# How to apply for a driving licence online in India (2026) > Get a learner's licence on Sarathi Parivahan, wait 30 days, then pass the driving test. Fees (₹150 LL, ₹300 test, ₹200 DL), documents, test tips and renewal. - URL: https://2search.in/knowledge/articles/oct-26/apply-driving-licence-online-india - Genre: Government services - Country: India - Published: 2026-10-27 - Updated: 2026-10-27 - Publisher: 2search (https://2search.in) > **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.") ![How to apply for a driving licence online in India (2026) Breakdown & Visual Guide](/images/articles/apply-driving-licence-online-india/diagram.svg) ## Who can apply (age and vehicle class) | Vehicle | Licence class | Minimum age | | --- | --- | --- | | Gearless two-wheeler up to 50cc | MC 50cc | **16** (with parent's consent) | | Scooter / gearless bike | MCWOG | **18** | | Motorcycle with gear | MCWG | **18** | | Car, jeep, small van (non-transport) | LMV | **18** | | Taxi, goods vehicle, bus (transport) | Transport classes | **18–20+**, plus state rules | > **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) | Service | Fee | | --- | --- | | Learner's licence (per class) | ₹150 | | Learner's licence test / repeat test | ₹50 | | Driving test / repeat test (per class) | ₹300 | | Issue of driving licence | ₹200 | | Renewal of driving licence | ₹200 | | Late renewal (after grace period) | ₹300 + ₹1,000 for each year of delay | | Duplicate licence | ₹200 | | International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 | 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](/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)](https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/) - [Ministry of Road Transport & Highways](https://morth.nic.in/) - [BankBazaar — Learning licence and driving licence fees 2026](https://indianbluebook.bankbazaar.com/driving-licence/dl-fees.html) - [ICICI Lombard — Driving licence fees in India](https://www.icicilombard.com/knowledge-center/road-trip/rt/driving-licence-fees-in-india) - [Spinny — Learner's driving licence: apply, eligibility, cost](https://www.spinny.com/blog/learners-driving-licence-apply-eligibility-cost/)