Get Car and Motorcyle Driving License in Punjab, Fee and Requirements 2025

Car and motorcycle driving licenses have become necessary for every driver in Punjab. The Punjab Government has made changes to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and has increased fines for driving without a licence. Traffic police are now taking legal action against drivers in Punjab who fail to obtain a valid driving license even after several warnings. You can face up to 6 months in prison and a heavy fine for continuous violations. A driving license is now mandatory for every vehicle operator in Punjab to avoid the challan. You can also check the E-Challans against your vehicle here.

This guide will help you understand how to get a driving license and the charges for different validity periods. If you have an expired licence, it is no longer valid you must renew it. In this article, we have also covered how you can renew your expired driving license.

Introduction to Driving License in Pakistan

A Driving License in Pakistan is an official government document that authorizes an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It serves as proof that the holder has demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge of traffic rules, and understanding of road safety. Issued under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, the licence is a key document for legal driving and is often required for identification purposes.

The primary authority responsible for issuing driving licenses is the Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control (ET&NC) Department of each province (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan) and the federal territories (Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir). The process has been largely digitized across the country through online portals, making it more transparent and accessible.

Types of Driving Licenses Issued in Pakistan

Licences are categorized based on the type and weight of the vehicle:

• Learner’s Driving License (LDL): A temporary permit valid for 6 months. It allows you to practice driving on public roads under the supervision of a licensed driver. It is a mandatory first step before applying for a permanent licence.
• Motorcycle Licence (Motor Car / QTV): For riding motorcycles, scooters, and other two or three-wheelers. This is often the first permanent licence for many.
• Light Transport Vehicle (LTV) Licence: For driving private vehicles like cars, Jeeps, and vans with a seating capacity of up to 18 passengers.
• Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) Licence: For operating heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, trailers, and other commercial transport vehicles.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Issued to holders of a valid Pakistani licence who wish to drive in foreign countries. It is a translation of your national licence and must be carried alongside it.
• PSV Licence (Public Service Vehicle): A specialized licence for drivers of taxis, rickshaws, ride-hailing service vehicles, and other public transport.

How to Get Driving License In Punjab Step By Step Process

• At the Van/Centre: Punjab police vans are operating in Punjab to issue the driving license instantly. Simply visit with your CNIC. They will register you, take your photo, fingerprint, and issue the Driving license on the spot. Pay the fee for your license depending on the time period of the driving license. 
• The license will be available online in a few days. You can check your license online at the DLMS website and print the document. 
• The original document will be posted to you at your designated registered address. Wait for the courier to contact you to deliver the licence.

Get the Driving License from the Traffic Police office

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

1. Valid Learner’s Driving License (Printed copy if online, or receipt from van).
2. Original CNIC & 2 photocopies.
3. Two recent passport-size photographs.
4. Medical Fitness Certificate on the prescribed format (available at the centre/van or can be downloaded).
5. Proof of Address (if required).

Step 2: Appear for Tests at a Designated Location

• Where: You have two options:
  1. Permanent Traffic Police Licensing Offices: These are fixed locations in every district (e.g., City Traffic Police HQ, Divisional Testing Tracks).
  2. Mobile Licensing Vans: Find their scheduled location through local police social media pages (Twitter/Facebook) or by inquiring at your local traffic police office. This is often the quicker option.

Step 3: Take the Tests

• Theory Test: A short computerized test on traffic signs and rules. You must pass this to proceed.
• Practical Test: Conducted on a designated track. You will be tested on:
  • Basic car/bike control (for LTV/Motorcycle).
  • Parallel Parking (Garage Parking) – a crucial test.
  • Hill climbing/starting.
  • On-road driving (for some centres).

Step 4: Biometrics, Fee Payment & Issuance

• Once you pass, your photo and thumbprints will be taken digitally.
• You will select the validity period for your licence (1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 years) and pay the corresponding fee.
• The licence data is sent for printing. You will receive an official paper receipt/licence slip immediately, which is legally valid for driving until your plastic card arrives.
• The plastic card licence is delivered to your home address via courier (usually within 10-15 working days). You can also track its status online or via SMS.

Driving License Fee Structure in Punjab

The fees are regulated by the Punjab Excise & Taxation Department. The cost depends on the vehicle category and the validity period you choose.

Important Note: Fees are for one vehicle category (e.g., Motorcycle OR Car). Adding a second category (e.g., both Motorcycle and Car) costs extra.

A. For Private Vehicles (Motorcycle & Car/LTV)

• 1-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 1,200 – 1,500
• 2-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 2,400 – 3,000
• 3-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 3,600 – 4,500
• 5-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 5,200 – 6,000 (Most Common & Economical)
• 10-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 9,000 – 10,500

B. For Commercial Vehicles (HTV/PSV – Trucks, Buses, etc.)

Fees are significantly higher due to the commercial nature.

• 1-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 3,000 – 4,000
• 2-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 6,000 – 8,000
• 5-Year Licence: Approximately PKR 12,000 – 15,000

Crucial Advice & Final Notes

1. No Need for Agents: The process at the vans and offices is now straightforward. Avoid paying high amounts to intermediaries (“agents”). The official fees are as above.
2. Validity Slip is Key: The paper slip you get after passing the test is your legal driving license until the card arrives. Keep it with you.
3. Renewal is Similar: Renewing an expired licence follows the same process at these vans/centres. There may be an additional late fee.
4. Check Van Schedules: For the fastest service, check the schedule of these police Vans in your City. 
5. International Driving Permit (IDP): This is a separate document applied for after you have the permanent Pakistani plastic card licence. You apply for it at the Automobile Association of Pakistan (AAP) offices.

Conclusion

Get your driving license from the police vans operating in Punjab. Visit a Traffic Police Testing Centre with your documents, pass the tests, choose your validity period, pay the fee, and get your proper, permanent driving license