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Driving Licence in Kerala: How to apply online/offline

Team AckoApr 5, 2024

Kerala is one of the most popular states located in the southern part of India. Its mesmerising scenic beauty attracts tourists from all over the world. To manage the local and tourist traffic, the RTOs in the state have been given the responsibility to regulate the transportation system.

With respect to traffic management in Kerala, one important rule that RTOs strictly implement is not allowing people to drive/ride without a valid DL or Driving Licence. In case you are wondering about how to apply for a Driving Licence in India, read ahead to know the steps.

Contents

Types of Driving Licences in Kerala
Driving Licence application process in Kerala
- How to apply for a Driving Licence online in Kerala
- How to apply for a Driving Licence offline in Kerala
How to check Driving Licence application status in Kerala
Driving test procedure in Kerala
Driving Licence fees in Kerala
Eligibility for Driving Licence in Kerala
Documents required for Driving Licence in Kerala
How to renew Driving Licence in Kerala
Duplicate Driving Licence in Kerala
International Driving Permit application in Kerala
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Types of Driving Licences in Kerala

The Transport Department in Kerala issues Driving Licences (DLs) based on different types of vehicles. The following table highlights some of the major categories of DLs one can apply for in Kerala.

Type of Driving Licence	Vehicle type
Driving Licence for two-wheeler (gearless)	Scooters, mopeds, gearless bikes, etc.
Driving Licence for two-wheeler (geared)	Geared motorcycles, scooters, etc.
Driving Licence for private four-wheeler (geared)	Cars like hatchbacks, SUVs, MUVs, sedans, etc.
Driving Licence for commercial vehicles	Transport trucks, buses, etc.
Driving Licence for other vehicles	Transport trucks that transfer hazardous items, etc.

Driving Licence application process in Kerala

An applicant can choose between an online or offline process to apply for a Driving Licence in Kerala.

How to apply for a Driving Licence online in Kerala

These are the steps to help you request a Driving Licence online in Kerala.

Step 1: You need to start the process by applying for an LL or Learner’s Licence via the portal called Parivahan.
Step 2: Through “Online Services”, you can move to “DL Services”, which will take you to the Sarathi digital portal.
Step 3: Now, you must select “Kerala” as your state of residence to get to the home screen.
Step 4: Complete your application submission under “Apply for Learner Licence” and schedule the slot for a test.
Step 5: Use your application number while taking the LL test. You will likely obtain this licence on the same day of passing the test.
Step 6: Now, go ahead and apply for a permanent licence via the same Sarathi portal by choosing the option “Apply for DL”.
Step 7: Submit the requested documents and pay the application/test fees to schedule your driving exam. Make sure you print/download the acknowledgement receipt.
Step 8: On the day of your test, you need to appear with your acknowledgement slip and follow the RTO inspector’s instructions.

After the exam, the authorities will record your biometric details and conduct a verification process. Successful verifications will result in your DL getting dispatched via speed post.

How to apply for a Driving Licence offline in Kerala

Here is how you can go about applying for a DL offline in Kerala.

Step 1: You need to visit the RTO in your area and request an application form for LL.
Step 2: Fill it out with the correct details and apply with the documents and pay the applicable fees. The RTO will also ask you to take the exam for a Learning Licence.
Step 3: Pass the exam to get yourself an LL and submit your DL application as well to decide on a slot for the driving exam.
Step 4: Appear for the exam after a month of holding the LL to showcase your driving skills.
Step 5: Submit your biometric data after finishing the test.
Step 6: Wait for the RTO to conduct their standard verifications and send the Driving Licence through the postal service.

How to check Driving Licence application status in Kerala

Before the DL gets dispatched, you can follow these steps to track the status online.

Step 1: Get to Sarathi and choose “Kerala” under the state list.
Step 2: Click on the “Application Status” and enter the requested credentials.
Step 3: View the status of your application for DL.

Driving test procedure in Kerala

When appearing for a driving test in Kerala, you must remember the following things about the procedure.

A motor vehicle inspector is assigned to manage the driving competence exam.
The inspector uses road and ground competence exams to assess the driving skills of a candidate.
The ground examination involves driving/riding in specific patterns such as “T”, “8”, and “H”.
The road test is about driving/riding in compliance with traffic laws.
In case of not passing the test, one can apply for it again.

Driving Licence fees in Kerala

Along with DL application submission, you will need to pay a certain amount of money for the associated services. The following table shows the types of services related to the DL application and their associated fees.

Type of service	Fees (in Rs.)
Learner’s Licence issuance	150
Learner’s Licence test	50
Driving Licence test	300
Driving Licence issuance	200

Eligibility for Driving Licence in Kerala

Here are the key eligibility factors related to the issuance of DL in Kerala.

For a bike DL with less than 50cc engine capacity, the applicant needs to be between 16 to 18 years old and must present parents’ consent in a letter.
For a private vehicle DL, one needs to be at the age of 18 or above to apply.
For a commercial vehicle DL, one needs to be at the age of 20 or above and passed at least the eighth standard.
An applicant must know the traffic regulations and pass the DL-related theoretical and practical exams.
An applicant must apply for a DL between 30-180 days of holding a LL.

Documents required for Driving Licence in Kerala

For a smooth issuance of a Driving Licence, you must submit the following documents for your DL application in Kerala.

Form 2 filled out for Driving Licence
Form 1 filled out for physical fitness declaration by the applicant
Form 1A used as a medical certificate, which has to be filled by a physician (necessary for applicants older than the age of 40)
Address proof (attested copies)
Age proof (attested copies)
Learning Licence (has to be valid)

How to renew Driving Licence in Kerala

Here are the quick steps to help you understand the DL renewal application process.

Step 1: Apply for a Driving Licence renewal by visiting the Sarathi portal.
Step 2: Submit the supporting documents and the fees for the process.
Step 3: Visit the RTO for verification if required and wait for the renewed DL to reach your home through the post.

Duplicate Driving Licence in Kerala

For a lost, damaged or stolen Driving Licence, the RTOs in Kerala allow you to request a duplicate document. Here are the steps to help you submit an application.

Step 1: Visit the Sarathi website, then choose “Kerala”.
Step 2: Head to the duplicate DL application section.
Step 3: Fill in your application, submit the associated documents and pay the fees.

Note: You need to submit your application within 6 months of losing your original Driving Licence.

International Driving Permit application in Kerala

International Driving Permit (IDP) certifies the ability to drive/ride motor vehicles even when you are outside the country. The application process for the same involves the following steps.

Step 1: Visit the Sarathi portal and pick “Kerala”.
Step 2: Move to “Apply for IDP”, read the instructions and go ahead to the next page.
Step 3: Complete the digital application process by filling out the form, submitting the documents and making the payment.
Step 4: Head to the selected RTO in your area for verification so the authorities can dispatch your IDP.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any DL-related decisions.