🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

Apply for Driving Licence Online India: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Apply for a learner's licence and then a permanent driving licence entirely online through the Sarathi portal. This guide covers every step — from registration and document upload to slot booking, the driving test, and DL delivery.

🔗Sarathi — Apply for Driving Licence — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

A driving licence (DL) in India is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The process has two mandatory stages: first, obtain a Learner's Licence (LL) by passing a computerised theory test, and then — after a minimum 30-day practice period — apply for a permanent driving licence by passing a practical driving test at the RTO. All applications are processed through the Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in), the official platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Driving licences are issued for specific vehicle classes: motorcycle without gear (MCWOG), motorcycle with gear (MCW), Light Motor Vehicle non-transport (LMV-NT), and others. You must apply separately for each class you wish to drive. The learner's licence is valid for 6 months, giving you time to practice before your permanent DL test. If you fail the LL test, you can retake it after 7 days. The permanent DL driving test can also be retaken after 7 days if you fail on the first attempt.

✅ Eligibility

  • ✓Minimum age: 16 years for MCWOG (motorcycle without gear, up to 50cc) with parental consent; 18 years for all other vehicle classes including LMV (cars)
  • ✓Must be a resident of India (Aadhaar or other valid address proof required)
  • ✓Must be medically fit — no colour blindness, adequate vision (6/6 in better eye or corrected with glasses), and no disqualifying medical conditions
  • ✓Must not already hold a valid learner's or permanent DL for the same vehicle class from the same or any other RTO
  • ✓Must not have a suspended or revoked DL under the Motor Vehicles Act
  • ✓For transport/commercial vehicle licence (LMV-T, HMV): minimum age 18 years and must hold a valid LMV licence for at least 1 year

📁 Documents Required

▸Aadhaar Card — mandatory for identity and address proof (or Passport / Voter ID / Ration Card as alternate address proof)
▸Age Proof — Birth certificate, class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar, or Passport
▸Passport-size photographs — 2 recent photos with white background (size 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm)
▸Form 1 — Medical self-declaration of fitness (available on Sarathi portal; doctor's signature required if applying for transport/commercial vehicle)
▸Form 1A — Medical certificate from an authorised medical officer (required for commercial vehicle classes only)
▸Existing Learner's Licence — required when applying for permanent DL (LL must be at least 30 days old)
▸Address Proof — Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, utility bill, or bank passbook (if address differs from Aadhaar)
▸Proof of age for minors (16–18 years) — Birth certificate and written consent of parent or guardian

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Learner's Licence (LL) application: ₹150 per vehicle class. Permanent Driving Licence (DL) application: ₹200 per vehicle class. Driving test fee: ₹300 (approximately — varies by state/RTO). Smart card DL (SCMV fee): ₹200. Total approximate cost for a fresh LMV (car) + motorcycle DL: ₹1,000–₹1,200. All fees are paid online via the Sarathi portal during the application process. Fees are non-refundable even if you fail the test.
Processing Time
Learner's Licence: issued same day or within 24 hours after passing the computerised LL test at the RTO. Permanent DL: 7–10 working days after passing the driving test — delivered by India Post to your registered address. You can track delivery using the consignment number provided in your Sarathi account.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

  1. 1Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the homepage. All services are state-specific; selecting the correct state is essential.
  2. 2Register as a new user: click 'Learner Licence' → 'Apply Online' → 'New Learner Licence'. Create an account with your name, mobile number, date of birth, and email. Verify via OTP.
  3. 3Fill in the online application form (equivalent to Form 1 + Form 2): enter personal details, address, vehicle class, and declare fitness. Upload scanned copies of address proof, age proof, and photograph as required.
  4. 4Pay the Learner's Licence fee online (₹150 per class) using UPI, net banking, or debit card. Save the payment receipt and application reference number.
  5. 5Book your LL test appointment at the nearest RTO. Choose an available slot from the calendar shown on the portal. Arrive at the RTO on your scheduled date and appear for the computerised multiple-choice theory test (20 questions on traffic rules and road signs; passing mark is typically 12/20).
  6. 6After passing the LL test, your Learner's Licence will be generated on the Sarathi portal. Download it, print it, and carry it with you at all times while practising driving. The LL is valid for 6 months.
  7. 7After at least 30 days of holding your LL, log back into the Sarathi portal and apply for the Permanent Driving Licence. Select 'Driving Licence' → 'Apply Online' → 'New DL'. Upload your LL, documents, and photograph.
  8. 8Pay the Permanent DL fee (₹200 per class + test fee ₹300) online. Book your driving test slot at your RTO. Arrive on the test date with your original LL, documents, and a vehicle of the appropriate class (some RTOs provide test vehicles for a fee).
  9. 9Pass the driving test conducted by the Motor Vehicle Inspector at the RTO. Tests typically assess ability to start/stop, manoeuvre at low speed, reverse, and observe traffic rules. After passing, your DL will be printed and dispatched by post within 7–10 working days.

