To apply for a driving licence in India, you must first obtain a Learner's Licence (LL) from your Regional Transport Office (RTO) by applying through the Parivahan Sarathi portal, passing a theory test, and then applying for the permanent Driving Licence (DL) after a mandatory 30-day learning period by passing a driving competency test. The total government fee is approximately ₹700-1,500. You will need age proof, address proof, and a medical certificate (Form 1 or Form 1A).
Who can apply for a driving licence
- Age 16: Can apply for a licence to drive a motorcycle without gear (up to 50cc engine capacity) — written consent of parent/guardian required
- Age 18: Can apply for a licence to drive all motor vehicles including motorcycles with gear, cars (LMV), and auto-rickshaws
- Age 20: Minimum age for driving a transport vehicle (commercial licence) — must also hold a non-transport DL for at least 1 year and have passed 8th standard
- Must not be disqualified from holding a driving licence by any court or transport authority
- Must not suffer from any physical or mental disability that would impair safe driving (medical fitness certificate required for applicants aged 40 and above)
- Foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an Indian DL by producing a valid visa and residence proof
You cannot apply if: You are under the minimum age for the vehicle category, you have been disqualified from holding a DL by any court order, or you are medically unfit to drive.
Documents you will need
Mandatory documents
- Age proof — Any one of: birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card, passport, Aadhaar card, or 10th class mark sheet
- Address proof — Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, utility bill (electricity/water/gas — not older than 3 months), bank passbook with address, or ration card
- Identity proof — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID
- Passport-size photographs — 3 recent photographs (colour, white background) — digital photographs required for online application
- Medical certificate — Form 1 (self-declaration for applicants below 40 years) or Form 1A (medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner for applicants aged 40 and above)
Additional documents (if applicable)
- Parent/guardian consent — Required for applicants aged 16-18 years, on plain paper with parent's signature and ID proof
- Proof of training — Certificate from a government-recognised driving school (optional but gives advantage in some states; mandatory for transport vehicle licence)
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Apply for Learner's Licence online via Sarathi portal
Visit the Parivahan Sarathi portal and submit the Learner's Licence application online. Select your state and RTO, fill in personal details, upload photograph and signature, and select the vehicle class.
Where: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in → Select State → "Apply Online" → "New Learner's Licence" Form: Form 2 (Application for Learner's Licence) — auto-generated on the portal Fee: ₹150 (Learner's Licence fee) + ₹50 (LL test fee) = ₹200
Tip: Choose the correct vehicle class carefully. If you want to drive both a two-wheeler and a car, select both LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) and MC (Motorcycle) classes. You will need to pass separate tests for each class.
Step 2: Book an appointment at the RTO for the LL test
After submitting the online application, book a slot for the Learner's Licence test at your nearest RTO.
Where: Sarathi portal → "Slot Booking" → Select date and time Time: Available slots are typically shown 3-7 days in advance
Tip: Early morning slots (9-10 AM) are best as the RTO is less crowded. Carry all original documents — the RTO staff will verify them before allowing you to take the test.
Step 3: Visit the RTO and pass the LL test
On the appointment date, visit the RTO with your original documents and photocopies. After document verification, take the computerised LL test.
Where: Your selected RTO / Automated Driving Test Track (ADTT) centre Test format: 15-20 multiple-choice questions on traffic rules, road signs, and road safety (varies by state) Passing marks: 60% (9 out of 15 correct, or equivalent — varies by state) Time allowed: 10-15 minutes
Tip: Study traffic signs, road markings, and basic traffic rules before the test. The questions are from a standard bank — study materials are available on the Parivahan website. If you fail, you can rebook after 7 days (retest fee: ₹50).
Step 4: Receive the Learner's Licence
Upon passing the test, the Learner's Licence is issued on the same day (printed at the RTO or available for download from the Sarathi portal in some states).
Where: RTO counter or Sarathi portal (digital download) Validity: 6 months from date of issue
Tip: The Learner's Licence allows you to drive only while accompanied by a person holding a valid DL for the same vehicle class. You must display an "L" plate on the vehicle. The LL is valid for 6 months — if you do not apply for the DL within this period, you must apply for a fresh LL.
Step 5: Practice driving for at least 30 days
After receiving the LL, you must wait a minimum of 30 days before applying for the permanent Driving Licence. Use this period to practice driving.
