West Bengal Driving Licence Guide 2025: Application, Renewal & Fee Structure

West Bengal is one of the fastest-growing states in terms of urban mobility and vehicle ownership. With enthusiasm being at an all-time high, the state has witnessed a sharp increase in vehicle ownership and registration, especially in prominent cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur, and Asansol. The cities also experience a surge in both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. 

Hence, having a proper driving license is important–whether you’re a student commuting to campus, a working professional navigating daily traffic, or a new resident who just wants to explore. Thankfully, the state’s transportation department and Parivahan Portal have made the process more user-friendly than ever.

Are you ready to learn the ins and outs of the West Bengal driving licence system? Let’s explore everything—from learner’s permits and renewals to commercial licences and penalties.

Plan to live/ work in West Bengal? You should know that having a valid West Bengal driving licence is not just a convenience or a luxury item–it’s a matter of legality. It’s the gateway to freedom, safety, and responsible road discipline. It also acts as official identity proof and is critical for mobility in both rural and urban areas.

1. Learner’s Licence (West Bengal LL)

• Entry-level licence for new drivers to practice under supervision.
• Age: 16+ for gearless two-wheelers; 18+ for geared vehicles.
• Validity: 6 months (extendable once).
  

2. Permanent Driving Licence (2W/4W)

• Required for two- and four-wheeler operation on public roads.
• Age: 18+
• Prerequisite: Must hold a Learner’s Licence for at least 30 days.
• Validity: 20 years or until the holder turns 50.
  

3. Commercial Driving Licence

• Mandatory for driving transport vehicles like buses, taxis, goods carriers.
• Age: 20+
• Requirements: Valid LL + medical fitness certificate.
  

4. International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Enables driving in countries under the Geneva Convention.
• Validity: 1 year
• Prerequisite: Must hold a permanent driving licence.
• Fee: ₹1,000
  

Below is the eligibility criteria for the driving license in West Bengal. Take some time to explore the age limits, prerequisites, and various validities.

Licence Type	Min. Age	Prerequisite	Validity
Learner’s Licence	16/18	None	6 months
Permanent DL (2W/4W)	18	LL held ≥30 days	20 years / until age 50
Commercial DL	20	LL + medical certificate	3 years
International Permit	18	Valid DL	1 year

Want to avail a driving license in West Bengal? All you have to do is follow these steps:

Online Application (via Parivahan)

1. Visit https://parivahan.gov.in
2. Click on “Driving Licence Related Services”
3. Select West Bengal as your state
4. Choose “Apply for Learner Licence” or “New DL”
5. Fill in details, upload documents
6. Book your test slot
7. Pay the required fee
8. Save/print acknowledgement
   

Offline Application (RTO Office)

1. Visit your local RTO (e.g., Beltala RTO in Kolkata)
2. Fill out Form 2 (Application Form)
3. Submit address/ID proof and passport-size photos
4. Pay fee at the counter
5. Book driving test
6. Appear for the test
7. Receive DL by post or in-person pickup
   

Registering for a driving license requires a series of critical documents that should be with applicants all the time.

Category	Documents Accepted
Identity Proof	Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport
Address Proof	Utility bills, Rent agreement, Ration card, Aadhaar
Others	Passport-size photos, Forms 1, 1A, 2, fee receipt

Of course, it is important to keep track of all the fees, charges, and financial details regarding the driving license.

Service	Fee (₹)	Notes
Learner’s Licence	150–500	Varies by RTO
Permanent DL Application	200	Smart card-based
DL Renewal (on time)	400	Validity extended
DL Renewal (late)	500 + ₹1,000/yr late	Late fees apply
Duplicate DL	200
International Driving Permit	1,000	Valid for 1 year

Feature	Automated Test	Manual Test
Setup	Sensor-based tracks (in select RTOs)	Human examiner-driven
Duration	10–15 mins	15–20 mins
Evaluation	Sensors + Video Monitoring	Examiner’s judgment
Availability	Select RTOs in Kolkata, Durgapur	Most RTOs across the state

Renewals, Duplicates & Corrections – West Bengal DL

It’s important for license owners to be aware of all the proper information that is involved in the process of a license renewal.

1. DL Renewal

• Visit parivahan.gov.in
• Select West Bengal RTO
• Upload Form 1A, medical certificate, and DL scan
• Pay fees and receive updated DL
  

2. Duplicate DL

• File FIR if lost
• Fill Form LLD online or at RTO
• Submit ID proof, passport photo, and FIR copy
• Pay ₹200 and await re-issue
  

3. Change of Address/Name

• Fill Form 2 via Parivahan or offline
• Submit supporting documents (proof of address/name change)
• Pay fee online or at RTO counter
  

The process is simple, you have to do is follow these steps:

• Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
• Select “Appointment Slot Booking”
• Choose LL or DL slot, enter application number
• Select RTO and test time
• To check status: use “Application Status” tab

Below are some of the fines you can incur in West Bengal when you don’t carry your license in public. It is best to try and avoid/minimise them as much as one can.

Offence	Penalty (₹)
Driving without DL	₹5,000
Driving with expired DL	₹1,500
Driving commercial vehicle w/o DL	₹10,000+
Not carrying DL while driving	₹500

You can contact the major RTOS located in Kolkata, Siliguri, and Durgapur through these contact details:

RTO Location	Helpline	Timings
Kolkata (Beltala)	033-24757312	10 AM to 5 PM
Siliguri	0353-2517001	10 AM to 5 PM
Durgapur	0343-2559645	10 AM to 5 PM

FAQs

1. What is the renewal fee for DL in West Bengal?
   A. ₹400 on time; ₹500 + ₹1,000/year if delayed.
2. How to get an international driving licence in West Bengal?
   A. Submit Form 4A, copy of DL, passport, and ₹1,000 fee at your RTO.
3. Is an eye test required?
   A. Yes, particularly for renewals and commercial DLs.

Expert Tips & Best Practices

• Book test slots in advance, especially in high-demand cities.
• Match Aadhaar details with your application for smooth processing.
• Practice on the test track format (available in driving schools).
• Store a digital DL copy on DigiLocker or mParivahan.
• Apply for international permits 30 days before intended travel.
  

Conclusion

Getting your driving licence in West Bengal is not just a legal formality—it empowers you to drive responsibly, access better mobility options, and explore the state safely. Now you can do so with stable, improved online support as well as a network of offline RTOs that make your life overall easier than ever.

Want to know more? Chat with one of our Ecozaar experts on driving license application, renewal, and sustainable commuting practices.