Driving License in Shimla

Shimla is a city located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is widely known for its architecture, temples and churches due to which it has become a major tourist attraction. For travelling locally, people are dependent on bus or vehicle that helps them travel across various places in and around the city. However, to be able to drive a vehicle in Shimla, it’s important for an individual to obtain a driving license. A driving license in Shimla is extremely important if an individual wants to drive a motor vehicle in the city. The Shimla RTO is established as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To help an individual obtain a driving license in Shimla, the below guide explains the DL procedure in detail.

A vehicle insurance is mandatory for every vehicle registered at Shimla RTO as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

To obtain a driving license in Shimla, an individual has to qualify with the below requirements:

• To drive a non-transport vehicle, an individual should be above the age of 18 years.
• To drive a transport vehicle, an individual should be above the age of 16 years.
• To drive a motor vehicle not exceeding an engine capacity of 50cc, the individual should be above the age of 16 years.
• To obtain a permanent DL, an individual should first obtain a learner’s license.
• Application for a permanent DL can be made after 30 days or within 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s license.
• The individual applying for a DL should be well-versed with traffic rules and regulations.

Applying for a driving license in Shimla is an easy process if the applicant follows the steps mentioned below as they explain the online and offline application process in detail.

Online application process for obtaining a driving license in Shimla

An applicant can apply for a driving license from the comfort of his home as the Himachal RTO now offers an online DL application facility. To apply for a DL online in Shimla,

• Click on e-service and select online and driver’s license
• The applicant will be directed to Ministry of State and Transport Website
• Enter the name of the state-Himachal Pradesh
• Click on apply online and select new driving license
• Fill the applicant details
• Upload scanned copies of the documents
• Upload photo and signature and pay the application fees online (Check if this facility is available for the Shimla RTO)
• Book a slot for the DL test
• Appear for the test on the selected date and time
• On passing the test, the DL will be delivered to the applicant at his doorstep.

Offline application process to obtain a driving license in Shimla

• Visit the nearest RTO
• Collect the application form
• Fill the form with the appropriate details
• Submit the relevant documents along with the form to the RTO
• Schedule a slot for the DL test
• Visit the RTO to give the test
• The DL will be issued to the applicant on passing the test.

Renewal of driving license in Shimla has to be done after 20 years or on attaining the age of 50, whichever is early for the applicant. The license has to be renewed within 30 days from the date of the date of expiry as not doing so makes the applicant liable to pay the late renewal fees.

Documents required for renewal of driving license in Shimla

• Application Form 9
• Age and address proof documents
• Medical certificate, if the applicant is above the age of 50
• Expired driving license
• Age and address proof documents
• Application fee of Rs. 200 and Rs. 300 after the grace period of 30 days. If an applicant does not renew his driving license within the grace period, then he will have to pay an application fee of Rs. 1000 on a yearly basis for late renewal.

Procedure for renewal of DL in Shimla

Renewal of driving license in Shimla can be done at the Shimla RTO office. But for this, the applicant has to first make an application which he can be done online through parivahan.gov.in or directly at the RTO. Once the application is made, the applicant will have to visit the RTO for the verification process. Once the documents and the form submitted are verified, the renewed DL is issued to the applicant on the same day.

A driving license in Shimla is issued by the Shimla RTO on passing the driving test. If the applicant passes the DL test, then the DL is issued to him within 2-3 weeks from the date of passing the test. If the applicant fails the test, then he can re-appear for the test after 7 days. Driving license test in Shimla is conducted as per rule 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The test is supervised by a Motor Vehicles Inspector who inspects the applicant’s driving skills and also his familiarity with the vehicle and awareness about traffic rules and regulations. During the test, the applicant has to make sure that he makes use of the rear and side view mirrors, always shifts gears smoothly and drives the vehicle well to avoid failing the test.