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.

Tips For Buying Used Car

It is always better to go for a used car if you are a greenhorn and have just learnt driving. This way you can refine your driving skills and gain the necessary confidence before investing a substantial amount on new car.

Some of the reasons, which have made used car market, a big attraction are:

• Less capital investment
• One can afford a luxury model in relatively less price.
• Lower depreciation
• Used car market has developed these days and most car makers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
• Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.

But buying a used car has a few downsides too. Used cars have higher maintenance cost as compared to new cars. You may have to go for replacement of old tyres, battery, clutch plate etc. Used cars have low reliability and they are susceptible to frequent breakdowns. New cars tend to have advanced and more safety features as compared to old cars.

Now that you have decided to buy a used car just follow these simple tips to get the best bargain.

1. Decide your budget: It is always better to have a rough idea of the amount that you can afford to spend on buying the car before starting the car buying process. This way you can avoid overshooting your budget. While deciding about the budget also account for the insurance and other running costs.

2. Finding the right car: Unlike buying a new car you can't be fastidious while buying a used car. You have to be flexible. If you're set on one model, in a specific color, with a certain mileage or specification you may find it hard to get a bargain as you're focusing on a narrow market. If you're prepared to consider something similar to what you want, you'll find a much wider choice available and it becomes easier to negotiate.

3. Communicate with the seller: You can buy the used car either from a dealer or from an individual. While buying the car from an individual enquire why he/she is selling the car, how the car was used (single hand, daily commuting etc.), and finally ask for permission to get the car inspected by a car mechanic. If you get the right answers only then proceed further otherwise look for some other seller.

4. Thoroughly inspect the car: While an individual seller may permit you to get the car inspected by a mechanic, a dealer may not be so obliging. Don't let this stop you from doing some inspection on your own.

Keep following things in mind while inspecting the car.

• The engine should idle smoothly without surging or sputtering, and accelerate from standstill without bucking or hesitating.
• Inspect the chassis of the car. The bodyline will give you an indication whether the car has met an accident or not.
• Look for signs of repainting. Check whether all the body parts are of same colour. Open the trunk, hood and doors. Look for paint specs or over spray-a telltale sign that all or part of the vehicle has been repainted.
• Check the wheel alignment of cars. Uneven wear and tear of tyres-balding on the sides or in the middle-indicate poor alignment.
• Check the condition of battery.
• Check whether all the headlights and indicators are working properly.
• Check air conditioning for proper operation. Sufficiently heat up the engine to test the efficiency of air conditioner. Check the operations of defroster, heater and fan.

5. Take a test drive: A test drive will give you the feel of the car and help you arrive at the decision whether the car is fit for you or not.

Look out for following things while taking a test drive:

• With the engine idling before you start your test-drive, turn the steering wheel right and left. There should not be any play in the wheel before the tyres start to turn.
• The engine should idle smoothly without clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing, in the engine compartment. Normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan.
• Check the condition of clutch plates.
• Test the brakes on an empty stretch of road. From a speed of 30 kph, apply the brakes hard. The car should stop straight and quickly, without pulling to one side and without any vibration. The pedal feel should be smooth and linear, and stopping the car shouldn't take a huge effort.

6. Ensure that the paperwork is in order: It is very important to ensure that the paperwork of the vehicle is in order before finalizing the deal. It is quite possible that you may be lured into buying a stolen vehicle by a tempting offer. The checklist for paperwork is as follows:

