What you need to know about Pakistani driver licenses
A Pakistani driver's license is issued by your provincial transport authority after you pass a written test, an eye exam, and a practical driving test. The process takes between two to four weeks from the day you submit your documents, though this varies by province and how busy the office is. You must be at least 18 years old to hold a full license, though some provinces issue learner permits at 16.
The license itself is valid for five years for most drivers, after which you must renew it. The rules differ slightly between provinces — Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan each run their own transport authorities — so the exact documents you need and the fees you pay depend on where you live and where you plan to drive.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test, eye exam, and practical driving test through your provincial transport authority to receive a full driver's license.
- Pakistani driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you must renew before the expiration date shown on your card.
- The documents required and fees charged vary by province, so you should contact your local transport office to confirm what you need before you visit.
- A learner's permit usually costs less than a full license and lets you practice driving under supervision while you prepare for the practical test.
Documents you need to bring for a new license
The core documents are the same across all provinces: a completed process form (available at the transport office or online), your national identity card (CNIC), proof of address, and a medical certificate signed by a registered doctor confirming you are fit to drive. Proof of address can be a utility bill, rental agreement, or property tax receipt in your name.
You will also need to bring four passport-sized photographs, usually 4x6 centimeters. Some provinces require the photos to be in color; others accept black and white. The transport office can take the photos for you if you do not have them, though this adds a small fee and extra time to your visit.
If you are renewing an expired license, bring the old license card itself. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you may need to file a report with the police and bring a copy of that report, though this requirement varies by province.
The written test and what it covers
The written test is conducted in Urdu or English, depending on which you choose. It covers traffic rules, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle maintenance. The test usually has 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 60 percent to pass. You get one attempt on the day you take the test; if you fail, you must return on another day to try again.
The transport office provides study materials and sample questions, often available on the provincial transport authority website. Many people study these materials for a few days before taking the test. There is no official time limit between when you submit your documents and when you sit for the test — some offices schedule it the same day, others schedule it weeks later depending on how many people are waiting.
The practical driving test and eye exam
After you pass the written test, you must pass an eye exam conducted by a doctor at the transport office or at a clinic they approve. The exam checks your vision, color blindness, and ability to see at night. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them during the exam, and your license will be marked to show that correction is required.
The practical driving test happens on a closed course or quiet road near the transport office. An examiner sits with you and watches how you handle the vehicle, check mirrors, use signals, park, and respond to instructions. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must pass this test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to wait several days or weeks for the next available slot.
How much it costs and where to pay
Fees vary by province and by license type. A new five-year car license in Punjab costs roughly 1,500 to 2,000 Pakistani rupees, while in Sindh it may be slightly different. A motorcycle license is cheaper, and a commercial license (for buses or trucks) is more expensive. Renewal fees are usually the same as or slightly less than the fee for a new license.
You pay the fee at the transport office when you submit your documents or when you pass your tests — the exact timing depends on the office's procedure. Some offices collect the fee upfront; others collect it after you pass the written test. Ask when you arrive which payment method they use and whether they accept cash, bank transfer, or both.
Renewing your license before it expires
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. The renewal process is simpler than getting a new license: you do not have to retake the written or practical tests. You submit your current license, a new process form, updated proof of address, a new medical certificate, and new photographs. The eye exam is still required.
Renewal usually takes one to two weeks. If you renew before your license expires, your new license will be valid for five years from the expiration date of the old one, not from the day you renew. If you wait until after your license expires, you may have to retake the written and practical tests, so it is better to renew early.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the police and get a written report. Bring this report to the transport office along with your CNIC, proof of address, a medical certificate, and new photographs. The transport office will issue a duplicate license with the same expiration date as your original. You do not have to retake any tests.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one by bringing it to the transport office with a new process form and photographs. The fee for a duplicate or replacement is usually lower than the fee for a new license, though this varies by province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a learner's permit, or do I need a full license?
A learner's permit lets you practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver, but you cannot drive alone. You must have a full license to drive by yourself. A learner's permit is usually valid for six months to one year and costs less than a full license.
What happens if I fail the practical driving test?
You can retake the practical test after a waiting period, which varies by province but is usually between three days and two weeks. You do not have to retake the written test or pay the full fee again — you only pay a retest fee, which is lower.
Do I need a medical certificate from a specific doctor?
The doctor must be registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. Most transport offices have a list of approved doctors, or you can bring a certificate from any registered doctor. The certificate must confirm you are fit to drive and have no conditions that would make driving unsafe.
Can I renew my license online?
Some provinces now offer online renewal for licenses that are not yet expired, but you still must visit the transport office in person to submit photographs and pay the fee. Check your provincial transport authority's website to see if online renewal is available in your area.
What if I move to a different province?
Your license remains valid across all provinces. You do not have to exchange it or get a new one when you move. However, if your license is lost or damaged after you move, you can renew it through the transport authority in your new province.