Pakistan Driving License: Complete Guide for 2025

Have you ever considered legally driving in Pakistan? If so, getting a pakistani driving license is no longer a complicated process even if you are a novice or need to get your driver’s license renewed. Digital systems have made this possible. The licensing offices no longer have long queues that people have to wait in to get their licenses. 

The transformation of Pakistan’s driving license system has been dramatic and I have seen it happen in the last few years. The country now utilizes sophisticated online platforms that allow you to apply from home and the whole process is quicker than pizza delivery.

What Is a Pakistan Driving License?

A driving license from Pakistan is the legal permission given to you to drive on the public roads of the country. It is not merely a card but also a proof that you have passed the tests required and that you know the road safety rules.

In addition to the license, an RFID chip is included which keeps your personal information and your traffic violation history. The chip has two parts; the first part that has your personal information is unchangeable while the second part that tracks the violations and the pending penalties. The system is so clever that it is able to automatically take away your right to drive if you commit serious violations.

A conventional license remains active for 5 years after which it needs to be renewed. The license is divided into categories based on the type of vehicle: motorcycles, cars, light transport vehicles (LTV), heavy transport vehicles (HTV), and public service vehicles (PSV).

Why Getting Your License Matters

In Pakistan, driving without a permit is not only dangerous but also against the law and costly as well. The police can impose fines, take away the car, and in case of an accident, the driver will not be protected by insurance.

Apart from fines, a legit license indicates that you are familiar with and can abide by the rules of the road and are able to drive safely. Roads in Pakistan can be very challenging, and proper training is a big factor in keeping the accidents to the minimum. The whole process of getting a license involves taking a written test on traffic signs, road regulations and a driving test.

For overseas Pakistanis, a valid license is a must if you want to drive during your stay home. Online renewal services for expats have already been introduced by most of the provinces.

How to Apply Online Through DLIMS

DLIMS, Punjab’s Driving License Information Management System, connects with the Government’s Dastak platform DLIMS thus, making applications very seamless. This is your step-by-step route map:

Create Your Account: Probably the most critical step is to input your CNIC number to the DLIMS portal. Follow the site prompts, enter the required details like your full name, address, phone number, bbb, or aaad.

Fill the Application Form: The first step is to log in and select “Learner License” option. Please make sure to enter your personal details—full name, residential address, and date of birth—and choose the type of vehicle you want to learn to drive.

Upload Documents: Clear scans of your CNIC (both sides), passport-size pictures with a white background, and a medical certificate (if applicable) are going to be the required documents.

. Do keep the files size limited to 5MB and in JPG or PDF format.

Generate Your PSID: Upon submission of the consignment referred, the system generates a unique Payment Slip Identification number, thereafter serving as your reference code throughout the process.

Pay the Fees: Use JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or any bank that provides 1Bill payment services for the transaction. The fee set by the Government of Punjab towards the receipt of a learner’s license is Rs.500 for each category of vehicle.

Download Your Learner License: You can print your learner’s permit straight from the system within minutes of payment confirmation. The permit will be valid for 6 months. The residents of Sindh are required to use dlsonline.sindhpolice.gov.pk, whereas Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad have their respective portals. Each province functions separately with a somewhat different fee structure.

Documents You Actually Need

Prior to the beginning of your application, it is essential to have the items listed below ready:

Authentic CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)

Three passport-size photos with white background

Medical fitness certificate (needed for applicants over 50 or for commercial categories only)

Form A application (can be downloaded from the licensing portal)

Proof of your residence in the district

In the case of renewals, your expired or expiring license should be included in this list. If your license is missing, a police report must be obtained from your local station, and it should be filed within 15 days.

International driving permits require your valid Pakistani license, passport copy with a valid visa, and extra fees of approximately Rs. 1,000, depending on your province.

Testing Requirements Explained

You can take the practical driving test already after 42 days from the date of issuance of your learner permit. Wikipedia. The whole process of testing goes like this: 

Phase 1 – Written Tests: You will have to take a computer-based exam that includes traffic rules and a separate test for road signs. Passing requires at least 50% correct answers for both. If you do not pass, then you will get a new appointment after waiting for another 42 days.

Phase 2 – Practical Driving: This is a trial of your driving skills in a small space and parking accurately. If you hit a cone or boundary pole during the test, then you will have to wait for a full 42 days before you are allowed to try again.

