Driving License Guide

Comprehensive guide about obtaining, renewing, and other information related to driving licenses in Pakistan

Learner Driving Permit

A Learner Permit is a temporary authorization that allows you to drive a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed driver. It provides you with an opportunity to learn driving skills and gain practical experience.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum age: 18 years (for motorcycles, cars, jeeps, etc.)
  • Minimum age: 21 years (for transport vehicles)
  • Medical certificate

Required Documents

  • Photocopy of CNIC/NICOP
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Medical fitness certificate (from a registered medical practitioner)
  • Completed application form

Application Process

  1. 1
    Visit your local traffic police office
  2. 2
    Obtain and fill the application form
  3. 3
    Submit all required documents
  4. 4
    Pay the fee
  5. 5
    Take the written test (based on traffic signs and rules)
  6. 6
    Upon passing, receive your learner permit

Fee & Validity

Fee

The fee may vary by province but generally ranges from PKR 50 to PKR 200.

Validity Period

A learner permit is generally valid for a period of 6 months.

Special Conditions

  • You must always drive under the supervision of an experienced and valid license-holding driver
  • The vehicle must display an "L" sign
  • You should avoid driving at night or in heavy traffic areas

Regular Driving License

A regular driving license is the document that legally permits you to drive on Pakistani roads. It is the next step after a learner permit and allows you to drive without supervision.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold a valid learner permit (at least 6 weeks old)
  • Minimum age: 18 years (for light vehicles)
  • Minimum age: 21 years (for heavy vehicles)
  • Good driving skills

Required Documents

  • Original CNIC with photocopy
  • Valid learner permit
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Three passport-sized photographs
  • Completed application form
  • Fee receipt

Application Process

  1. 1
    Submit an application form at your local traffic police office
  2. 2
    Present all necessary documents
  3. 3
    Pay the fee
  4. 4
    Take a written test on traffic rules
  5. 5
    Take a practical driving test
  6. 6
    Upon successful completion, the license will be issued

Fee & Validity

Fee

The fee may vary by province, but for a motorcycle or light vehicle license, it generally ranges from PKR 500 to PKR 1,000. For heavy vehicles and PSV licenses, the fee may be higher.

Validity Period

A new regular driving license is typically valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

Renewal of Driving License

Driving license renewal is the process of extending the validity of an expiring license. It is important to renew your driving license before it expires or within the grace period.

Required Documents

  • Original driving license
  • Photocopy of CNIC
  • Medical fitness certificate (required for age above 50)
  • Three passport-sized photographs
  • Renewal application form

Application Process

  1. 1
    Visit the relevant traffic police office
  2. 2
    Obtain and complete the renewal form
  3. 3
    Submit all required documents
  4. 4
    Pay the renewal fee
  5. 5
    Receive your renewed license

Fee & Validity

Fee

  • Regular renewal: Approximately PKR 500 - 1,000
  • Late renewal: Additional fees may apply

Validity Period

A renewed driving license is generally valid for 5 years from the date of renewal.

Important Note

If your driving license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to apply for a new license again, including taking the written and practical tests.

Duplicate Driving License

If your driving license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate license. A duplicate license is as valid as the original one and contains the same information.

Required Documents

  • Loss report (FIR) or a certificate from a police station
  • Original CNIC and its photocopy
  • Three passport-sized photographs
  • Completed application form
  • Damaged license (if applicable)

Application Process

  1. 1
    File a loss report (FIR) at your local police station (if lost or stolen)
  2. 2
    Visit your local traffic police office
  3. 3
    Obtain and complete the duplicate license form
  4. 4
    Submit all required documents
  5. 5
    Pay the duplicate license fee
  6. 6
    Receive your duplicate license

Fee & Validity

Fee

The fee for a duplicate driving license is approximately PKR 300 to PKR 500, which may vary by province.

Validity Period

A duplicate license remains valid for the remaining period of the original license. It will expire on the same date as the original license would have.

Endorsement of Driving License

Endorsement of a driving license is the process of adding additional vehicle classes or categories to your existing license. For example, if you have a light vehicle license and want to drive a heavy vehicle, you would need to get a heavy vehicle endorsement on your existing license.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Valid driving license
  • Minimum age: 21 years for specialized vehicles
  • Sufficient experience driving the relevant vehicle
  • Medical fitness certificate

Required Documents

  • Original driving license and its photocopy
  • Photocopy of CNIC
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Experience certificate (if required)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Completed application form

Application Process

  1. 1
    Obtain an endorsement application form from the relevant traffic police office
  2. 2
    Submit all necessary documents
  3. 3
    Pay the endorsement fee
  4. 4
    Take a written test for the relevant vehicle class
  5. 5
    Take a practical driving test for the relevant vehicle
  6. 6
    Upon successful completion, your license will be updated with the new vehicle class

Fee & Validity

Fee

Endorsement fees may vary depending on the vehicle class and province, but generally range from PKR 300 to PKR 1,000.

Validity Period

Information not available

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your existing Pakistani driving license that allows you to drive in most countries around the world. It is used in conjunction with your local driving license and is often required for individuals traveling abroad.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold a valid Pakistani driving license (at least 1 year old)
  • Minimum age: 18 years

Required Documents

  • Original and valid Pakistani driving license
  • Photocopy of CNIC
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Completed IDP application form

Application Process

  1. 1
    Visit your local traffic police office or the Automobile Association of Pakistan (AAP) office
  2. 2
    Obtain and complete the IDP application form
  3. 3
    Submit all required documents
  4. 4
    Pay the IDP fee
  5. 5
    Receive your International Driving Permit

Fee & Validity

Fee

The fee for an International Driving Permit is approximately PKR 2,000 to PKR 3,000.

Validity Period

An International Driving Permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue or until your local driving license expires, whichever comes first.

Important Note

An IDP is not a substitute for your local driving license. You should carry your original driving license along with the IDP.

Invalid Carriage Driving License

An Invalid Carriage Driving License is a special type of license that allows individuals with disabilities to drive specially designed vehicles. This license is for individuals who have mobility-related disabilities and cannot drive a conventional vehicle.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Proof of mobility-related disability
  • Medical certification

Required Documents

  • Photocopy of CNIC
  • Disability certificate
  • Medical report from an authorized doctor
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Completed application form

Application Process

  1. 1
    Visit your local traffic police office
  2. 2
    Obtain application form for Invalid Carriage Driving License
  3. 3
    Submit all required documents
  4. 4
    Pay the fee
  5. 5
    Undergo a medical examination
  6. 6
    Take a practical driving test if required
  7. 7
    Upon successful completion, receive your Invalid Carriage Driving License

Fee & Validity

Fee

The fee for an Invalid Carriage Driving License is similar to regular driving licenses, but concessions may be provided in some cases. Verify with your local traffic police office.

Validity Period

An Invalid Carriage Driving License is typically valid for 5 years, after which it needs to be renewed.

Important Note

The availability and procedure for Invalid Carriage Driving License may vary from province to province. For more detailed information, contact your local traffic police office.

Why Driving License Is Important

  • A driving license is a legal requirement and driving without it is illegal.
  • It verifies that you have received driving training and know the rules of the road.
  • In case of accidents, a valid license is essential for insurance coverage and claims.
  • Driving without a license risks heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal action.
Pakistan Driving License

First step to responsible driving: a proper license

Frequently Asked Questions

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