• Registration Book (Registration Certificate / RC Book): It is issued by the RTO, showing date and address of registration and a record of the owners of the vehicle. The car's Engine No. and the Chassis No. should be verified with that shown in the RC Book. If the car has met with an accident which involved changing the cars chassis, then the RC Book would have a noting of the new chassis no. Check the state of registration mentioned in the papers. The state of registration mentioned in the books should be the state in which you intend to use the car otherwise you have to get the registration transferred. Transferring the registration from one state to another is a cumbersome process and hence ensure that the seller transfers the registration to the state in which you plan to use the car.
• Taxation Book (Tax Certificate / TC Book): This document shows the status of tax paid. The RTO tax is a once in a lifetime tax and should have been paid by the original owner of the car. If the owner of the car has not paid it, it can add up to double digits in thousands, which you will have to ultimately bear.
• Insurance: Insist on the insurance papers, as these papers are mandatory for any transfer by the RTO. Premium for Insurance is paid on a regular basis and it is advisable to check the due date. Also, ensure transfer of the insurance papers to your name.
• Invoice: Do not forget to get the original invoice of the car from the original owner. You can know details like engine no., chassis no., date of delivery, delivery dealer and whether the car was financed or not.
• PUC Certificate: Every car needs a valid PUC certificate. PUC Certificate is valid for a period of 1 year for all new cars and subsequently a certificate has to obtained every six months.

If you are planning to buy a used car that was bought on finance by the seller, remember to collect the following documents in addition to the above mentioned ones.

NOC (No Objection Certificate): NOC issued by the finance company. This document ensures that the finance company has no claim on the car anymore.

Form 35: You must keep a copy of this form duly signed by the financier.

7. Negotiating the price: While negotiating the price keep in mind the condition of the cars. If the car requires some immediate repairs such as change of battery, replacement of tyres, wheel alignment, suspension etc then reduce the price of the car accordingly.

8. Transferring ownership: With the sale of the car the ownership is also changed. The original owner (Transferer) who is selling the car, must inform the RTO with which the car was registered about this transfer, by sending a letter with information about the new owner (Transferee) within a period of 14 days. In case the new owner falls in jurisdiction of another RTO, then the owner has to inform this RTO by sending a similar letter.

The following documents have to be submitted to the RTO to effect the transfer of ownership of the car:

• Form "TCA" - Intimation of transfer by Transferee (Buyer)
• Form "TCR" - Intimation of transfer by Transferor (Seller)
• Form No.29 - Notice of transfer of ownership of vehicle. This form is used to notify the RTO 'transfer of ownership' of the car and to obtain confirmation from the RTO.
• Form No.30 - Report of transfer of ownership of vehicle.
• Valid Insurance policy
• PUC Certificate
• Address proof of the Transferee (Buyer)
• Evidence of payment of all taxes up-to-date.
• Form No.28 - Application for N.O.C. and grant of certificate. This form is used to apply for NOC from the RTO for transfer of the vehicle to another RTO's jurisdiction. This is required when you shift the registration of the car from the jurisdiction of one RTO to another RTO.

Mobile Masti...!!!

These days people are passionate about mobiles.. Thats why people r purchasing the advanced featured cell phones... Everybody would like to enjoy with their mobiles by changing the themes, ring tones, wall papers and playing games.

People are going one step ahead by sharing their liked ring tones, music, themes...blah..blah to friends using Bluetooth/ MMS facility.

Now the question is where do we get new ringtones, games, wall papers...video clips(include HOT)... And I know that everybody wants it for free of cost... FREE... FREE.... FREE...

One solution for all..... www.mobilemastee.com

Party Tips

So you are going to throw a party ... and want to hear on next day from your guest ... What a party that was ... ??? So just before giving party ... read these important and useful tips ...

How to throw a great party

• So you wanna throw a party at home?

• It's simple you know. The mantra is: the fun begins from the word go!

• All it takes is a little bit of planning.

Date and Time

• Decide a date, preferably a Friday or Saturday.

• A Saturday dinner works best. It gives you the whole day to go through your to-do list.

• Sunday brunch is also a good idea. You could entertain people until the evening and still have enough time to organise yourself for the upcoming week at work.

• Sunday dinner? Nah, it is just too close to Monday morning blues.

Who's invited?

• The guest list isn't as easy as it sounds: Make a list a week in advance.

• Check with your best pal/girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse about who they want to invite.

• Be prepared to add and subtract -- it is just impossible to invite all our favourite people.

• Besides, you also have to consider space (at home) and your budget.

• What you could do is invite people in batches. If you can't call one set this month, call them next month!

How to call or Invite

• Inviting is not an art. But don't be callous.