🏢 How to Apply Offline

  1. 1Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person. Carry all original documents and self-attested photocopies.
  2. 2Collect Form 1 (medical self-declaration) and Form 2 (application for learner's licence) from the RTO counter. Fill them out completely.
  3. 3Submit the filled forms along with documents and photographs at the application counter. Pay the LL fee at the RTO cashier. Collect the acknowledgement slip.
  4. 4Appear for the computerised LL theory test on the given date. Pass the test and collect your Learner's Licence from the counter.
  5. 5After 30+ days of practice, return to the RTO with your LL, Form 4 (application for DL), and supporting documents. Pay the DL and test fee at the cashier.
  6. 6Attend the driving test slot as given by the RTO. Bring a vehicle of the appropriate class. After passing, your DL will be dispatched by post within 7–10 working days.

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Sarathi portal not accepting Aadhaar for OTP verification
→Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your current mobile number. If not, update it at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar enrolment centre. Alternatively, use Passport or Voter ID as identity proof for the application.
✗LL test slot not available online — all slots full
→Slots are released periodically, usually at midnight. Keep checking the Sarathi portal or try an alternate nearby RTO which may have available slots. You can also visit the RTO directly and request a walk-in slot (subject to availability).
✗Failed the Learner's Licence theory test
→You can retake the LL test after 7 days from the date of failure. Study the Motor Vehicles Act traffic rules, road signs, and driving guidelines available on the Sarathi portal's learning section before reattempting.
✗Driving test failed — vehicle control or test manoeuvre not cleared
→You can retake the driving test after 7 days. Practice the figure-8, H-manoeuvre, reverse, and hill-start exercises if applicable. Some RTOs offer a practice ground facility for a nominal fee. Ensure your vehicle is fully roadworthy — test failures due to vehicle condition are common.
✗DL not received by post after 15 working days
→Log into the Sarathi portal and track your DL status. If the DL has been dispatched, use the India Post tracking number to locate the parcel. If not dispatched, raise a grievance on the Sarathi portal or contact your RTO directly. Postal delays are common; the DL can also be collected in person from the RTO after 10 working days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.How long is the Learner's Licence valid?

The Learner's Licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must apply for and pass the permanent DL driving test within this 6-month window. If your LL expires before you get a permanent DL, you will need to apply for a fresh LL and repeat the process.

Q.What is the minimum gap between getting a LL and applying for a permanent DL?

You must hold your Learner's Licence for at least 30 days before applying for a permanent driving licence. This gap is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act to ensure applicants have adequate practice time.

Q.What happens if I fail the driving test?

If you fail the practical driving test, you can retake it after 7 days. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Your Learner's Licence must still be valid at the time of each retest.

Q.Can I apply for an international driving permit (IDP)?

Yes. If you hold a valid permanent Indian driving licence, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at your RTO. The IDP is valid for 1 year and allows you to drive in countries that are signatories to the Geneva and Vienna conventions. Apply using Form 4A at the RTO with your existing DL, passport, and recent photographs.

Q.Can I drive in another state with my DL?

Yes. A driving licence issued by any RTO in India is valid across all states and union territories. You do not need to transfer or re-apply when you move to another state.

Q.Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the driving test?

It depends on your RTO. Some RTOs have test vehicles available for rent (typically ₹200–₹500). Others require you to bring your own vehicle of the appropriate class. Check with your RTO when booking the test slot.

Q.Can I add a new vehicle class to my existing DL?

Yes. You can add a new vehicle class (for example, adding LMV-NT to an existing MCWG licence) by applying for an 'Endorsement of New Class' on the Sarathi portal. You will need to pass a new driving test for the additional class.

Q.How many vehicle classes can I apply for in one application?

You can apply for multiple vehicle classes in a single application on the Sarathi portal. However, you will need to pay the applicable fee separately for each class, and you must pass the driving test for each class individually.

📞Helpline & Support

  • ▸MoRTH Helpline: 1800-110-099 (toll-free, for Sarathi and Vahan portal issues)
  • ▸Sarathi Support Email: helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
  • ▸Official portal: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  • ▸Check DL status or details: parivahan.gov.in → Informational Services → Know Your Licence Details
  • ▸For complaints against RTO or delayed DL, contact the Transport Commissioner of your state or file a grievance on the CPGRAMS portal
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.