Driving Licence in Sikkim

Get comprehensive details about obtaining a driving licence in Sikkim, including eligibility criteria, document requirements, fees, and the application process.
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3 min
10-April-2024

The land-locked mountainous state of Sikkim attracts a huge number of tourists thanks to its incredible natural beauty. With such a high influx of vehicles in the state, the Sikkim Transport Department plays a vital role in maintaining and regulating road transport operations across the state. One of the critical functions of the transport department is issuing driving licences across the state. This comprehensive guide will give you a detailed step-by-step procedure for applying for a driving licence in Sikkim. Additionally, it will also provide you with all the information you need while applying for a driving licence, including document requirements, eligibility criteria, test procedure, and more.

Driving licence application process in Sikkim

To apply for a driving licence in Sikkim, you need to either visit the nearest RTO or apply online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. The process broadly involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, scheduling a driving test, and passing the examination.

How to apply for a driving licence online in Sikkim

  • Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
  • Select the state ‘Sikkim’ from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose the option ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.
  • Fill out the applicant details.
  • Upload the required documents.
  • Upload a photo and signature if required (applicable for some states).
  • Book your driving licence test slot (applicable for some states).
  • Pay the required fee.
  • Carry the original documents and the receipt of the fee payment when you visit the RTO for your driving test.
  • Pass the driving test to obtain a driving licence.

How to apply for a driving licence offline in Sikkim 

  • Visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).
  • Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
  • Your application is verified and processed.
  • Once verified, schedule a slot for the driving test.
  • Pass the driving test to get the driving licence.

How to check driving licence application status in Sikkim

Follow these steps to check the status of your driving licence application status in Sikkim:

  • Go to the official Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or your state's transport department website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ menu and select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.
  • Select the state where the licence is registered.
  • Select the ‘Application Status’ option at the top of the page.
  • Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code and click on ‘Submit’.
  • The website will display the status of your DL application, indicating whether it is under processing, approved, dispatched, or pending verification.

Eligibility criteria for driving licence in Sikkim

To be eligible for a driving licence in Sikkim, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Vehicle Type

Eligibility Criteria

Cars and Motorcycles with Gear
  • Minimum 18 years old.
  • Should be aware of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Must have valid age proof and address proof documents.

Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc)
  • Minimum 16 years old.
  • Should have the consent of his guardian or parents.
  • Must be aware of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Must have valid age proof and address proof documents.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles
  • Should have cleared the 8th standard.
  • Should be above the age of 18 (20 years in some states).
  • Should be trained from any government/state-affiliated training school. 

Documents needed for obtaining a driving licence in Sikkim

To qualify for the driving licence exam and apply for a permanent driving licence in Sikkim, you must have the following documents:

  • A valid learner's licence.
  • Proof of age: Documents accepted for proof of age are birth/school leaving certificate, passport, etc.
  • Proof of residence: This can be supported by documents like the passport, ration card, voter ID card, electricity or telephone bill, etc.
  • Medical certificate: It is required only in case of transport vehicle and can be obtained from any registered medical practitioner in the prescribed form.
  • A duly filled application form.
  • Recent passport-size photographs.

Fees for driving licence in Sikkim

The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Sikkim are given in the table below:

Service Type

Fees (in Rs.)

Application of learner’s licence

150

Learner’s licence test or retest

50

Issuance of driving licence

200

Test of competence to drive

300

Addition of another class of vehicle to the driving licence

500

Issuance of International Driving Permit

1,000

Renewal of driving licence

200

 

How to renew a driving licence in Sikkim

Your driving licence needs to be renewed on or after the expiry of its validity. A driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till you turn 50 years of age, whichever happens earlier. For a commercial licence, the licence must be renewed after every three years.

Documents required to renew your driving licence

You will need the following documents to renew your DL in Sikkim: 

For permanent driving licence

  • Form No.9
  • Recent passport-size photograph (2 copies)
  • Original driving licence
  • Valid proof of age and residence (self-attested)
  • Renewal fees
  • Valid medical certificate in case of transport vehicles

For commercial driving licence

  • All the documents as required for a permanent driving licence.
  • Driver refreshing training certificate (for HMV).
  • Short refresher training course (other commercial vehicles).

