Navigating the picturesque coastal city of Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as it’s affectionately known, is a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, this enchanting city in the southeastern part of India offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Whether you’re a local resident or a newcomer to this coastal paradise, one of the keys to unlocking its myriad wonders is securing a valid driving licence. But how does one go about obtaining a driving licence in Visakhapatnam, ensuring compliance with local regulations and road safety standards?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, providing valuable insights, tips, and local knowledge to help you successfully obtain your driving licence in Visakhapatnam. Get ready to hit the road and explore this captivating city legally and confidently.
To get your driving licence in Visakhapatnam, you need to meet these conditions:
The Transport Department in Visakhapatnam issues Driving Licences (DLs) based on different types of requirements and vehicles. Before you get a driving licence, you should get a learner’s licence. Here are the kinds of licences you can apply for:
Type of Driving Licence | Type of Vehicle |
Two-wheeler (gearless) | Scooters, mopeds, gearless bikes, etc. |
Two-wheeler (geared) | Geared motorcycles, scooters, etc. |
Private four-wheeler (geared) | Hatchbacks, SUVs, MUVs, Coupés, Sedans, etc. |
Commercial vehicles | Transport buses, trucks, etc. |
Other vehicles | Transport trucks that transfer hazardous/industrial goods. |
Also Read: Driving Licence Fees Online in Visakhapatnam
The following documents are required in order to obtain a driving licence (DL):
Proof of Age:
Proof of Residence:
Other Documents:
Also Read: Driving Licence Online & Offline Visakhapatnam
To apply for a Learner’s Licence in Visakhapatnam, you need to do the following:
Note: In case you fail the qualifying test, you are allowed to reapply after 7 days. After 30 days of receiving the learner’s licence, you are eligible to apply for a permanent licence.
Visakhapatnam offers three types of driving licences:
If you want to apply for a driving licence in Visakhapatnam, you can choose from the following options:
Read on to understand these processes in detail.
Also Read: Driving Licence Renewal Visakhapatnam
Applying for a driving licence is far from a daunting task now. Once you’ve received your learner’s licence, you can apply for a driving licence after 30 days or within 6 months.
Here’s how you can apply for a driving licence online in Visakhapatnam through the Parivahan Portal:
Once the form is filled out and your driving test is booked, you’re left with the final step, fee payment. To pay the driving licence fees online, you need to follow these steps:
If you wish to skip the online process and apply for your driving licence offline, you will need to do the following:
To view a list of RTOs in Visakhapatnam, click here.
Your driving test will be conducted by an Inspector at the RTO. It requires the applicant to drive on the RTO’s designated driving track. Applicants are tested on general driving skills, how well they follow the rules, and their knowledge of the rules.
In Visakhapatnam, the driving licence test adheres to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. Applicants should bring their vehicle for the test. Alternatively, they can use a motor driving school’s vehicle. Here’s how the test is conducted:
In case of failure, you can take the test again after 7 days, after paying a nominal fee.
In Visakhapatnam, acquiring an international driving permit (IDP) necessitates an application at the RTO along with the necessary documents. While no test is mandatory, applicants must possess a permanent DL.
If you intend to secure an international driving permit, you should gather the following documents from your current place of residence:
Also Read: What is the full form of RTO?
Here’s a table detailing the different fees that you need to pay:
Type of Licence-related Issue | Fee (₹) |
Learner’s licence | ₹200 |
Learner’s licence renewal | ₹200 |
International driver’s licence | ₹1,000 |
Driving Licence Fees | ₹200 |
Driver’s licence test | ₹300 |
Driver’s licence renewal | ₹200 |
Renewal and issue of licence for driving schools | ₹10,000 |
Issue of renewed driver’s licence | ₹200 |
Appeal fee against RTO | ₹500 |
Issue of duplicate licence for driving schools | ₹5,000 |
Also Read: Car Registration Charges in India – RTO
In conclusion, obtaining a driving licence in Visakhapatnam is not merely a legal requirement; it’s your gateway to exploring the enchanting landscapes, vibrant streets, and cultural richness of this coastal gem. From the serene beaches to the bustling markets, every corner of Vizag holds an adventure waiting to be discovered.
This guide has been your trusty companion, offering valuable insights and step-by-step instructions to ensure you navigate the process seamlessly. As you embark on your journey to become a licensed driver in Visakhapatnam, remember that road safety and responsible driving are paramount in contributing to the city’s charm and vibrancy.
So, whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of Vizag, obtaining your driving licence is the first step towards countless memorable journeys. Buckle up, stay informed, and embrace the road to driving legally in Visakhapatnam, all while immersing yourself in its unique culture and coastal beauty. Your adventure awaits!
Q. When to check your driving licence status in Visakhapatnam?
It takes 30 days to get your driving licence after the date of the driving test. You can start checking your driving licence status two weeks after clearing your driving test in Visakhapatnam.
Q. Is there any fee to check the driving licence status?
There is no fee to access the website or check your driver’s licence status.
Q. Can I drive on public roads with a learner’s driving licence?
Yes, you can drive on public roads with a learner’s driving licence. However, you must be accompanied by someone carrying a permanent/valid driving licence.
Q. For how long is a learner’s driving licence valid?
A learner’s driving licence is valid for 6 months or 180 days. However, the licence holder must apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days and before 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s licence.
Q. Can I renew a learner’s driving licence?
Yes, a learner’s driving licence can be renewed if it expires.
Q. Can I reappear for my driving test if I fail on the first attempt?
Yes, you can reappear for your driving test after 7 days of your first attempt.
Q. What is the legal age for driving in India?
The legal age for driving a geared vehicle is 18 years, while the legal age for driving non-geared vehicles is 16 years.
Q. If I have an existing driving licence, how do I check its status?
You can check the status of your existing driving licence here.
Q. How do I download my driving licence on DigiLocker?
Here’s how you can download your driving licence on DigiLocker:
Step 1: Visit the https://www.digilocker.gov.in/ or app and sign up.
Step 2: Select “Get more Issued Documents” from the “Issued Documents” menu. Click on “Pull documents”.
Step 3: Select “Ministry of Road Transport and Highways” under “Central Government”.
Step 4: Click on “Driving Licence” under “Document Type”. Enter your details: name, date of birth, and driving licence number. Click on “Get Document.” This will download your DL on your phone.
Q. What is the validity of a driving licence in Visakhapatnam?
A private driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till the holder attains 40 years of age, whichever comes earlier. After the age of 40, a driving licence is issued for 10 years and then 5 years subsequently.
In Visakhapatnam, there is just 1 RTO office, whose details have been given below –
RTO Code | Address |
AP-31 | Vuda Colony, Marripalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530009 |