drivinglicence

A driving licence is an official document issued by a government authority that authorizes an individual to operate motor vehicles on public roads. It also serves as a widely used form of personal identification in many countries. The licence confirms that the holder has met the required standards of driving knowledge, skill, and fitness.

Licensing arrangements vary by country and region. In many places, a national or regional licensing authority administers tests, issues licences, and enforces penalties for violations. The process typically involves proving age eligibility, passing vision tests, and completing knowledge and practical driving examinations. Some jurisdictions require a learner or provisional licence before a full licence is granted, with a period of supervised practice.

Licence categories describe the types of vehicles a person may drive. Common categories include passenger cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and certain types of commercial vehicles. Some systems use letters or numbers to denote vehicle classes, while others rely on endorsements for special operations such as driving taxis, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying passengers commercially. Categories and endorsements can vary significantly between countries.

Renewal and medical fitness are common aspects of licensing. Licences usually expire after a set period and may require a renewal process that includes updated photographs, vision checks, and sometimes medical reports, especially for older drivers or those with certain health conditions. Licensing authorities may suspend or revoke licences for offenses such as driving without a valid licence, accumulating excessive penalty points, or medical ineligibility.

International travel may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany a national licence, though the IDP does not replace the home licence. Some regions also offer digital or mobile licences as a supplementary or alternative form of the document.