Parivahan Portal Status: Stuck
“Medical certificate pending.”
That’s what the screen showed. Biswajit had been trying to renew his WB-02 series driving licence for three weeks. Everything else uploaded. Fees paid. But without Form 1A, Kolkata RTO wouldn’t process his application.
The RTO office in Ultadanga was crowded. Phone lines always busy. The Parivahan portal had no clear instructions on what exactly Form 1A was or how to get it.
If you’re renewing a WB series driving licence in Kolkata – WB-01 (Kolkata), WB-02 (North), WB-19 (South), or any other West Bengal registration – this guide explains Form 1A requirements and how to get it uploaded to Parivahan without multiple RTO visits.
What is Form 1A for Kolkata RTO
Form 1A is the official medical fitness certificate format prescribed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under Motor Vehicles Act.
It assesses whether you’re physically and mentally fit to operate motor vehicles on Indian roads.
Kolkata RTO requires Form 1A when:
- You’re 40 years or older (mandatory for renewal)
- Renewing expired driving licence
- Applying for International Driving Permit
- Upgrading from non-transport to transport vehicle licence
- Adding new vehicle category
- Licence was suspended and applying for restoration
Age 40 is the critical threshold. Below 40, Form 1A usually not required for standard WB licence renewals.
What Medical Assessment Form 1A Includes
| Test | What’s Checked |
|---|---|
| Vision Test | Distance vision, near vision, color blindness, night blindness |
| Hearing Test | Ability to hear traffic sounds, warnings |
| Physical Fitness | Height, weight, blood pressure, limb function |
| Medical History | Heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, mental conditions |
| Mental Alertness | Cognitive function, reaction time |
For non-transport (private cars/bikes): Basic assessment
For transport (commercial): More rigorous, stricter standards
Can You Get Form 1A Online for Kolkata RTO?
Yes – and this is becoming standard for WB series licence renewals.
Why online makes sense for Kolkata:
Traditional route challenges:
- Getting from Howrah/Dum Dum to Ultadanga RTO: 45-60 minutes
- RTO office crowds and long waits
- Finding clinic that does Form 1A near you
- Traffic congestion during monsoons
Online route advantages:
- Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020 permit remote medical assessments
- Eye and hearing tests can be conducted via video
- Parivahan portal accepts digital Form 1A
- Certificate from registered doctor anywhere in India is valid
Legal framework: West Bengal RTO accepts Form 1A from registered MBBS/MD doctors via telemedicine as long as proper format is followed.
How to Get Form 1A Online for WB Licence Renewal
Step 1: Fill online request (3 minutes)
- Your personal details
- WB licence number (e.g., WB0220190012345)
- Date of birth and age
- Vehicle type (non-transport/transport)
- Medical history
Step 2: Online medical assessment (10-15 minutes)
Registered MBBS doctor conducts:
- Video consultation for visual inspection
- Eye test using on-screen Snellen chart
- Color vision test (Ishihara plates on screen)
- Hearing assessment via audio tests
- Medical history discussion
- Mental alertness evaluation
Step 3: Form 1A completed (within 30 minutes)
You receive PDF:
- Properly filled MoRTH prescribed Form 1A format
- All medical test results entered
- Fitness declaration for driving
- Doctor’s credentials and registration number
- Signature and stamp
Step 4: Upload to Parivahan
Log into parivahan.gov.in, continue licence renewal, upload Form 1A PDF in medical certificate section.
Common Kolkata RTO Form 1A Questions
Will Parivahan accept digital Form 1A for WB series or need physical copy?
Parivahan accepts digital uploads. You don’t need to visit Kolkata RTO office with physical copy unless specifically called.
My WB-02 renewal stuck for 2 weeks. How fast can I get Form 1A?
Within 30 minutes of online doctor consultation. Upload immediately and renewal proceeds.
I’m 43 years old. Do I definitely need Form 1A?
Yes. Anyone 40+ must submit Form 1A for WB licence renewal. Non-negotiable.
I wear glasses. Will that affect Form 1A?
No. Doctor tests vision with corrective lenses. If adequate with glasses, you’re cleared for driving (with condition: must wear glasses while driving).
Why do online Form 1A get rejected by Kolkata RTO?