• Tell them in person, on the phone, on e-mail. Do all three, preferably.

• How long does it take to shoot an e-mail, after all?

• Invite your friends four, five days in advance. In case there are dropouts, you will have enough time to invite someone else

The dress code

• Do let your guests know who else is coming to the party.

• If you have a dress code, let them know what they should wear.

• Of course, the best thing would be to ask them to wear anything they want -- shorts, pyjamas, salwar-kameezes, halters. You want your guests to be comfortable, right?

Confer and revel

• Check with your guests on the menu and drinks they would like. Pamper them a little!

• If they offer to bring a bottle of wine or dessert, be frank. Tell them yes or no.

• If you know they will bring something anyway, tell them what you prefer -- chocolate cake, red wine, vodka, whatever

Check, check, check!

• Do you have enough plates, glasses, cutlery, dessert bowls?

• Borrow from a friend, if you are okay with it.

• If that's not your scene, get those use and throw plates. They serve the purpose, even if they don't look great.

One day before

• Stack enough ice trays in the freezer.

• Make room in your refrigerator for bottles, dessert, etc.

• Mark vegetarian and non-vegetarian food covers for the microwave.

• If you are ordering food, have the menu ready.

• If you are cooking, your ingredients should be ready.

Must-haves!

Your party will fizzle without:

• napkins

• Wine openers

• A large dustbin. Put an additional big plastic bag in the kitchen to chuck empty bottles and soiled napkins.

And the food!

What to feed them?

• If you are a shaky cook or simply don't have the time, ask your cook to fix a meal. And/or order some food from outside.

• Stick to one type of cuisine. If it is Indian, avoid Sesame Chicken as a starter and Biryani as main course.

• Stick to one or two main vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes instead of having a huge spread.

• Two starters, two main course dishes and two desserts are a great idea.

What's a party without booze?

• Once you have your guests' preferences, stock the bar accordingly.

• Vodka, red and white wine, rum, whisky are the usual suspects.

• Put the wine in the refrigerator half an hour before serving.

• There are many wine options available. Shops usually keep a list and will show you what they have. Here are some good, economical options for wine: Sula Chenin Blanc, Sula Blush. Both bottles cost under Rs 500.

Music

• Play your favourite and keep some tapes or CDs on top so that guests too have a choice.

• Avoid blaring the music. The best parties are driven by conversation and laughter.

Next stop: Bathroom

• This is an absolute must!

• See that your bathroom is clean. It is the one place that is used most at a party.

• Keep a clean hand towel and box of tissues, hand wash and extra toilet roll.

• Put some flowers by the sink -- mogras in a bowl smell great.

• Scented candles bring that extra touch of warmth.

Flower power

• Don't have a party without flowers!

• Get flowers you like. Stick them in glasses, empty wine bottles or vases.

• Red, yellow, pink Gerberas look great in transparent white jugs.

• Put them over your refrigerator, on the floor, in the bookcase.

• A green potted plant by your door looks great.

Smoker's corner

• Do not allow smokers to engulf your living room with cigarette dhuan (smoke).

• Tell them beforehand to use the balcony or the verandah.

• Keep some ashtrays handy. It's terrible to find ash all over your plants and the floor.

• Keep some stools ready at the smoker's corner. Smokers usually have a conference of sorts even when squeezed in a corner.

Freeway to everywhere

• Open your home to your guests.

• Allow them in the kitchen, bedroom, study: it gives everyone space and creates a friendly atmosphere.

• Do lock your cupboards/ wardrobe.

• Put away valuables -- curios, etc. Remember, things can get stolen at any party.

You are the best host when...

• You dress well and comfortably.

• You have to stretch and pick up the crumbs, wash glasses when you run out of clean ones and squat on the floor to chat.

• Don't get stressed about your guests. Show them around -- where the food, microwave, booze, etc are -- and let them help themselves.

When the party's over

• Put all the leftovers in the fridge.

• Stack plates in the sink and hit the bed.

• Wake up late the following morning and chill.

• And don't forget to send SMSes to your friends, thanking them for coming to your party!

Courtsey - Rediff.com