Sudhir SinghUpdated on June 18, 2026
Getting a driving licence used to mean standing in a long queue at the RTO for most of the day. The Sarathi portal at parivahan.gov.in has changed this. You can now complete most of the process online, including paying fees, uploading documents, and booking your test slot. This guide covers the full process from start to finish.
Two-Stage Process: Learner’s Licence Comes First
India issues a driving licence in two stages. You must first get a Learner’s Licence (LL), hold it for at least 30 days (and at most 180 days), then apply for the Permanent Driving Licence (PL). You cannot skip the learner’s stage.
Eligibility Requirements
| Vehicle Type | Minimum Age | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle without gear (up to 50cc) | 16 years | None |
| Motorcycle with gear | 18 years | None |
| Light Motor Vehicle (car, jeep) | 18 years | None |
| Commercial vehicle / Transport | 20 years | 8th standard pass |
Applicants below 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian.
Documents You Will Need
- Age proof: Aadhaar card, birth certificate, passport, or matriculation certificate.
- Address proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or utility bill (not older than 3 months).
- Passport-size photograph (JPEG, under 50KB).
- Signature image (JPEG, under 30KB).
- Medical certificate in Form 1-A for transport/commercial licence applicants only.
Step-by-Step: Apply for Learner’s Licence Online
- Go to parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice.
- Select your state from the dropdown.
- Click “Apply for Learner Licence” and then “Continue”.
- Fill in your personal details: name, date of birth, address, and Aadhaar number.
- Select the vehicle class you want to drive (e.g., LMV for car, MCWG for motorcycle with gear).
- Upload your photograph and signature as JPEG files.
- Pay the fee online. Fee varies by state but is typically Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 for one vehicle class.
- Book your learner’s licence test slot at your nearest RTO.
- On the test day, carry your original Aadhaar and fee receipt. The LL test is a computer-based objective test on traffic rules (30 questions, you need 18 correct to pass).
- If you pass, the LL is either issued on the spot (smartcard) or mailed to your address.
Step-by-Step: Apply for Permanent Driving Licence
Wait at least 30 days after your LL issue date before applying for the permanent licence.
- Visit parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice again.
- Select your state and click “Apply for Driving Licence”.
- Enter your LL number and date of birth to fetch your details.
- Confirm your personal details and vehicle class.
- Upload documents again if prompted.
- Pay the DL fee (typically Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 depending on class and state).
- Book a driving test slot at your chosen RTO.
- On the test day, the RTO officer evaluates your driving on a test track. Bring your LL original, Aadhaar, and all documents.
- If you pass, your DL is dispatched to your address by post within 7 to 30 working days.
Driving Licence Fees (Approximate)
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence (per class) | Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 |
| LL test fee | Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 |
| Permanent DL (per class) | Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 |
| DL test fee | Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 |
| Smartcard DL fee | Rs. 200 |
Fees differ by state. Check the fee calculator on the Sarathi portal before starting.
Track Your Application Status
After applying, you can track your application at parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice using your application number. Once dispatched, track the smartcard DL delivery through the India Post tracking link sent to your registered mobile number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a DL without visiting the RTO at all?
The online process covers form submission, document upload, and fee payment. However, the LL test and the driving test require a physical visit to the RTO. Some states are piloting on-road driving test exemptions for accredited driving schools, but this is not universal yet.
My Aadhaar address is different from where I live now. Will that be a problem?
You can use any valid address proof document showing your current address. A recent electricity bill, bank statement, or rent agreement works as an alternative address proof alongside your Aadhaar for identity.
How long is the learner’s licence valid?
A learner’s licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must apply for the permanent licence and complete your driving test within this period. If it expires, you need to reapply for the LL.
What happens if I fail the LL test?
You can re-book the LL test after 7 days. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt requires re-paying the test fee. Study the Motor Vehicle Act rules and traffic signs before your test.
📩 If you notice any incorrect data in this guide or wish to share additional information, please write to us at info@indiansouls.in.
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Sudhir Singh
