What is a Driving License?
A Driving License (DL) is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that permits you to drive motor vehicles on public roads in India. It is essential for:
- Legally driving any motor vehicle on Indian roads
- Valid government-issued photo identity proof
- Vehicle insurance claims
- Renting vehicles and car-sharing services
- Age proof for various purposes
Official Government Websites
Quick Driving License Services — All Available Links
नीचे ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस से संबंधित सभी महत्वपूर्ण ऑनलाइन सेवाओं के लिंक उपलब्ध हैं। लर्निंग लाइसेंस, स्थायी DL, रिन्यूअल, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय परमिट — सभी सेवाएं एक जगह।
Documents Required for Driving License
Proof of Identity (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
Proof of Address (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Electricity / Utility Bill
- Bank Statement / Passbook
Proof of Age (any one)
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
Other Requirements
- Passport-size photographs
- Learner's License (for permanent DL)
- Medical Certificate Form 1-A (for transport vehicles)
- Parent consent (if applicant is 16-18 years)
Step 1: Apply for Learner's License (LL)
You must first get a Learner's License before applying for a permanent Driving License.
Visit Sarathi Portal
Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown.
Click "Apply for Learner License"
Select "Apply for Learner License" from the services menu.
Fill Application Form
Enter personal details, address, vehicle class (LMV/MCWG/etc), and upload documents — identity proof, address proof, age proof, and photograph.
Pay Fee
Pay the LL fee online — approximately ₹200-₹500 depending on your state and vehicle class.
Book LL Test Slot
Book an appointment slot for the Learner's License test at your nearest RTO.
Pass the LL Test
Visit RTO on your appointment date. Pass the online/computer-based test on traffic signs, rules, and road safety. Typically 15-20 MCQs, you need 60% to pass.
Receive Learner's License
After passing, your Learner's License is issued immediately (digital). It's valid for 6 months. You can practice driving with a licensed driver beside you.
Step 2: Apply for Permanent Driving License
Apply on Sarathi Portal
Visit Sarathi Portal, select state, and click "Apply for Driving License".
Enter LL Details
Enter your Learner's License number and fill the DL application form.
Upload Documents & Pay Fee
Upload required documents and pay the DL fee — approximately ₹200-₹500.
Book Driving Test Slot
Book an appointment for the practical driving test at your nearest RTO.
Pass the Driving Test
Visit RTO with a vehicle (your own or driving school's). The test includes: 8-figure, straight driving, reverse, slope parking, traffic signal awareness. An RTO inspector evaluates your driving.
Receive Driving License
After passing, your DL is processed and the smart card DL is dispatched to your address within 7-30 days. You can download the digital DL from the mParivahan app.
Driving License Fees & Charges
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner's License | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| Permanent Driving License | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| DL Renewal | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 |
| Duplicate DL (lost/damaged) | ₹200 - ₹400 |
| Add Vehicle Class | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| Smart Card Fee (additional) | ₹200 |
Driving License Renewal
DL is valid for 20 years or until age 50 (whichever is earlier). After that, renewal is needed every 5 years.
- Apply on Sarathi Portal → DL Renewal
- Can apply up to 1 year before or 1 year after expiry without penalty
- Upload medical certificate (Form 1-A) if above 40 years
- Pay renewal fee and book appointment if required
- Renewed DL dispatched to your address
International Driving Permit (IDP)
To drive in foreign countries, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your Indian DL.
- Apply on Sarathi Portal → International Driving Permit
- Valid for 1 year or until your DL expires (whichever is earlier)
- Fee: approximately ₹1,000
- Documents: Valid Indian DL, passport, passport-size photos, address proof
- IDP is recognized in 150+ countries under Geneva Convention
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving License
18 years for cars and motorcycles above 50cc. 16 years for motorcycles up to 50cc (with parent consent). 20 years for transport/commercial vehicles.
No. Learner's License is mandatory. You must hold an LL for at least 30 days before applying for a permanent DL.
Yes. A DL issued by any state RTO is valid across all of India. No separate license needed for different states.
You can rebook and retake the test after 7 days. You can attempt the test multiple times within your LL validity period (6 months).
Visit parivahan.gov.in → "Know Your DL Status" or use the mParivahan app to check and download your digital DL.