If you are a Kolkata resident and have mastered the art of driving on the city's bustling roads, rest assured that you will ace the subject in any other part of the world! But your driving skills won't be of much use in a foreign land if you don't have an international driving permit (IDP). However, that's nothing to fret about, as applying for an international driving licence Kolkata is straightforward and completed quickly.
Let's take a look at the steps involved:
Apply for International Driving Licence in Kolkata
To apply for an international driving licence, you must hold a valid Indian driving licence and be at least 18 years old. The subsequent steps are pretty straightforward:
Download the application form:
Log on to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Kolkata, or the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website to download the IDP application form.
Filling the form:
Fill out the application form with the correct information. Double-check all inputs before you submit the form. The information will include your name, email address and phone number, date of birth, current address, etc.
Documents for submission:
- Application form (Form 4A)
- Passport (original and photocopy)
- Valid Indian driving licence
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of address
- Visa (if applicable)
- Flight ticket
Visit the RTO:
Schedule an appointment with the nearest RTO in Kolkata.
Submit your application and documents:
Once you ensure all documents are complete and as required, submit them along with your filled application form.
Fee deposit:
As the fee structure may vary, enquire before depositing the applicable fee.
The fee deposit signals your part of the process is over. Now, the RTO steps in for the application and document verification process. You will receive your IDP once the verification process ends successfully. You will receive a call from the RTO to visit the office and collect your IDP in a few days or weeks.
Conclusion
Now that you are a proud holder of an international driving licence, you should remember your responsibilities, too. The IDP is equivalent to your ID and your place of origin; hence, make your nation proud by conducting yourself in the best of ways. Also, your IDP has a validity period of precisely one year from the date of issuance. Furthermore, if you are required to produce your IDP to traffic authorities on foreign soil, you should also produce your Indian driving licence. And, importantly, only drive a vehicle with a proper car insurance policy. This crucial document will be of immense help if anything untoward happens, such as an accident, theft, or damage by the elements.