Driving Licence in Kerala – Online and Offline Application for Driving Licence in Kerala

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, there is one piece of documentation that has to be carried when taking control of a vehicle – a valid driving licence. In India, driving has become extremely popular with more people looking to buy their own vehicles rather than rely on public transport to get around. Kerala is one such state that is seeing a surge of driving licence applicants and even with the ongoing pandemic, the number keeps rising steadily. Fortunately, the Indian government has made it quite easy for people to apply for a driving licence. The process can either be completed online or offline and takes only a few minutes to do so. Below is a complete guide on how you can apply for a driving licence in Kerala.

Types of Driving Licences (DL) in Kerala (KL)

The driving licence for a vehicle is based on the type of vehicle the applicant chooses. In the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department, there are a number of classes of vehicles for which different types of driving licences can be issued. Here is the type of driving licences available in Kerala.

• Motorcycles that come with engine capacities of 50cc or lower.
• Motorcycles that come with/without gears such as mopeds and scooters.
• LMV or Light Motor Vehicles for non-transport purposes.
• LMV or Light Motor Vehicles for commercial purposes.
• HGV or Heavy Goods Vehicles.
• HPV or Heavy Passenger Vehicles.
• Motor vehicles of specific descriptions.

Eligibility Criteria for a Driving Licence (DL) in Kerala (KL)

The eligibility criteria for acquiring a driving licence in Kerala are the same as it is across the country. However, there might be a few tweaks or changes depending on the rules of the state. Here is what you need to know before you can apply for a driving licence in Kerala.

• For a two-wheeler vehicle that doesn’t exceed 50cc, applicants must be above the age of 16-years and get written consent from their parents or legal guardians.
• When applying for a non-transport driving licence, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• When applying for a transport driving licence, applicants must be at least 20 (twenty) years of age and should have passed the eighth standard (Class 8).
• If applicants require transport driving licences for driving auto-rickshaws, they will be exempted from one year of driving experience.
• Applicant must have a valid learners licence.
• Applicant must apply for a permanent driving licence 30 (thirty) days after or within 180 (one hundred and eighty) days of acquiring the learners licence.
• Applicants should be well-versed with all the traffic rules and regulations.

Documents Required for a Driving Licence in Kerala

There are a number of documents that have to be copied and attached when applying for a driving licence in Kerala. Here is a list of the documents needed:

Proof of Age (Any One)

• Birth Certificate
• Educational Certificate
• PAN Card
• Self-Attested Copy of Passport
• Certificate from Employer in case applicant is working for the state/central government

Proof of Address (Any One)

• Ration Card
• Voter’s ID
• LIC Policy Bond
• Valid Passport
• Certificate from Employer in case applicant is working for the state/central government

Other Required Documents

• Form 4 (Application Form)
• Form 5 (If applying for Commercial Driving Licence)
• Original Learner’s Licence
• 3 (Three) Passport-Size Photographs

How to Apply for a Driving Licence Offline in Kerala?

Kerala is one of the worst-hit states during the COVID-19 pandemic and because of that, it is safer to apply for a driving licence online. However, the offline procedure for applying for a driving licence is considered extremely popular. Here are the steps to follow when applying for a driving licence offline in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit the local RTO in your jurisdiction and request the application form. You could also download the form online.

Step 2: Carefully andcorrectly fill in the details of the form such as name, address, DOB, and blood type.

Step 3: Attach the documents listed in the form and submit them to the RTO.

Step 4: After submission, you will have to choose a date and time slot to appear for the driving licence test.

Step 5: Complete the payment for the driving licence application and test.

Step 6: If the test is cleared successfully, the driving licence will be issued to the registered address through speed post.

How to Apply for Driving Licence Online in Kerala?

With smartphones and computers becoming easily available, the online application process for a driving licence in Kerala is considered the best option. There are certain steps that need to be followed in order to correctly apply for a driving licence online in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways page called Parivahan Sewa

Step 2: Hover/Click on the “Online Services” tab and then select “Driving Licence Related Services”.

Step 3: On the next page, select “Kerala” from the ‘Select State Name’ drop-down menu.

Step 4: Click on the “Apply for Driving Licence” button.

Step 5: Read the Instructions and click “Continue”.

Step 6: Enter the “Learner’s Licence Number” and “Date of Birth” in the spaces provided before clicking “OK”.

Step 7: Correctly fill in the form and scan and attach the required documents.

Step 8: After submitting the form and documents, choose a date to give the driving licence test.

Step 9: Complete the Application Fee payment and verify the same.

Step 10: Print the receipt and provide it on the day of the test.

Step 11: If the test is successfully cleared, the driving licence will be issued to the registered address through speed post.

Steps to Check Driving Licence Application Status Online

Once the application process is completed, applicants can check the status of their driving licence. The RTO advises all applicants to check the status after the first two weeks from the date of submission. The reason behind this is that the RTO takes about 2 weeks to prepare, issue, and dispatch the licence to the registered address. Anyone wishing to check the status of their driving licence in Kerala, these are the steps to follow:

Steps to check driving licence status online through the State Transport Department website:

Applicants can check the status of their driving licence through the official state transport department website by following the below steps:

Step 1: Visit the official Motor Vehicles Department website of Kerala - https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/citizenCorner

Step 2: Look for the Driving Licence tab and click on it.