Where: Practice with a licensed driver or enrol in a driving school Duration: Minimum 30 days mandatory (maximum: apply before LL expires in 6 months)
Tip: Consider joining a government-accredited driving school. In several states, persons trained at accredited driving schools get priority in DL test scheduling and may be exempted from the driving test at the RTO (they take the test at the accredited driving school itself).
Step 6: Apply for the permanent Driving Licence
After the 30-day learning period (but before the LL expires), apply for the permanent DL through the Sarathi portal.
Where: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in → "Apply Online" → "New Driving Licence" Form: Form 4 (Application for Driving Licence) — auto-generated Fee: ₹300 (driving test fee) + ₹200 (Smart Card DL fee) = ₹500
Tip: Apply between the 31st day and the 180th day from the date of LL issuance. If you apply too early (before 30 days), the application will be rejected. If the LL expires, you must start the entire process from Step 1 again.
Step 7: Take the driving competency test at the RTO
Book a slot for the driving test and appear at the RTO or Automated Driving Test Track on the scheduled date.
Where: RTO test track or Automated Driving Test Track (ADTT) Test components:
- For LMV (car): Forward driving, reverse driving, parking (parallel/perpendicular), 8-shaped track, gradient (hill) start, traffic signal response
- For MC (motorcycle): Figure-8, slalom, slow riding in straight line, braking
Tip: At ADTTs (now operational in most major cities), the test is conducted on a standardised track with sensors — there is no human subjectivity. Practice specifically for the ADTT track layout if your RTO has one. If you fail, you can rebook after 7 days (retest fee: ₹300).
Step 8: Receive the permanent Driving Licence
Upon passing the driving test, the permanent DL is issued as a Smart Card and dispatched to your registered address by post, or is available for collection at the RTO.
Where: Dispatched by speed post to registered address or collected from RTO Format: Smart Card with QR code, photograph, and vehicle class endorsements Validity: 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 50, whichever is earlier (renewed thereafter every 5 years) Delivery time: 7-20 working days
Tip: Download the digital DL from the DigiLocker app (digilocker.gov.in) while waiting for the physical Smart Card. The digital DL in DigiLocker is legally valid under the IT Act and accepted by traffic police across India.
Fees and costs
| Item | Amount | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's Licence application fee | ₹150 | Sarathi portal (online) |
| LL test fee | ₹50 | Sarathi portal (online) |
| Driving competency test fee | ₹300 | Sarathi portal (online) |
| Smart Card DL fee | ₹200 | Sarathi portal (online) |
| LL retest fee (if failed) | ₹50 | Sarathi portal (online) |
| DL retest fee (if failed) | ₹300 | Sarathi portal (online) |
| Medical certificate (Form 1A — for age 40+) | ₹50-200 | To registered medical practitioner |
| Driving school fee (optional) | ₹2,000-8,000 | Direct to driving school |
| Total government fee (LL + DL) | ₹700 | |
| Total with driving school | ₹2,700-8,700 |
How long does it take
| Stage | Statutory Timeline | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| LL online application and slot booking | Same day | 1-3 days |
| LL test at RTO | Slot-dependent | 3-7 days from application |
| LL issuance | Same day | Same day after passing test |
| Mandatory learning period | 30 days (minimum) | 30-60 days |
| DL application and test slot booking | After 30 days | 1-3 days |
| Driving test at RTO/ADTT | Slot-dependent | 7-15 days from application |
| DL Smart Card delivery | No statutory limit | 7-20 working days |
| Total end-to-end | Minimum 37 days | 45-90 days |
Can you do this online?
Partially — the application, fee payment, and slot booking are fully online, but the LL test and driving test must be taken in person at the RTO or ADTT.
Online process step-by-step
- Visit Sarathi portal: Go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state and RTO: Choose from the dropdown menu
- Apply for LL: Click "Apply Online" → "New Learner's Licence" → Fill Form 2
- Upload documents: Photograph, signature, age proof, address proof
- Pay fee: ₹200 (LL fee + test fee) via net banking, debit card, UPI, or e-wallet
- Book LL test slot: Select date, time, and RTO/ADTT
- Visit RTO for LL test: Carry original documents, take computerised test
- Wait 30 days: Practice driving during the learning period
- Apply for DL: Return to Sarathi portal → "New Driving Licence" → Fill Form 4
- Pay DL fee: ₹500 (test fee + Smart Card fee)
- Book driving test slot: Select date and time
- Visit RTO for driving test: Take the practical driving test
- Receive DL: Smart Card dispatched to address or download from DigiLocker
What if things go wrong
Problem: Failed the Learner's Licence test
Solution: You can retake the LL test after 7 days by rebooking a slot on the Sarathi portal. The retest fee is ₹50. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Review the traffic sign chart and motor vehicle rules available on the Parivahan website before retaking the test.
