How to apply for a driving licence online in India (2026)

Quick answer: Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, pick your state and apply for a learner's licence (LL) — upload documents, pay about ₹200 (₹150 licence + ₹50 test) and take the short road-rules test, online from home in many states. After 30 days and before the LL expires at 6 months, apply for the permanent driving licence (DL), book a slot and pass the driving test (₹300 per vehicle class). The DL costs ₹200 and arrives by post; a digital copy works in DigiLocker and mParivahan.

Key takeaways

• It's a two-step process: learner's licence first, permanent licence at least 30 days later.
• Central fees: ₹150 LL, ₹50 LL test, ₹300 driving test, ₹200 DL — states may add smart card or service charges.
• Many states offer a contactless LL test from home with Aadhaar authentication.
• Since 2024, accredited driving schools can test and certify you, so you may skip the RTO test.
• A digital DL in DigiLocker or mParivahan is legally valid during traffic checks.

Getting a licence used to mean days of RTO visits and agent fees. Today most of it happens online on the Sarathi Parivahan portal. This guide covers eligibility, the right vehicle class, documents, both tests, fees, renewal and common mistakes.

", displaying 2026 realistic price spectrums, hardware versus labor allocation, step-by-step workflow, clean modern UI cards, high precision vector layout.")

#Who can apply (age and vehicle class)

Tip: Choose both MCWG and LMV on one application if you'll drive a bike and a car. You'll pay test fees per class, but you save a second round of paperwork.

#Documents you need

• Proof of age — birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, passport, PAN or Aadhaar
• Proof of address — Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, utility bill, rent agreement
• Passport-size photo and signature (upload or captured at RTO)
• Form 1 — self-declaration of physical fitness (filled online)
• Form 1A — medical certificate from a registered doctor, needed if you are 40 or older or applying for a transport vehicle

Using Aadhaar speeds things up because your details and photo are filled automatically, and it enables the contactless test.

#Step 1: Apply for a learner's licence

1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.
2. Click Apply for Learner Licence.
3. Choose Aadhaar-based authentication (contactless) if offered, or the non-Aadhaar route (needs an RTO visit).
4. Fill in your details and select the vehicle classes.
5. Upload documents, photo and signature as asked.
6. Pay the fee online.
7. Book or take the LL test. In contactless states, a short tutorial video plays, then the test starts on your laptop or phone with the camera on.
8. Pass, and download your LL right away.

What's in the learner's test?

• About 10–20 multiple-choice questions, depending on the state
• Topics: road signs, right of way, overtaking, parking, speed limits, signals by hand, and penalties
• You usually need around 60% to pass

Tip: Sarathi has a free mock test under "Learner Licence → Practice Test". Two or three rounds is usually enough to pass.

#Step 2: Practise for at least 30 days

Rules while you hold an LL:

• Display an "L" sign on the front and back of the vehicle.
• A person with a valid DL must sit beside you in a car (on a bike, as per state rules).
• The LL is valid for 6 months. You must apply for the DL between day 30 and month 6.

If your LL expires before you pass, you must apply for a new one and pay again.

#Step 3: Apply for the permanent driving licence

1. On Sarathi, click Apply for Driving Licence and enter your LL number and date of birth.
2. Confirm your details and choose the vehicle classes you want to test for.
3. Pay the fee and book a test slot (Appointments → DL Slot Booking).
4. On the test day, bring your LL, original documents and a road-worthy vehicle with valid registration, insurance and PUC — or use a driving school's vehicle.
5. Take the test. The DL is printed and sent by Speed Post after you pass.

What happens in the driving test?

• Two-wheeler: riding in a figure "8", balance, control, and indicators.
• Car: driving forward and reverse in an "H" or "8" track, parking, hill start in some RTOs, and use of mirrors and signals.
• Many cities now use automated test tracks with cameras and sensors.

Common reasons people fail: not using indicators, touching the track lines, stalling repeatedly, rolling back on a slope, and not checking mirrors.

Testing at an accredited driving school

Under rules in force since June 2024, accredited private driver training centres can train and test you. If you pass their course and test, they issue a certificate, and you may be exempt from the RTO driving test. Check whether your state has accredited centres on Sarathi.

#Driving licence fees (central rates)

States can add smart card and service charges, so the final amount on Sarathi may be a little higher. Pay only on the official portal.

#Renewing your driving licence

• A private (non-transport) DL is generally valid until you turn 40, or 20 years from issue, whichever is earlier. After 40, renewals are for 10 years; after 50, for 5 years.
• You can renew up to a year before expiry, and there's a 30-day grace period after it.
• Renew on Sarathi under Services on DL → Renewal of DL. You'll need Form 1A if you are 40 or older.

#Lost licence, address change and other services

All on Sarathi under Services on DL (Renewal / Duplicate / AEDL / IDP / Others):

• Duplicate DL if lost or damaged
• Change of address after moving
• Add a vehicle class (AEDL) — for example, adding a car to a bike licence
• International Driving Permit for driving abroad, valid for a year

#Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking through agents who charge ₹2,000–₹5,000 for what costs a few hundred rupees online.
• Letting the LL expire before you pass the driving test.
• Bringing a vehicle without valid papers to the test — they'll refuse to test you.
• Mismatched name or date of birth between Aadhaar and other documents.
• Not updating your mobile — slot reminders and status SMS go there.

#Frequently asked questions

How long is a learner's licence valid?

Six months. You can apply for the permanent licence after 30 days.

Can I take the learner's test online from home?

In many states, yes, using Aadhaar-based authentication on Sarathi. Your camera stays on during the test.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can usually take it again after 7 days by paying the repeat test fee.

Is a digital driving licence valid?

Yes. A DL in DigiLocker or mParivahan is valid for traffic checks. See our DigiLocker guide.

How long does it take to get the DL card after passing?

Usually a few days to a few weeks, depending on the state. You can track it on Sarathi.

Can I apply in a different state from my Aadhaar address?

Yes, if you have proof of your current address in that state, such as a rent agreement or utility bill.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Only if you're 40 or older, or applying for a transport vehicle licence. Others submit a self-declaration (Form 1).

#Sources

• Parivahan Sewa — Sarathi (licence services)
• Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
• BankBazaar — Learning licence and driving licence fees 2026
• ICICI Lombard — Driving licence fees in India
• Spinny — Learner's driving licence: apply, eligibility, cost