--- title: "How to Get a Driving Licence in Bangladesh (2026 Guide)" id: "5498" type: "post" slug: "how-to-get-a-driving-licence-in-bangladesh" published_at: "2026-10-30T17:40:07+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-30T17:40:07+00:00" url: "https://www.trucklagbe.com/how-to-get-a-driving-licence-in-bangladesh/" markdown_url: "https://www.trucklagbe.com/how-to-get-a-driving-licence-in-bangladesh.md" excerpt: "To get a driving licence in Bangladesh, apply online on the BRTA Service Portal for a learner licence, practise, then pass a written, oral, and practical test at your BRTA circle office. After you pass, you give your fingerprints and..." taxonomy_category: - "Driving License" - "Help" - "Tips" --- [হোম](https://trucklagbe.com/) ![keyboard-arrow-right-bread](https://www.trucklagbe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/keyboard-arrow-right-bread.svg)[ব্লগ](https://www.trucklagbe.com/blog/) ![keyboard-arrow-right-bread](https://www.trucklagbe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/keyboard-arrow-right-bread.svg)[How to Get a Driving Licence in Bangladesh (2026 Guide)](https://trucklagbe.com/) ![How to Get a Driving Licence in Bangladesh](https://www.trucklagbe.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Truck-Drivers-Guide-to-Bangladesh-Licensing.jpg) ##### অক্টোবর 30, 2026 # How to Get a Driving Licence in Bangladesh (2026 Guide) - [Driving License](https://www.trucklagbe.com/category/driving-license/) - [Help](https://www.trucklagbe.com/category/help/) - [Tips](https://www.trucklagbe.com/category/tips/) To get a driving licence in Bangladesh, apply online on the BRTA Service Portal for a learner licence, practise, then pass a written, oral, and practical test at your BRTA circle office. After you pass, you give your fingerprints and photo, pay the smart card fee, and download an e-paper licence while the card is printed. You must be at least 18 for a non-professional (private) licence and 21 for a professional licence. The learner licence costs Tk 518 for one vehicle category, and the smart card costs Tk 4,557 for a 10-year non-professional licence or Tk 2,832 for a 5-year professional one. This guide covers who can apply, the documents you need, each step on the portal, the tests, fees and timeline, and how to renew. ## Which driving licence do you need? Every licence has a type and one or more vehicle categories. | Type | Who it is for | Minimum age | Validity | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Learner | Anyone preparing for the test | 18 (21 for professional) | Until you pass | | Non-professional | People who drive their own car or motorcycle | 18 | 10 years | | Professional | People who drive for pay, including truck, bus, ride-share and company drivers | 21 | 5 years | The categories include motorcycle, three-wheeler, light, medium, heavy and special-type vehicles. Most private drivers apply for light (cars, jeeps, microbuses, pickups), motorcycle, or both together. Our guide to [driving licence classes and types](https://trucklagbe.com/driving-license-in-bangladesh-classes-and-types/) explains each category. Professional applicants must also have passed Class 8 and submit a dope test report. If you want to drive large trucks, you will move up from light to medium to heavy over several years; our [heavy driving licence guide](https://trucklagbe.com/how-to-apply-for-a-heavy-driving-license-in-bangladesh-a-complete-guide/) covers that ladder. ## Documents you will need Scan everything before you start, because the portal rejects files that are too large. A photo must be 300 by 300 pixels and under 150 KB, and other scans must be under 600 KB, according to [UNB’s guide](https://unb.com.bd/category/Lifestyle/how-to-get-brta-smart-card-driving-license/121955) . | Document | Notes | | --- | --- | | National ID card (NID) | Name and date of birth must match on every document | | Passport-size photo | 300 by 300 pixels, under 150 KB | | Medical certificate | Signed by a registered doctor, on the form downloaded from the portal | | Proof of address | Utility bill, only if your current address differs from your NID | | Education certificate | Professional licence only: Class 8 or higher | | Dope test report | Professional licence only, from a government hospital or approved centre | ## How to get a driving licence, step by step ### 1. Create an account on the BRTA Service Portal Go to the [BRTA Service Portal](https://bsp.brta.gov.bd) (BSP) and register with your NID number, date of birth and mobile number. You will receive a code by SMS to confirm the account. Use a number you will keep, because BRTA sends test dates and updates to it. ### 2. Apply for a learner licence Choose whether you are applying for a professional or non-professional licence, and tick the vehicle categories you want. Upload the documents and the medical certificate, then pay online. The learner fee is Tk 518 for one category and Tk 748 for two, such as light and motorcycle together. Once approved, you can download your learner licence. It lets you practise driving with an instructor or a licensed driver beside you, and it shows your test date. ### 3. Learn and practise Learn at a BRTA-approved driving school or with an experienced driver. Study the road signs, traffic rules and basic vehicle knowledge for the written and oral tests, and practise on the same kind of vehicle you will be tested on. In October 2025, the government announced that new drivers would need 60 hours of training before getting a licence, run by BRTC and approved institutes, according to the [Financial Express](https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/home/govt-to-overhaul-driving-licence-system-with-mandatory-training) . We found no notice making it a formal requirement yet, so check BSP and your BRTA office before you book. ### 4. Take the tests On the test date sent by SMS, go to your BRTA circle office with your learner licence and NID. There are three tests, usually on the same visit: - A written test on road signs, traffic rules and basic vehicle knowledge. - An oral test (viva), where examiners ask about the same topics and how you would handle situations on the road. - A practical driving test in a vehicle of the category you applied for. The standard