Once the test has been passed, you will get the learner’s license
In case you are unsuccessful then you can opt for the next available slot after a month
Required Documents for Getting a Driving License in Kolkata, West Bengal
Form No.4 (driving license application)
Self-attested Photo (6 passports sized photos for learner’s license and 1 for permanent license)
Residence proof, with attested copy of the following:
Ration card (with affidavit) or
Voter’s ID card or
Valid passport or
Aadhar Card or
Rent agreement of Residence in Kolkata with electricity bill or gas bill
Life Insurance policy which or LIC which is at least 6 months old and has the latest receipt or
Employer’s certificate if you work with the Local Bodies/Central Government or Government of West Bengal accompanied by an attested copy of your employee Identity Card.
Age Proof (an attested copy of any of the following):
Educational certificate or
Birth certificate or
A valid passport or
10th Standard marksheet or
Passport or
PAN card
Employer’s certificate for employees working with the Local Body / State Government / Central Government supported by an attested copy of your Identity Card.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving License
A duplicate driving license can be availed from any Transport Department office in Kolkata if your license has been stolen, mutilated or lost. You will need the following documents to get a duplicate one in Kolkata:
An application in Form LLD
In case it is lost then a FIR/NCR
Fitness certificate in Form No. 1
200/- fee
Copy of address proof, attested by a public Notary or Gazetted Officer
The duplicate license will be issued by after all the particulars have been verified from the existing records. However, if the driving license has been lost for more than 6 months, then, you will require special permission from the Headquarter of the Transport Department to get a new one.
Application Process to Renew Your Driving License in West Bengal
The forms or certificates which have to be deposited to RTO Office In Kolkata for the renewal of the license are:
Application Form No.9
Two recent passport size photograph
Medical Certificate in Form No.1 (If the candidate is above 40)
Old driving license
Age proof
Residential proof documents
All the photocopies have to be attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public. A copy of the laminated driving license will be provided after depositing the fee of Rs. 80. The RTO department officials often do not verify the details if they feel that the particulars provided are correct.
Also, read: Driving Licence (DL) renewal: Online and offline process
Different Kinds of Driving Licenses
The West Bengal government issues three types of driving licenses depending on the vehicle driven by the applicant:
1. Driving license issued for bikes without gear:
People who ride mopeds and gearless bikes are usually provided this type of driving license. You will have to be at least 16 years of age to avail this. The documentation required is usually same and the time required does not vary.
2. Driving license for light motor vehicles:
People driving cars and motorcycles with gears can apply for this license. The applicant needs to be at least 18 years to apply for the same.
3. Driving license issued for transport vehicles:
For driving a transport vehicle all like a cab, truck, lorry, private service vehicle, and trailer, you must apply after you have reached the age of 20. To avail such a license you must be physically fit and aware of all the driving regulations.
International Driving License in West Bengal
Any international or Indian citizens living in another country can also apply for a driving license in the state. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) authority issues an International driving license to such individuals:
Apply to the licensing authority within the jurisdiction of your area, along with the required documents. Indian citizens require practice in driving while applying for the same because, in foreign countries, people have a left-hand drive while our cars have a right-hand drive.
Indian citizens can drive abroad using their International driving license it has a validity period of 1 year.
The fee required for issuing the International Driving license is around Rs.1000/, but the official site should be checked for the exact amount.
Documents for International Driving License
Attested photocopy of the Passport
Indian Driving License
Copy of valid Visa
Recent passport size photographs
Attested copy of address proof
Attested copy of Birth Certificate
An Application Form
A medical certificate (Form No.1-A)
Payment of Rs. 1,000/
Tips for Clearing the Driving Test
Turn off the vehicle only after it has stopped completely.
Shifting the gears smoothly is important if you are driving a car.
Use both the rear and side mirrors during riding.
Prior to turning, don’t forget to put an indicator and show the hand signal.
An RTO officer will be standing near the test area to see how well you ride the bike.
If you are driving a car, then, the officer will sit in the car with you to see how well you drive.
Offices You Can Visit for Obtaining Driving License in Kolkata
Barsat RTO,Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700124
Alipore RTO, 25, Belvedere Road, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700027
Public Vehicles Department, 38, Beltala Road, Garcha, Bellygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700020
Road Transport Corporation, Entally, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700014
Road Transport Corporation, 17, Tarachand Dutta Street, Burrabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700073
Sub Divisional Officer’s Office RTO, SN Banerjee Rd, Cantonment, Barrackpore, West Bengal 700120
Motor Vehicles Department, RTO Salt Lake, CM Block, Sector V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091