How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online in India

Q: What happens if I fail the driving test?

Don't worry! You can take the test again after 7 days . Usually people couldn't get it on their first try.

If someone wants to drive a vehicle, they must need to get a driving license under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. I remember when I applied for my driving license, I had to visit the RTO office to apply for my driving license, but the long queues and crowds made it a time-consuming process. It was really stressful for me.

Maybe you’ve faced the same issue too. One day, a friend of mine suggested that I apply for my driving license online. I was very surprised and asked, “Really? He explained that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a digital platform that offers a variety of online services, including applying for a driving license. It is probably a better idea for you to apply online instead of visiting a crowded office.

Here I have shared all necessary information like eligibility, types of license, required documents, fees, and step-by-step instructions to apply for a driving license online in India. Let’s get started!

What Is a Driving Licence?

A driving licence is a permit that is issued by the Government of India allowing individuals to operate motor vehicles on public roads. It ensures that the driver is practically qualified to drive his vehicle and understands the traffic rules, signals and regulations for the safety of himself and other

Types of Driving Licences in India

Basically the four types of driving license are used in India:

Learner’s Licence (LL)

A temporary permit allowing you to learn driving. Valid for 6 months, it lets you practice with supervision. (You must hold an LL before getting a full licence in any vehicle class.)

Permanent Driving Licence (DL)

The regular licence issued after you pass the driving test. It allows you to drive the vehicle class for which you applied (e.g. two-wheeler, car). Applicants must hold a learner’s licence for at least 30 days before applying

Commercial Driving Licence

A special licence for driving goods or passenger vehicles (like trucks, buses, cabs) for hire or reward. To get this, you generally need a valid permanent licence and be at least 20 years old

International Driving Permit (IDP)

It is not a full license, but only a temporary permit valid for one year that allows Indian license holders to drive internationally.

Every license is issued by your state’s RTO. When applying online through Parivahan, you will have to choose an option between “New Learner’s Licence” and “New Driving Licence,” depending on your situation.

Eligibility Criteria for a Permanent Driving Licence

Minimum Age:

Motorcycles (Without Gear): At least 16 years old.
Motorcycles (With Gear): Minimum Required Age is 18 years
Commercial Vehicles: Minimum Required Age is 20 years with 1 year of LMC license.

Learner’s License

You must have held a valid learner’s licence for at least 30 days and take the permanent licence test within 6 months of its issuance.

Physical Fitness

Physically and mentally you must be fit for a driving licence and you must be aware of basic traffic rules and road safety.

Knowledge of Traffic Rules

You must have knowledge of traffic rules, road signs and driving regulations. You may be required to pass a written or online test (for a learner’s license).

Educational Requirement (Only for Commercial License)

You must have at least 8th grade pass certificate.

Required Documents to Apply for a Driving Licence

When applying online, you will need scanned copies or originals of certain documents. Prepare the following:

Category	Documents
Age Proof	Birth Certificate, PAN Card, Passport,School Leaving Certificate, School Transfer Certificate with (Date Of Birth)
Address Proof	Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, LIC Policy Bond, Ration Card, Rental Agreement with Utility Bill, Electricity Bill
Other Requirements	Filled application form, Application fees, Passport-size photos (1 for DL, 6 for Learner’s), Medical Certificate (Forms 1A and 1 if over 40 years)

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Learner’s License Online

.Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.
Click on “New Learner’s Licence”.
Fill the form with your personal and vehicle details.
Upload documents and photos as required.
Pay the fee online – ₹150 per vehicle class + ₹50 test fee.
Take online test (if available in your state).
Book an RTO appointment if the test is offline.
Go to RTO with documents and appear for the test.

The Parivahan portal advises: “Visit RTO on scheduled date with original documents & Fee Slip”. Once approved, your learner’s license will be mailed to you or you can pick it up.

How to Apply for a Permanent Driving License Online?

You must hold the learner’s license for at least 30 days and not more than 180 days before applying for a permanent license.

Go to the Sarathi portal, “parivahan.gov.in”
Select your state.
Click on “New Driving Licence” under the Driving Licence menu.
Enter your Learner’s Licence Number and Date of Birth to continue.
Fill out the application form with required details and upload documents if asked.
Pay the application fee online and save the receipt.
Book a driving test date and time as per your convenience.

On the test day, before visiting the RTO you must have the original documents, learner’s license, and your vehicle.

Give the driving test (basic driving skills and traffic rule knowledge).

If you pass the test, your Permanent Driving Licence will be processed and sent to your home.

Driving Licence Test Process & Rules (India)

To get a permanent driving license, you need to pass a driving test conducted at your nearest RTO. I have explained the process in detail here:

Test Procedure at the RTO

The RTO officer will check your driving skills based on the type of vehicle you want to get a license like motorbike, car, and auto rikshaw.

Driving Test for Two-Wheelers & Three-Wheelers

The test takes place on a designated track.