wait for a test has been about two months. Since November 2024, BRTA has let applicants pay for an earlier slot: Tk 5,000 for a test within 7 to 15 days, Tk 3,000 within 16 to 30 days and Tk 2,000 within 31 to 60 days, according to [risingbd](https://www.risingbd.com/amp/news/583748) . Results appear on your BSP account and by SMS. ### 5. Give your fingerprints and photo After you pass, BRTA records your fingerprints, photo and signature. This is often done on the test day; if not, BRTA sends you a date by SMS. ### 6. Pay for the smart card licence Log in to BSP and apply for the smart card licence in the same categories you passed. Professional applicants upload the dope test report at this stage. Pay the smart card fee online. ### 7. Download your e-paper licence Smart card printing has been delayed since BRTA’s contract with its card supplier ended in July 2025, [TBS](https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/no-clarity-smart-driving-licence-cards-applicants-anxiously-await-solution-999536) reported. Once your licence is approved, download the QR-coded e-paper licence from BSP. BRTA has told police and government offices to accept it, so keep a printed copy and a copy on your phone until your card arrives. ## Driving licence fees in Bangladesh | Item | Fee | | --- | --- | | Learner licence, one category | Tk 518 | | Learner licence, two categories | Tk 748 | | Non-professional smart card, 10 years | Tk 4,557 | | Professional smart card, 5 years | Tk 2,832 | | Earlier test slot (optional) | Tk 2,000 to Tk 5,000 | The fees date from a December 2022 notification that raised several BRTA charges, as [Prothom Alo](https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/toh3ej4ntb) reported; the amounts above are from UNB’s 2023 guide. We found no change since then, but the portal shows the exact amount when you pay. Professional applicants also pay for the dope test. ## How long does it take? Plan for two to three months from the learner licence to the test, or less if you pay for an earlier slot. Fingerprints, the smart card application and approval add more time, but you can drive on the e-paper licence once it is issued. Professional applicants should book the dope test early, since hospital appointments can take time. ## Renewing your driving licence A non-professional licence lasts 10 years and a professional licence 5 years. Renew online on BSP before it expires. Renewal fees reported in 2025 were Tk 4,212 for a non-professional licence and Tk 2,487 for a professional one, with a late fee of Tk 518 for each year after expiry; check the exact amount on BSP. Professional drivers need a new dope test to renew. The government’s penalty-free renewal window for expired licences ended on 29 October 2026, which it had called the final extension, as the [Daily Observer](https://observerbd.com/news/589910) reported. ## Keep your licence: rules that apply once you drive Driving without a valid licence, or outside your licence category, can bring six months in prison, a Tk 25,000 fine or both, BRTA warned in April 2026, as [Dhaka Times](https://www.dhakatimes24.com/2026/04/03/404100) reported. Every licence also carries 12 demerit points. Since June 2026, BRTA has deducted points for offences such as speeding, signal violations and overloading, and a driver who loses all 12 has the licence cancelled, according to a BRTA notice reported by [Bangla Tribune](https://www.banglatribune.com/others/945140) . Our guide to [traffic fines in Bangladesh](https://trucklagbe.com/traffic-fines-and-penalties-in-bangladesh/) lists the fines and points. ## Driving abroad: the International Driving Permit To drive abroad, you need an International Driving Permit from the [Automobile Association of Bangladesh](https://aabangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NOTES-AND-REQUIREMENTS-IDP-14.01.2025-updated.pdf) (AAB), the only issuer in the country. You need a BRTA licence valid for at least one more month, your NID, passport and photos. The permit lasts 12 months and cannot be renewed. In AAB’s January 2025 notes, regular processing of about 20 working days costs Tk 3,700 for a motorcycle-only licence and Tk 4,700 for light, or light and motorcycle; faster service costs more. ## Common mistakes that delay a licence - A name or date of birth that does not match your NID. - A photo or scan that is too large or the wrong size. - A medical certificate that is not on the BSP form. - A changed mobile number, so the test date SMS never arrives. - Missing the test date and having to rebook. - Applying for a professional licence before turning 21, or without the Class 8 certificate. ## Drive for a living with Truck Lagbe If you want to drive a pickup or truck for a living, you will need a professional licence in the right category. Our guide on [how to drive a truck in Bangladesh](https://trucklagbe.com/how-to-drive-a-truck-in-bangladesh/) covers the skills and rules, and drivers and owners can find trips on the [Truck Lagbe Owner app](https://trucklagbe.com/owner/) . ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the minimum age for a driving licence in Bangladesh? 18 for a non-professional licence and 21 for a professional licence. ### Can I apply for a driving licence online in Bangladesh? Yes. You apply for the learner licence and the smart card on the BRTA Service Portal, but you must attend your BRTA circle office for the tests and biometrics. ### How much does a driving licence cost in Bangladesh? A learner licence costs Tk 518 for one category or Tk 748 for two. The smart card costs Tk 4,557 for a non-professional licence or Tk 2,832 for a professional licence. An earlier test slot costs Tk 2,000 to Tk 5,000 if you want one. ### How long does it take to get a driving licence? About two to three months from the learner licence to the test, plus time for approval. You can pay for an earlier test slot. ### Can I drive with the e-paper licence? Yes. BRTA has told police to accept the QR-coded e-paper licence while smart cards are delayed. ### What is the difference between a professional and non-professional licence? A non-professional licence is for driving your own vehicle; it needs a minimum age of 18 and lasts 10 years. 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