Rejections happen when:
- Doctor’s registration number missing
- Not in prescribed MoRTH format
- Signature/stamp unclear
- Medical sections incomplete
- Form too old (should be within 3 months)
- Doctor not MBBS qualified
- Poor scan quality
Proper online services avoid these issues.
WB Series Driving Licences: Kolkata Districts
West Bengal uses WB prefix. Kolkata and surrounding RTOs:
- WB-01: Kolkata Central RTO
- WB-02: Kolkata North RTO
- WB-19: Kolkata South RTO
- WB-06: Howrah RTO
- WB-20: Bidhannagar RTO (Salt Lake)
Form 1A requirements identical across all WB series. It’s a state-level requirement following central MoRTH guidelines.
Key requirements for all WB series:
- Must follow MoRTH Form 1A format exactly
- Doctor registered with West Bengal Medical Council or National Medical Commission
- Recent (within 3 months)
- All sections complete
- Clear signature and stamp
Why WB Licence Renewals Get Stuck
Common mistakes delaying Kolkata driving licence renewals:
Reusing old Form 1A: Can’t use Form 1A from previous renewal 5 years ago. Need fresh examination.
Wrong format: Some doctors use their own format instead of MoRTH prescribed Form 1A. Parivahan rejects.
Incomplete sections: Vision, hearing, BP, height, weight – any blank section causes rejection.
Name mismatch: Name on Form 1A must exactly match RTO database.
Poor upload: Blurry photos, cut-off edges, illegible text.
Non-MBBS doctor: BAMS, BHMS, physiotherapists invalid. Must be MBBS/MD.
Missing registration number: Most common rejection. Without medical council registration number, automatic rejection.
After Uploading Form 1A
Once uploaded to Parivahan for WB licence renewal:
- Verification (2-4 days): RTO verifies doctor credentials
- Processing (3-7 days): If approved, renewal proceeds
- Licence printing (5-10 days): Smart card printed
- Delivery (7-15 days): Posted to registered address
Total: 3-5 weeks from Form 1A upload to receiving renewed licence.
If rejected, Parivahan shows reason. Upload corrected version (restarts verification).
Transport vs Non-Transport
Non-transport (cars, bikes, scooters):
- Standard medical assessment
- Basic vision and hearing
- Online Form 1A works perfectly
Transport (commercial – taxis, trucks, buses):
- Stricter medical criteria
- Detailed vision including peripheral
- Higher passing standards
- May require in-person at RTO-authorized centers
For standard non-transport WB licences, online Form 1A is sufficient.
Kolkata RTO Contact Information
Regional Transport Office, Kolkata (Ultadanga)
RTO Office, Ultadanga, Kolkata – 700067
Phone: 033-23523842
Other Kolkata RTOs: Bidhannagar (Salt Lake), South Kolkata
Online:
- West Bengal Transport: paribahanseva.wb.gov.in
- Parivahan: parivahan.gov.in
- Sarathi: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
For Form 1A queries, everything handled through Parivahan. Visiting RTO usually unnecessary.
Pro Tips for Kolkata Residents
Start early: Begin renewal 2 months before expiry. Don’t wait until last week.
Keep digital backup: Save Form 1A in multiple places. Parivahan uploads sometimes fail.
Check details: Name, DOB, licence number must match RTO database exactly.
Save application number: Parivahan gives application number. Save it for tracking.
Update contact: Ensure mobile and email on Parivahan are current for status updates.
Avoid RTO visit: Ultadanga RTO crowded. Form 1A issues resolved online. Visit only if RTO specifically calls.
Monsoon Considerations
Kolkata monsoons (June-September) create challenges:
- Traveling to RTO office difficult
- Finding clinics in waterlogged areas hard
- Online Form 1A eliminates weather dependency
- Can complete entire process from home
Final Thoughts
Your WB series driving licence renewal shouldn’t be stuck for weeks due to Form 1A confusion.
Kolkata traffic, crowded RTO offices, finding time to visit clinics – all unnecessary complications when entire process can be done online.
Online medical consultations are legitimate, accepted by West Bengal RTO, and much faster. Registered doctor, proper Form 1A format, all assessments, direct Parivahan upload – done in 30 minutes.
Get your Form 1A sorted. Upload to Parivahan. Continue renewal. Get back on Kolkata roads legally.
Don’t let paperwork keep you off the road.