Wanna Driving License???

Getting the Learner Licence

You'll need to use a learner license for a month before getting a permanent license. There are touts outside the RTA office out to convince you that you need to go through them, but getting a learner is pretty simple. Get an application form (Form 2) from the zonal RTA.

These are the various zonal offices.

Hyderabad Zone 6 - Office of Jt Transport Commissioner & Secretary, RTA, Khairatabad
Ph: 3311269, 3128260 · Hyderabad South Zone, RTA Office, Bahadurpura, Ph: 4414635

Hyderabad East Zone - RTA Office, 16-2-748/1, B Block, Malakpet
Ph:4548999

Hyderabad West Zone - 12-2-416/76, Ushodaya Colony, Mehdipatnam, Ph: 3515222

Secunderabad - Plot No 144, Kakaguda, 7742568

Rangareddy District - 6-3-251/7/2, Panjagutta
Ph:3393051

These are the various things required:

• Proof of your date of birth
• A copy of your DoB certificate or of your SSC
• Proof of address
  • Copy of ration card or bank passbook, or certificate from the municipal office
• 3 passport photographs
• Rs. 15

There's a small test of your knowledge of traffic signals, and the license is given in a day or two (sometimes even in half an hour). It's valid for 6 months, but you can apply for a permanent license after a month.

Getting a Permanent License

This is not easy if you're ethical. There was a front-page article in the Deccan Chronicle, sometime in Oct-Dec of 1999, about corruption in the RTA. They are pretty honest about the fact that they are dishonest - some really big guy there proudly proclaimed that they were corrupt, and that he could be quoted on it. And he knew that he was saying it to the city's leading newspaper.

This is amply demonstrated by the fact that as you try to enter, touts outside the RTA discourage you from trying yourself. They warn you that if you don't go through them (paying about 7 times more), you'll fail the test for some silly reason. And judging by the number of people who go through them, they're probably right too.

Anyway, to apply for a permanent license, you need to apply at least 1 month after you obtain the learning license. You need to fill the Form 4, and need the following:

• Your learner license
• 3 photographs
• A vehicle with you for the test of driving

You need to pay Rs. 30 as the fee for the test. If you want a laminated card, you'll have to pay an additional Rs. 25. The license is issued in 2 days if you pass the test, else you need to take it again after a few months. The license is valid for 20 years. That's probably the greatest part.