How to Get a Driving License and International Driver’s Permit in Pakistan

A driving license is legally required to drive in Pakistan. Whether you are learning to drive for the first time or want to upgrade your existing license, in this blog we will tell you how to get a driving license step by step guide.

There is also good news for Pakistanis going abroad: now they can get an international driver’s permit (IDP) license in Pakistan in just 5 minutes.

Step 1: Get a Learner Permit

1. The first step to getting a driving license is to get a learner permit.
2. Apply online (e.g. DLIMS portal for Punjab):
3. Create an account on the DLIMS website
4. Complete the application form and upload the documents.
5. Pay the fee and get a digital learner permit.

Apply in person:

• Visit the nearest licensing center
• Submit the application along with the original CNIC and fee.
• Submit a medical certificate in case of age above 50 years or disability.

Eligibility:

• Minimum age 18 years for motorcycle or car.

Step 2: Pass the driving test

Waiting period:

• Wait for a minimum of 42 days and a maximum of 60 days after obtaining the learner permit.

Apply for a driving license:

• Visit the concerned office or branch.

Submit the following documents:

• Original CNIC
• Medical certificate
• Application form
• Passport size photographs
• Learner permit

Test:

• Written test (on Traffic Signs)
• Practical driving test

Step 3: Get your driver’s license

Issuance:

• After passing both the tests, your driving license will be issued.

Fee:

• Pay the license printing and delivery fees, and the license will be sent to your address.

Provincial differences

1. Punjab

• Online service: Full online application possible from DLIMS portal.
• Waiting period: Approximately 42-45 days.
• Test: Written and practical tests are the same, easy appointments in big cities.

2. Sindh

• Online system: Available in Karachi and other big cities, personal visit required in small cities.
• Test: Basic principles are the same, but there may be a separate floodlight or driving track for the practical test.

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Online application: Available in big cities, mostly offline forms in small areas.
• Documents and test: Same as Punjab, but slight differences in test quality in some cities.

4. Baluchistan

• Online service: Limited, often requires personal visit to the office.
• Facilities: Easy in big cities, may take longer in small cities.

Test:

• Written and practical tests are the same, but additional time for practical test in some areas.

Pakistanis going abroad and International Driver's Permit

A facilitation kiosk has now been installed at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, where Pakistanis going abroad can obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in just 5 minutes.

The kiosk is specially designed for travelers and overseas Pakistanis, so that the problems of time constraints will be reduced.

Benefits

• The processing time will be much shorter.
• The necessary documents will be more easily available.
• With an International Driver’s Permit, Pakistani drivers can legally drive in 132 countries of the world.

Conditions

• International Driver’s Permit is issued only to those who have a valid Pakistani driving license.

Fee

• The fee varies according to the type of vehicle. For more details, see the relevant link or the airport website.

Important Points:

• CNIC Required: Always carry the original CNIC.
• Medical Certificate: A certificate from a qualified doctor is often required.
• Provincial Differences: There may be minor differences in the process in each province, check with your local traffic police or the relevant website.

Obtaining a driving license in Pakistan is easy and streamlined, and now even Pakistanis traveling abroad can obtain an International Driver's Permit in just a few minutes. The basic rules are the same across the country, but the facilities and process may vary slightly from city to city and province to city. After having the correct documents, a prescribed waiting period, and passing a test, you can legally drive, which is not only a legal requirement but also essential for your safety and that of others.