Step 3: Search for “Check Status” or “Application Status” and click on it.

Step 4: Enter the required information such as “Application Number”, “Date of Birth”, and enter the “Captcha”.

Step 5: Click on “Submit” and on the next page, the status information of the driving licence will be available.

Steps to check driving licence status online through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways official website:

Checking the status of the driving in Kerala can also be done through the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website page called Parivahan. Here are the steps to follow for correctly applying for a driving licence online in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit Official website of Road Transport and Highways

Step 2: Click on the “Online Services” tab.

Step 3: Click on the “Driving Licence Related Services” tab.

Step 4: Choose the State from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Click on the “Application Status” button.

Step 6: Enter the “Application Number”, “Date of Birth”, and “Captcha”.

Step 7: Click on “Submit”.

Step 8: On the next page, you will find the status of your driving licence application.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Kerala?

In India, a driving licence is valid for 20 years and must be renewed when the document expires. However, if the driving licence is misplaced or in a bad condition, the holder can apply for a duplicate licence. A duplicate driving licence can also be applied for when the document is damaged, stolen, or lost. To apply for a duplicate driving licence, here is what you need to know.

Documents required when applying for a duplicate driving licence in Kerala:

When applying for a duplicate driving licence in Kerala, here are the documents required:

• Filled and signed application form LLD.

• Copies of an affidavit, an F.I.R, and a complaint.

• In case the driving licence is a commercial one, a Challan clearance report from the Traffic Police is required.
• Age Proof.

• Address Proof.

• Form No. 1.
• Copy of driving licence.
• In case the driving licence is stolen, the licence number is required.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Kerala

Applying for a duplicate driving licence in Kerala can be done both online as well as offline and takes only a few minutes to complete the procedure. When it comes to the offline process, a duplicate driving licence must be applied for from the RTO where the original was issued. The online process can be done through a smartphone or a computer with an internet connection. Both methods are relatively simple and require carefully following the steps.

Offline Procedure for Duplicate Driving Licence Application

• Step 1: Visit the RTO office or website and correctly fill in the LLD form.
• Step 2: Attach the requested documents
• Step 3: Attach two passport-sized photographs.
• Step 4: Enter the details of the misplaced/stolen learner’s licence.
• Step 5: Lodge an FIR if the learner’s license was stolen and attach a copy of it with the form.
• Step 6: Pay the requested application fees.

Online Procedure for Duplicate Driving Licence Application

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa website

• Step 2: Click on “Online Services”.
• Step 3: Choose “Driving Licence Related Services”.

• Step 4: Select the State from the drop-down.
• Step 5: From the new page, click on “Apply for Duplicate DL”.

• Step 6: Read the Instructions carefully and then click ‘Continue’.
• Step 7: Enter the “Driving Licence Number” and “Date of Birth” in the provided spaces.

• Step 8: Click on “Get DL Details” to check the Driving Licence information.
• Step 9: Click on “Proceed”.
• Step 10: Correctly fill the form and upload the documents requested.
• Step 10: Click “Next” after uploading all documents.
• Step 11: Choose the “Fee Payment” option and select “Next”.
• Step 12: Choose “Click here to continue e-Payment”.
• Step 13: Follow the instructions carefully and “Proceed for Payment”.
• Step 14: Click on “Continue” and then “Print Receipt” once the payment is completed.

How to Renew a Driving Licence in Kerala?

Renewing a driving licence in Kerala can be done when the original driving licence has expired. Driving licence holders must apply for a renewal within 30 days of the original licence expiring. The criteria for renewing a driving licence in Kerala are listed here:

• Driving licence holders have to visit the RTO to complete the renewal process.
• Those individuals who have been barred from the driving licence application process, cannot apply for driving licence renewal.
• If the driving licence has been expired for over 5 years, it cannot be renewed. In this case, the holder has to apply for a new driving licence.

Documents required for Renewal of Driving Licence in Kerala:

There are some very important documents required when it comes to renewing a driving licence in Kerala. Here are the documents needed:

• Form 9 correctly filled and signed.

• Copies of the original driving licence that has expired.
• If the driver is over 40 years of age, correctly filled out Form 1A and a Medical Certificate.

• 2 Passport-Sized Photos.
• Copies of drivers Age and Address proof with self-attestation.
• Fees for the renewal application (Rs. 200) along with the receipt.

Offline Renewal Procedure

Here are the steps for renewing a driving licence offline in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit the RTO nearest to your registered address.

Step 2: Request for the renewal application form or Form 9.

Step 3: Correctly fill out the form.

Step 4: Attach copies of the expired driving licence.

Step 5: Attach Form 1A and a Medical Certificate if the holder is over 40 years of age.

Step 6: Attach 2 passport-size photographs with the Application form.

Step 7: Attach copies of the holder’s Age Proof and Address Proof.