You will be required to ride in a figure-eight pattern without placing your feet on the ground.

Skills tested include:

Balancing
Braking
Turning control

Driving Test for Four-Wheelers

When you will take four wheeler vehicle test, you have to follow it:

You must drive in an “H” or “S” shaped track at the RTO.

Use of mirrors
Gear shifting
Lane discipline
Proper parking techniques

It is very important to avoid sudden braking and not crossing the lane markings, as this can disqualify you.

Tip: You should practice well before your test and stay calm. Confidence, control, and awareness of the traffic rules are the keys to passing your test!

What Happens If You Fail the Test?

Unfortunately, if you fail your test, you will not be issued the driving license. But don’t worry! You can take a new appointment after 7 days and try again.

Incase of multiple failures, you have to reapply for the driving test process.

Note: To get the Permanent Driving License, it is mandatory to pass the test.

What is the validity of the Driving License?

A private driving licence is valid for 20 years or until you turn 40, whichever comes first.

After turning 40:

The licence is renewed for 10 years.
After that, it is renewed every 5 years.

Validity Rules Based on Applicant’s Age

Age of Applicant	Validity Period
Less than 30 years	Valid till the age of 40 years
30 to 49 years	Valid for 10 years
50 to 54 years	Valid till the applicant turns 60 years
55 years or older	Valid for 5 years

Note: This validity applies to non-transport (private) vehicles only. There are separate rules for commercial/transport licences.

Fee Of Driving Licence & Processing Time

Driving licence fees can be differ slightly by state, but here is a general idea based on standard RTO rates:

Service	Fee
Application Fee	₹200 – ₹500 (state-wise)
Driving Test Fee	₹300 – ₹1,000 (by vehicle type)
Smart Card Licence Fee	₹200
Late Renewal Fee (if expired)	₹300 – ₹1,000

Processing Time:

Processing After passing the driving test, the permanent licence is usually issued within 7 to 15 days, depending on the RTO.

How to Check Driving Licence Status Online?

To check the status of your driving license application after applying, you need to follow these steps:

Go to the Parivahan Sewa website.
Click on the “Online Services” tab and choose “Driving License Related Services”.
From the dropdown menu, select the state where you applied for your license.
On the next page, find and click on the “Application Status” option.
Enter your application number, date of birth, and the captcha code
Click “Submit” to view the current status of your application.

Now you can check whether your driving license is under process, approved, or on its way to you.

If you’re planning to drive abroad after getting your Indian driving licence, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). We’ve shared a complete guide on how to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from India, explaining the process, required documents, fees, and tips to make it easier. Make sure to check it out if international travel is on your list!

Avoid common mistakes when applying for a Driving License

Incorrect or missing documents: All of your application documents must be clear and complete.
Incorrect information: Make sure your name, date of birth, and address exactly match your official ID.
Skipping Your Test Appointment – Missing the scheduled driving test will delay your license.
Poor Preparation for the Driving Test – Follow traffic rules and parking to pass the test.
Not Checking Your Application Status – Regularly track your application online to avoid delays.

Also avoid:

Incomplete or incorrect application forms.
Skipping the learner’s license before applying for a permanent one.
Missing application deadlines.
Providing false information.
Avoiding these will help you get your driving licence smoothly and on time.

FAQs

In India, for two-wheelers and cars, your age must be 18 years old (16 years with guardian permission). For the commercial transport licences, minimum required age is 20 years

Yes, you must first obtain a learner’s license and hold it for at least 30 days. A learner’s license proves your basic knowledge before you can take the road test.

You need proof of age (e.g., birth certificate or 10th mark sheet) and proof of residence (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID)parivahan.gov.in. Also upload your photo, Form 1 fitness declaration, and for DL, your learner’s licence details. If applying for IDP, you’ll also upload your passport and visa.

After applying and paying your fees online, use the “Slot Booking” on Sarathi to pick your test date. Slots fill fast, so book early.

If you do not pass the driving test, you can reapply. You will need to pay the driving test fee again and book a new slot. You should use the extra time to practice driving and review the test routes/criter

There are no fixed limits, but if you fail again and again , you could have to submit a new application.

Don’t worry! You can take the test again after 7 days. Usually people couldn’t get it on their first try.

Yes, You change or update your adress by visiting The Parivahan Sewa portal, under “The Change of Address” service.

No, as per government rules you cannot drive with an expired Driving License, you should renew it as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Applying online is a really big step by the Government of India. Using this digital portal Sarathi Parivahan, you can submit your application without any hassle. I hope that by following the steps I have mentioned, you will find the process smooth and stress-free.

If you are prepared with the right documents, follow the instructions carefully, and avoid common mistakes, then getting your driving license will be a lot easier. Drive safe and follow the traffic rules. Happy driving!

How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online in India

What Is a Driving Licence?