The fees for tests differ from one province to another. In Punjab, a driving test will cost you approximately Rs. 500. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has pretty much the same fees. The actual license card fee can be anything between Rs. 900 and Rs. 2,000 depending on where you are, and the type of vehicle you have.

Fee Structure Across Provinces

“The cost of living greatly depends on where you live.”

Punjab: Motorcycle license costs Rs. 550, while car licenses run Rs. 900. Combined motorcycle and car licenses are Rs. 950 for five years.

Sindh: The amounts of the motorcycle learner’s license have been reduced tremendously to Rs. 50 while the car learner’s license still stands at Rs. 100. The permanent licenses start amounting at Rs. 510 for a 3-year motorcycle license and go up to Rs. 1,860 for a 5-year car and motorcycle combined license.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Exam cost is Rs. 500 and the five years’ license card is worth Rs. 2,000. These fees amount to Rs. 2,500 if you renew them within one month of expiry.

Islamabad:The price falls in the standard range.

Add extra charges for services like NADRA verification (Rs. 65), lamination (Rs. 250), and medical certificates (Rs. 100). Duplicates for lost licenses cost around Rs. 360 plus the police report requirement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen applicants struggle with these issues repeatedly:

Poor Photo Quality: Applications are not accepted when there are blurry images or colored backgrounds. Opt for a simple white background with good lighting.

Incorrect CNIC Details: It would take a number of weeks to rectify a single typo; therefore, before processing submission, go through the works up to threefold.

Missing the 42-Day Window: Please don’t hurry to take the practical examination of your driving test. A learner’s permit is valid for a period of six months. However, you have to wait for forty-two days from the application day to allow examination days to accrue.

Ignoring Expiry Dates: If you do not renew your subscription on time, it will cost you money. If you renew the subscription within one month after the expiration date, it will be free of cost. If you wait more than 90 days, you will be charged a regular fee amounting to two times.

Using Fake Documents: The RFID system catches fake documents. Always adopt genuine documents.

Tips for Quick Approval

Do you want a faster processing of your license? Here are the methods that work:

Keep all the documents in PDF or very good quality JPG formats and within the size limits only. The best way to make a copy of your CNIC is to scan—scans are clearer and are not so likely to have problems.

Make your application during weekday mornings when there is less traffic on the server. Do not apply at the end of the month since that is when the renewal applications are at their highest.

Immediately save your PSID number and receipt after payment. These will be needed to check the status of your application and also for your future reference.

For practical tests, practice in the very spot where testing will take place if that is possible. Many licensing branches offer practice runs. Know the dimensions of your vehicle and practice parallel parking until it becomes instinct.

Continue checking your email and DLIMS dashboard at regular intervals. Sometimes approval notifications go to the spam folders.

Renewal Process Made Simple

For online renewal, you must sign in to dlims.punjab.gov.pk, choose the option for renewal under the regular license menu, and then upload the required documents such as pictures and your current license Consulate General of Pakistan New York along with the payment through the PSID system.

Overseas Pakistanis are allowed to renew their licenses for the provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the capital city Islamabad via consulates or go directly online. The entire process is usually completed within 7 to 10 days, and the license is sent through courier to the address you provided during registration.

The renewal fee is based on how much time has passed since the expiration date. Renewals done on time will cost only the standard amount. If you are one month late but still within the 90-day period, you will have to pay a penalty of 50% on top of the standard fee. After that period, you will be charged double the fees.

International Driving Permits

Are you planning to go on a driving trip abroad? Pakistan issues international driving permits (IDP) that are good for one year. You will be required to present your legitimate Pakistani driving license, a copy of your passport, and pay a fee of Rs. 1,000 for the standard processing of your application.

Some of the provinces provide the option of urgent processing for a fee that is higher than normal. For instance, Sindh has a fee of Rs. 500 for standard IDP processing and a fee of Rs. 1,050 for urgent processing.

IDPs turn your driving license into many languages, which thus allows it to be accepted in more than 175 countries. Still, there are some countries that will put you through their local driving tests no matter if you have an IDP or not.

The process of obtaining a pakistan driving license has become so much easier with the online systems that are already functioning in the major provinces. You can start with the application for a learner permit, practice hard during the 6-month learning period, and then pass the written and practical tests, and you will get your license in just a few weeks. Just remember to keep an eye on your expiry date and renew on time to avoid penalties. The roads are waiting—drive safe and responsible.