Driving license –Guidelines for NRIs and Foreigners

There are people who come to India from other countries for professional as well as personal reasons. These visitors can get driving license in India according to Section 9(3)(a)(iii) of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Once they obtain the license, they can drive their vehicles throughout the country without any hassles.

Before getting a license, the following factors must be taken into consideration:

• NRIs and foreigners cannot use their home/residing country license to drive on Indian roads.
• An international driving license is valid in India, but the validity is restricted to a maximum of one year.
• NRIs and foreigners who wish to reside in India for more than one year must apply for an Indian driving license.
• Those who already have driving licenses in their home countries can apply for a driving license in India without getting a learner’s permit.
• Applicants who wish to get a driving license can apply for it in their nearest RTOs.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age in order to obtain a driving license in India.

Documents required for driving license application

If you are a foreign national or an NRI looking for a driving license in India, you can visit the RTO directly and apply for a license. While direct application is possible, some people might find it a hassle to go through all the paperwork on their own. In this case, they can opt for the service of a driving school. They will help you file the application and guide you on the paperwork in exchange for a small fee. Some of the documents required for filing a license application are listed as follows:

• Duly filled application form
• Passport sized photographs
• Proof of identity or age proof
• Residential permit
• Medical fitness certificate
• Copy of existing license in home country

If you are applying for a license for the first time ever (in any country), you need to get a learner’s permit first and then apply for a permanent license.