The first step to take before driving on Bangladeshi roads is to get a driving license. Driving without a license is a criminal act. If you are interested in driving, you should be aware of it and participate in the driving license test. To be eligible to drive a vehicle, it is first important to know the types of licenses.
There are five categories of driving licenses in Bangladesh: Learner License, Professional License, Non-Professional License, Public Service Vehicle License, and Instructor License. If you are interested in driving on their roads, you need to apply for a Learner’s License. The type of license you will get depends on the vehicle you own. Owners of light vehicles, such as cars and two-wheelers, will get a learner’s license if they are learning to drive or ride them on the road for the first time.
By paying fees, one can apply for this license from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority. With the permit, the applicant can go through training for two or three months. After training, you need to take part in written, oral, and field tests.
Importance of a learner’s license
A person holding a learner’s license can apply for both non-professional and professional licenses. A non-professional license is to operate privately owned vehicles, and a professional license is for those who wish to work as a driver for any company or organisation. Age must be a minimum of 20 years for the professional driving license and a minimum of 18 years for the non-professional license holder.
A public service vehicle license, or PSV license, is for individuals primarily operating public transport, and the instructor license is for driving instructors. Based on the vehicle types, you can categorise the driving license types, including licenses for motorcycles, autos/tempos, microbuses/jeeps, medium-range vehicles, heavy-range vehicles, and permits for tractors or special vehicle classes.
Points to note
Separate licenses are available for a specific vehicle. To operate trucks, you need to have a professional license first. If you have a motor vehicle driving license, it will add more weight to your driving credentials. Applicants are required to complete the prescribed exams and tasks before obtaining these licenses. For instance, if you want to operate a TATA 407, you need to enquire about its features, uses, and specifications before buying it from the dealer.
For more information, you can visit the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) website. This portal will guide everyone interested in getting a driving license. However, you must follow the awareness information and guidelines concerning the transport sector of Bangladesh. Always maintain lane discipline while driving.
Conclusion
Getting a driving license in Bangladesh through the BRTA involves several structured steps that can now be completed online. The legal process, while sometimes lengthy, ensures you receive a legitimate license without complications. The online system has made most steps convenient, requiring physical presence only for essential verification and testing procedures.