One of the most important aspects of people’s lives today is transportation, and the ability to commute comfortably and reliably. While people do avail public transport services in Pakistan, the majority of the population prefers to have their own cars and bikes.
However, to drive a car or bike on public roads, the law requires an individual to have a valid driving license. This article is intended to guide the reader about the procedure of applying for a driving license in Pakistan.
Steps to Apply for a Driving License in Pakistan:
What Is A Driving License?
By definition, a driving license is a permit issued by the government allowing an individual to drive a car and/or a bike on roads open to the public. The issuing of driving licenses is a standard practice internationally to ensure that the driver is practically qualified to drive their vehicle and understands traffic rules, signals and regulations for their own safety and everyone else’s too.
How To Get A Driving License Online In Pakistan?
In Pakistan, the procedure of issuing driving licenses is typically handled by the Traffic Police department of each province. Previously, getting a driving license in Pakistan was notoriously cumbersome and time-consuming, which caused people to get fake licenses, or drive on open roads without a license at all. This was not only prevalent among youngsters who had just learned how to drive, but also held true for experienced drivers who did not bother renewing their expired driving licenses.
Given the gross disregard for the old system in place, the procedure for getting a driving license in Pakistan was completely overhauled by the Pakistan Information Technology Board (PITB). With the recently launched Driving License Issuance and Management System (DLIMS), the process of applying for a driver’s license in Pakistan has been streamlined considerably, and a lot of the previously required documentation in the application process has been reduced.
Now, applicants only need their valid ID cards and Medical Fitness Certificates (if they are above 50 or applying for the commercial category). Before we delve into the steps of getting a driving license in Pakistan, it is worth noting that currently DLIMS is only operational in Punjab, although it is expected to roll out to other provinces in the near future.
Step 1: Getting a Learner’s Driving License
The journey towards a permanent driving license begins when you apply online for a learner’s driving license. After the learning period (stipulated to be a minimum of 42 days) is over, the applicant needs to visit their nearest City Traffic Police Office, or Police Khidmat Markaz, in order to pass the theoretical and practical driving tests. You can find your nearest Traffic Police Office location here and Punjab Police Khidmat Markaz location here.
Step 2: Passing The Road Signs Test
This knowledge-based component tests the candidate’s knowledge and aptitude in remembering what various traffic signs and signals mean. Helpfully, official preparatory material is easily available to license candidates both on the Punjab Traffic Police website and in the form of an application on the Google Play Store.
To pass, candidates must answer at least 5 multiple choice questions correctly out of a total of 10, within a time limit of 2 minutes. After this test is completed, the candidates are escorted to the practical driving test area by a traffic police warden.
Step 3: Passing The Driving Test
The practical driving test consists of driving and reversing a car or bike along a right hand turn without touching or knocking over any of the traffic cones outlining the test track. During the test, the driver’s diligence for safety protocols and overall maneuvering proficiency are assessed by a professional.
If the candidate knocks over a cone or fails to adhere to driver safety procedures, they will not pass the test. The driving test will also not be passed if the candidate adjusts their car’s position more than once to avoid hitting a traffic cone. However, in case the candidate does not pass the driving test on the first try, they can always return for a second attempt after another 42 days have passed since the first attempt.
Step 4: Paying The Fees
Once the candidate successfully passes both the tests, they only have to pay the fee before getting their brand new driving license. Firstly, they have to pay Rs. 180 on STR form, which has to be deposited in the branch after passing the tests. At the time of writing, the fees for the various types of driving licenses are as follows:
- Motorcycle License Fees (Annual): 500 rupees
- Motorcar/Jeep License Fees (Annual): 1800 rupees
- Light Transport License Fees (Annual): 2000 rupees
- Heavy Transport License Fees (Annual): 2000 rupees
- Tractor License Fees (Annual): 1000 rupees
- Commercial Tractor License Fees (Annual): 1500 rupees
- Persons with Disabilities (Annual): Fee abolished
- Public Service Vehicle License Fees (Annual): 1500 rupees
- Other License Categories: Increased to 1000 rupees
These can be paid via a bank draft of 100 Rupees in any HBL branch with account title CTO Driving Licensing Testing Fee in account no. 01277901547301 (only applicable in Lahore). Once all the fees have been deposited, the candidate is issued a new permanent driving license, which is valid for up to 5 years.
Need Help Getting Your New Driving License?
At the time of writing, the information presented on this page is only valid for Punjab, where DLIMS has been implemented fully. Although applying for driving license online through DLIMS is poised to expand throughout Pakistan in the near future, and is partially functional in Balochistan and KPK, the exact procedure of applying for a driving license in other provinces and cities remains slightly different.
For more information, readers can visit the respective official Traffic Police websites for Sindh, Islamabad, KPK, and Quetta. For professional legal advice and questions about the law surrounding driving licenses, feel free to get in touch with our legal experts by calling us or texting us via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am 17 years old, soon turning 18. Can I get a driving license in Pakistan?
No, a driving license is only issued to individuals aged 18 or above.
How long does a driving license remain valid in Pakistan?
A driving license can last up to 5 years in Pakistan before it needs renewal.
How can I verify my driving license online?
People looking to check the status of their driving license can do so by visiting the DLIMS portal and entering their CNIC number.
How do I download a soft copy of my driving license in Punjab?
People holding a valid driving license can download it as an E-License by going to the DLIMS website, clicking on License Info, and selecting E-license. Once they have entered their CNIC number, they can view and download their E-License.
Why is a medical certificate necessary for driving license application in Pakistan?
A medical certificate verifies an individual's physical capacity for driving a vehicle on public roads. People with motor or visual impairments are deemed unfit for driving for their own safety and the public’s safety as well.