Problem: Failed the driving competency test
Solution: Rebook the driving test after 7 days from the date of failure (retest fee: ₹300). You can retake the test up to 3 times before the LL expires. If you fail all attempts, apply for a fresh LL and restart the process. Consider enrolling in a driving school for structured training before the retest.
Problem: Learner's Licence expired before applying for DL
Solution: The LL is valid for 6 months. If it expires before you apply for the permanent DL, you must apply for a fresh LL (new application, new fee, new test) and repeat the entire process including the 30-day waiting period.
Problem: Online application rejected due to document mismatch
Solution: The most common issue is a name mismatch between Aadhaar and other documents. Ensure the name, date of birth, and address are identical across all documents. If there is a genuine discrepancy, get the Aadhaar or other document corrected first before reapplying. The Sarathi portal allows you to edit and resubmit the application within 7 days of rejection.
Problem: DL Smart Card not received within 30 days
Solution: Track the dispatch status on the Sarathi portal using your application number. If the card is not received within 30 days, visit your RTO with the acknowledgment receipt and request a reissue. Meanwhile, the digital DL on DigiLocker is legally valid for all purposes.
State-specific differences
While the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is central legislation, transport is a concurrent subject, and states have operational variations in the DL process:
| State | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Fully automated testing at ADTT centres; LL test is tablet-based |
| Maharashtra | Both manual and ADTT centres; Aadhaar-based biometric verification |
| Karnataka | Sarathi portal with e-KYC; ADTT at major RTOs |
| Tamil Nadu | State uses Sarathi but has additional state-specific documents; driving school certificate gives priority |
| Kerala | Mandatory driving school training certificate for DL; strict ADTT testing |
| Uttar Pradesh | Manual testing still common at many RTOs; ADTT rollout ongoing |
| Gujarat | Sarathi-based process; ADTT centres in Ahmedabad and Surat |
| West Bengal | State portal integrated with Sarathi; both manual and automated testing |
Note: Fees mentioned above are the central government prescribed rates. Some states may charge marginally different amounts due to state-specific rules. Always check the Sarathi portal for your specific state and RTO.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a driving licence without going to a driving school?
Yes. Enrolling in a driving school is optional for non-transport vehicle licences. You can learn driving privately with any person who holds a valid DL for the same vehicle class and pass the RTO driving test. However, for commercial transport vehicle licences, training at a government-recognised driving school is often mandatory.
Is the Learner's Licence valid for driving on public roads?
Yes, but with restrictions. You can drive on public roads with a valid LL only when accompanied by a person holding a permanent DL for the same vehicle class, sitting beside you (for cars) or following closely (for two-wheelers). You must display an "L" plate prominently on the vehicle. Driving alone with only an LL is a traffic offence.
Can I drive in other states with a DL issued by one state?
Yes. A driving licence issued by any state RTO is valid across all states and union territories of India under Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act. You do not need a separate DL for each state. If you permanently relocate to another state, you should get your DL address updated at the new RTO.
What is the fee for driving licence renewal?
The renewal fee for a DL is ₹200 (application fee) plus ₹200 (Smart Card fee) = ₹400. Renewal can be done up to 1 year before the expiry date and up to 1 year after expiry without penalty. After 1 year past expiry, the DL is treated as expired and you may need to take the driving test again.
Can I apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with my Indian DL?
You can apply for an IDP only after obtaining a permanent Indian DL. The IDP is issued by the RTO for ₹1,000 and is valid for 1 year. It allows you to drive in countries that recognise the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. The application can be made through the Sarathi portal.
How do I add a new vehicle class to my existing DL?
To add a new vehicle class (e.g., adding motorcycle to an existing LMV licence), apply through the Sarathi portal for "Additional Endorsement." You need to pass the driving test for the new vehicle class. The fee is ₹300 (test fee) + ₹200 (endorsement fee).