Step 8: Pay the driving licence renewal fees of Rs. 200 at the RTO.

Step 9: Once the forms and documents are verified, your renewed driving licence will be issued.

Online Renewal Procedure

Here are the steps for renewing a driving licence online in Kerala:

Step 1: Visit the RTO website

Step 2: Hover the cursor over the “Online Services” tab.

Step 3: Click on “Driving Licence Related Services”.

Step 4: On the next page, choose “Kerala” from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Click on the “Apply for DL Renewal” button.

Step 6: Read the Instructions carefully and then click ‘Continue’.

Step 7: Enter the “Driving Licence Number” and “Date of Birth” in the provided spaces.

Step 8: Click on “Get DL Details” to check the Driving Licence information.

Step 9: Click on “Proceed”.

Step 10: Correctly fill the form and upload the documents requested.

Step 10: Click “Next” after uploading all documents.

Step 11: Choose the “Fee Payment” option and select “Next”.

Step 12: Choose “Click here to continue e-Payment”.

Step 13: Follow the instructions carefully and “Proceed for Payment”.

Step 14: Click on “Continue” and then “Print Receipt” once the payment is completed.

How to Apply for an International Driving Licence in Kerala?

Anyone who wants to apply for an International Driving Licence in Kerala has to follow the procedure correctly. The steps are simple and can be done online as well as offline. The best way to apply for an International Driving Licence in Kerala is to visit the Parivahan Sewa website and follow the instructions there. After filling the forms, applicants have to attach and submit the correct documentation as well. Below is everything you need to know about applying for an International Driving Licence in Kerala.

Documents Required for Applying for an International Driving Licence in Kerala:

Here are the documents required when applying for an International Driving Licence in Kerala:

• Proof of Nationality.
• Attested copies of Passport, Driving Licence, and VISA.
• Attested copies of Residence Proof.
• 5 Full-Size Passport photos.
• Form 1A.

Driving test Procedure in Kerala:

The driving test is the most important part of the driving licence application process. If you do not successfully clear the test, the driving licence will not be issued. In Kerala, a driving licence test is conducted at the RTO of the applicant’s jurisdiction and with a Motor Vehicles Inspector present. The driving licence test is mandatory for all applicants – online and offline. Applicants will need to visit the RTO on the selected date and they should have their own vehicle. The vehicle class must match the one that is listed on the application form. There are two types of driving licence tests done at the RTO – test for 2-wheeler/3-wheeler and test for 4-wheeler.

Driving Licence Test for 2-Wheelers/3-Wheelers

When it comes to the driving licence test for 2/3 wheeler vehicles, the RTO and the Motor Vehicles Inspector check to see whether the applicant is capable of riding the vehicle within the specified area. Usually, the applicant is required to ride in a “Figure 8” pattern without lowering their feet and without touching any of the side rails. If this stage is cleared successfully, the inspector will approve the “Road Test” where the applicant must ride a certain distance with the inspector and follow all the rules and regulations. If this stage is also cleared, the inspector approves the driving licence.

Driving Licence Test for 4-Wheelers

The 4-wheeler driving licence test is quite similar to that of the 2/3-wheeler test. The applicants in the 4-wheeler test have to drive in the “H” pattern and avoid the columns and obstacles in the way. If the applicant clears this stage, the inspector approves the road test and the applicant will have to drive a certain distance while following the rules and regulations of the road. If the applicant clears this stage as well, the inspector approves the driving licence.

Tips for Clearing the Driving Test

Here are some handy tips that will surely get you through your driving licence test with ease:

• Keep practicing before the actual test so that you are confident enough.
• Get to the RTO earlier than the selected time. This will keep you calm before giving the test.
• Once the test is completed, don’t turn off the engine until the vehicle has completely stopped.
• Shift gears smoothly.
• When riding/driving, make sure to use the side and rear-view mirrors to check for traffic.
• When making a turn, always use the indicator light as well as a hand signal.
• Do not take longer than 15 minutes to complete the test. Practice this and time yourself.

FAQs

Q: How can I check my driving licence status in Kerala?

A: To check the driving licence status in Kerala, you have to official website at https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/index.php/license. You will have to select the Application Status button and select Licence. Enter the required details and click on continue to get the status of the driving licence.

Q: What are the documents required for the addition of a new class to a driving licence?

A: There are a few documents required for the addition of a new class to a driving licence. They are mentioned below:

• Valid driving licence.
• Valid learner’s licence.
• Application Form 8.
• Form 1 and Form 1A.
• Driving Licence Certificate Form 5.
• Fees of Rs. 500, Rs. 250 for the smart card, and Rs. 50 as service charges.

Q: Is Smart Card DL available in Kerala?

A: Yes. The Smart Card DL is available in Kerala.

Q: What are the driving licence fees in Kerala?

A: In Kerala, the driving licence fees are Rs. 200.

Q: How can I change my driving licence test date in Kerala?

A: If you wish to change the date of the driving licence test in Kerala, you have to visit the official Motor Vehicles Department website listed above and enter details such as DOB and Learner’s Licence Number. Alternately, you can visit the RTO directly and request a change of date.