Applying for a driving license in India is very easy. First, you have to apply for a learner’s license. You can apply for it by going to the Parivahan Sarathi portal. After passing the online test, you get a learner’s license. After a short waiting period, you can go to the RTO and book a slot for a driving license. You have to take all the KYC documents with you. There, you have to drive the car and show it. After that, the driving license comes directly to your home through the RTO.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Driving Licence (DL) in India
Check Eligibility
18 years, if you want to drive a commercial vehicle then you must be 20 years old. To drive a 50cc two-wheeler, you must be at least 16 years of age. Aadhar card, PAN card, birth certificate and address proof are mandatory.
Apply for Learner’s Licence (LL) First
- Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state → “New Learner’s Licence”
- 1, 2, 3 Fill this form online.
- Upload photo and signature as well as address proof and age proof documents.
- Pay a fee of 150 to 200 rupees.
- Book a slot for a learning license.
- You will have to visit the RTO for the learning license test.
- A learning license is valid for only 6 months.
Book Permanent DL Test
- You should wait a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 180 days after the learning license is issued.
- Go to Parivahan → “Apply for DL”
- Fill in forms 4 and 5 by entering the learning license number.
- Book a driving test slot.
- Pay a fee of Rs. 300 to 500 (state-wise).
Appear for Driving Test
- Take your learning license and Form 5 with you.
- If you want a two-wheeler license, you will have to draw a figure 8 and show it.
- If you want a four-wheeler license, you will have to demonstrate parallel parking or gradient parking.
- The driving license will arrive at your address within 7 to 15 days after passing the test.
How to Download Driving Licence in India
You can download your driving licence to your mobile in two ways. Both methods are official. You can use this digital driving license anywhere.
Download Driving Licence from DigiLocker
- Install the DigiLocker app.
- Login with Aadhaar number or registered mobile number.
- Click on Search Documents.
- Type a driving licence.
- Select Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
- Enter your driving licence number and date of birth.
- Then save the driving license. Digital driving license is accepted in all India.
Download Driving Licence from mParivahan App
- Download Driving Licence from mParivahan App
- Click on DL option.
- Enter your date of birth and driving licence number.
- This is how you can save your driving licence in your mobile.
Documents Required (Permanent DL)
| Document | Accepted Examples |
| Learner’s Licence | Original Learner’s Licence Application Form |
| Application Form | Forms 4 and 5 filled online |
| Medical Certificate | Form 1A |
| Vehicle RC & Insurance | If you have your own vehicle |
| 3 Passport Photos | Latest Photos |
Fees (Approx. – Varies by State)
| Service | Fee |
| Learner’s Licence fees | ₹150–₹200 |
| Permanent DL fees | ₹200–₹500 |
| Smart Card fees | ₹200 |
| Test Fee | ₹300 |
How to track a driving licence
- Visit the official website.
- You can check your driving license status by entering your driving license number and date of birth.
How to Check Driving Licence Status Offline at the RTO
You will have to visit your nearest RTO office, after which you will get information about whether your driving licence has been issued or not by providing your application number. If you have the driving licence number, then you will also be given information about the driving licence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not carrying a learner’s licence
- Not practicing driving properly
- Choosing the wrong vehicle class
- Forgetting to upload all documents in PDF format
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can apply for a learner’s licence online by visiting the official website of Sarathi Parivahan.
After 30 days of getting the learner licence, you can apply for a permanent driving licence. For this, you have to go to the Parivahan website and fill out the form. After that, the driving licence will be delivered to your address within 15 to 20 days.
Yes, you can apply for a permanent driving license online. If you want to make any changes to your driving license, you will have to visit the RTO.
The fee for applying for a driving license can range from Rs 200 to Rs 500, depending on your state..
After the learning license is over, you can apply for a permanent license. Your license will be delivered to your home address through the post office within a few days.
For this, you have to go to the online portal, where you have to click on Driving License Services, then go to the Add Class of Vehicle option and fill the form. After booking the appointment, you have to visit the RTO on the given date and bring all the original documents.
If you fail the test, you can reapply for the test.
Learner’s license is valid for only 6 months.