A Pakistani driving licence is issued by the District Licensing Authority (DLA) in the applicant's home district — it requires a written test on traffic rules, a practical driving test, and biometric registration; the process starts with a learner's permit.
Choose Your Licence Category
Pakistan's National Highway Safety & Regulatory Authority (NHSRA) issues driving licences in multiple categories. Select the right one before applying:
- Motorcycle (MC): For two-wheelers only
- Light Transport Vehicle (LTV): Private cars, SUVs, light pickups — the most common category
- Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV): Trucks, buses, heavy vehicles
- Public Service Vehicle (PSV): Taxis, ride-hailing, buses for hire — requires additional requirements
Most people applying for their first licence need LTV. If you also want to drive a motorcycle, apply for MC + LTV simultaneously — this is cost-effective compared to separate applications.
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Minimum requirements for a driving licence in Pakistan:
- Age: 18 years minimum for LTV; 16 for motorcycles in some provinces (provincial rules vary)
- Valid CNIC: Must not be expired
- Medical fitness: Basic eyesight test — most licensing offices conduct this on-site; corrective lenses are noted on the licence if required
- No existing disqualification: Not currently under a court order disqualifying you from holding a licence
Apply Online or at the Licensing Authority
Online (available in Punjab, Islamabad, and some KP districts): Visit nhsra.gov.pk or the provincial licensing portal. Create an account with your CNIC, fill in the application, pay the fee online, and book an appointment for your learner's test at the nearest licensing centre.
In person: Visit the nearest District Licensing Authority (DLA) — these are typically located at the district Excise or Traffic Police offices. Bring your CNIC, two passport-size photos, the application form (available at the counter), and the fee.
Pass the Learner's Test and Receive Your Licence
First-time applicants receive a Learner's Permit after passing a written test on traffic rules. The learner's permit's valid for 6 months and allows you to drive with a licensed driver in the vehicle.
After a minimum 42-day practice period, attend the driving test at the licensing centre. The test includes a vehicle control test (basic manoeuvres in a test area) and sometimes an on-road test in some districts. Pass the test and your full driving licence is issued — valid for 5 years in most provinces.
Driving Licence Application Problems
CNIC must be valid (not expired) and active in NADRA's database. If recently renewed, wait 48 hours for the NADRA-NHSRA sync. Call the licensing centre helpline if the issue persists.
You can retake the test after a waiting period (typically 7–14 days). Study the Pakistan Road Safety traffic rules book available at NHSRA's website before retaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 years in most provinces. Islamabad Capital Territory licences were moved to 5-year validity. Some older licences were issued for 3 years — when renewing, the new licence will be 5-year validity.
Yes — applying simultaneously is common and cost-effective. Both tests may be taken on the same appointment day.
18 years for a full motorcycle licence. Some provinces allow a learner's permit for motorcycles from age 16. Check your specific provincial licensing authority's current rules.
No — a learner's permit requires a fully licensed driver to be present in the vehicle during driving. Driving alone on a learner's permit's a traffic violation.