Steps to renew DL in Sikkim

Offline process

Here are the steps to renew the DL in Sikkim offline:

  • Visit the nearest RTO. 
  • Carry the duly filled forms as mentioned above. You can download them on the Parivahan portal. 
  • Submit the forms along with the required documents. 
  • Pay the fees and retain the receipt. 
  • After verification, the driving licence will be sent to the registered address.

Online

Here are the steps to renew driving licence in Sikkim online: 

  • Visit the Parivahan website. 
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on the homepage. 
  • Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered. 
  • Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.
  • Enter details such as the date of birth, driving licence number, and captcha code.
  • Select ‘Get DL Details’ and choose the licence category, RTO, and state. 
  • Select ‘Proceed’ and choose the ‘DL Renewal’ option. 
  • Submit the online form along with the relevant documents and download the receipt. 
  • Visit your nearest RTO and submit the relevant documents. After verification, the DL will be sent to the registered address.

Driving licence and motor insurance – essential requirements for vehicle owners

Your driving licence and motor insurance are closely interlinked. While your licence shows you're legally allowed to drive, your car or two-wheeler insurance covers you financially in case of unforeseen damages on the road. So, similar to driving licence, you could face penalties or legal implications while driving without a valid motor insurance, since it is a mandatory requirement for all vehicle owners in India.

Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers a convenient platform for you to buy or renew car insurance plans online. Compare plans and premiums offered by leading insurance partners and buy your preferred motor insurance policy in just a few clicks.

How to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Sikkim

Losing or damaging your driving licence can be a hassle. However, applying for a duplicate licence in Sikkim is a straightforward process.

Documents required to apply:

You will need the following documents to apply for a duplicate DL in Sikkim: 

  • The licence number
  • 3 copies of photograph
  • Fee
  • Traffic NOC
  • Affidavit of D/L

You might need more documents depending on the circumstances. Please check with the RTO.

Steps to apply for duplicate driving licence in Sikkim

  • Gather the required documents: Print copies of all essential documents.
  • Visit your nearest RTO: Visit your nearest RTO office that issued your original driving licence.
  • Submit the documents: Submit the form and the other documents at the RTO.
  • Pay the fee: Pay the fee for duplicate licence issuance and retain the receipt for future reference.
  • Receive the duplicate DL: The duplicate DL will be posted to the registered residential address. 

Frequently asked questions

How can I get driving licence in Sikkim?

To obtain a driving licence (DL) in Sikkim, you need to follow a few steps. Firstly, apply for a learner's licence by visiting the official website of the Sikkim Transport Department or by visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person. After obtaining the learner's licence, practice driving and then apply for a permanent DL by appearing for a driving test conducted by the RTO. Once you pass the test and fulfill all requirements, you'll receive your permanent DL.

What are the fees for driving licence in Sikkim?

The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Sikkim vary depending on the type of licence and other factors. 

Service Type

Fees (in Rs.)

Application for learner’s licence

150

Issuance of driving licence

200

Test of competence to drive

300

Addition of another class of vehicle to the driving licence

500

Issuance of International Driving Permit

1,000

Renewal of driving licence

200

However, it's advisable to check the latest fee structure on the official website of the Sikkim Transport Department.

Can I apply for a Driving Licence without a Learner’s Licence in Sikkim?

No, you cannot get a driving licence (DL) without a learner’s licence in Sikkim. Afterwards, it is mandatory to pass the driving test conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to obtain a permanent DL. However, you can apply for a learner's licence without a driving test, but you need to pass a written test on traffic rules and regulations.

What is the validity of a Driving Licence in Sikkim?

The validity of a driving licence in Sikkim is typically for 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier. After the age of 50, the licence needs to be renewed every 5 years.

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