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ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस 2026: ऑनलाइन आवेदन की पूरी गाइड
Quick facts: Full online process via sarathi.parivahan.gov.in · learner license fees ₹150-200 · DL fees ₹200-1,000 depending on class + state · minimum age: 16 (gearless ≤50cc), 18 (LMV), 20 (HMV/commercial) · appointment-based slot booking · helpline depends on state RTO.
Every Indian driving a two-wheeler above 50cc or any four-wheeler on a public road needs a valid Driving License (DL). The Sarathi portal (Parivahan Sewa) has centralised most of the process across every state — you can now complete the learner license application, fee payment, test slot booking, and DL application entirely online. Only a few steps still require a physical RTO visit (biometric, driving test). This guide covers both learner + permanent DL, with state-specific notes.
DL Classes — What You’re Applying For
| Class | Vehicle | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| MC 50cc | Gearless scooter ≤ 50cc | 16 |
| MC WG | Motorcycle with gears (any engine size) | 18 |
| LMV | Light Motor Vehicle — car, SUV, jeep (up to 7,500 kg) | 18 |
| LMV-NT | Non-Transport LMV | 18 |
| MCWOG | Motorcycle without gear, above 50cc (Activa, Jupiter) | 18 |
| HMV / HPMV | Heavy goods / passenger vehicles | 20+ |
| Transport | Commercial transport (taxi, truck) | 20 + medical fitness |
Decide your class before applying — the learner license you get will be specific to these classes.
आवश्यक दस्तावेज़ — Documents You’ll Need
Proof of Age (any one)
- Birth certificate
- School leaving certificate / 10th board certificate
- Passport
- PAN card
- Aadhaar
Proof of Address (any one)
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Utility bill (within 3 months)
- Rent agreement (registered)
Additional
- Form 1 (self-declaration of physical fitness — for LMV/MCWOG)
- Form 1A (medical certificate — for HMV/transport, above age 40, or with conditions)
- Passport-size photographs (digital, 200 KB)
- Signature scan
Step 1: Apply for Learner’s License
- Open https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state → click “Apply for Learner License”
- Read the instructions, then click “Continue”
- Choose applicant type: “With Aadhaar” (recommended) or “Without Aadhaar”
- If with Aadhaar: enter Aadhaar → OTP → data auto-populates (name, DOB, address, photo)
- Fill remaining fields: blood group, class of vehicle, emergency contact
- Upload documents: proof of age (if not covered by Aadhaar), Form 1, signature
- Pay fee ₹150 (learner license) + ₹50 (test fee) online
- Book an online test slot (usually within 7-14 days)
- Take the online learner test (20 Qs on traffic rules, 60% pass mark) — can do from home with webcam or at RTO
- Learner License issued immediately upon passing; download PDF
Learner license is valid for 6 months. You must apply for permanent DL within this window.
Step 2: Apply for Permanent DL
After at least 30 days (mandatory minimum wait after Learner License):
- Sarathi portal → “Apply for Driving License”
- Enter Learner License number → data auto-populated
- Confirm vehicle class + fill additional info
- Pay DL fee ₹200-500 + smart card fee ₹200 (varies by state) — ₹1,000+ for HMV/commercial
- Book driving test slot at your nearest RTO’s test track
- Attend test on scheduled date with your vehicle + Learner License + Aadhaar
- Practical driving test — RTO inspector evaluates your driving in a controlled track (H-test, 8-test, gradient)
- If passed → DL issued digitally immediately; physical smart card delivered in 15-20 days
- If failed → re-book test slot (usually 7-14 days gap, additional fee)
Fees (Approximate, Varies by State)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner License | ₹150 |
| Driving License (LMV/MCWG) | ₹200 |
| Smart card | ₹200 |
| Driving test | ₹300 |
| Renewal (DL validity is 20 years / till age 40) | ₹200 + ₹200 smart card |
| Commercial / Transport DL | ₹1,000+ |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | ₹1,000 |
State-specific additional charges may apply (₹50-100).
Test Preparation
- Learner test (online): 10 random questions from traffic rules + signs + safety — pass 60%+. Study the official Road Safety Manual (free download from parivahan.gov.in).
- Driving test: practical at RTO track — H-shape, 8-shape, reversing, gradient, emergency stop. Practice at local driving schools before booking.
DL Renewal
- Renew within 1 year of expiry online
- Validity: 20 years from issue OR till age 40 (whichever earlier); after 40, renewed every 10 years + medical certificate (Form 1A)
- Late renewal fee: additional ₹1,000 if more than 1 year lapsed
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem 1: Aadhaar name mismatch
Your Aadhaar name doesn’t match the typed name on Sarathi → application rejects. Fix: update Aadhaar at Aadhaar Seva Kendra OR correct the Sarathi entry to match Aadhaar.
Problem 2: Test slot not available
Some RTOs are heavily booked — no slots for weeks. Fix: check nearby RTO jurisdictions; consider other hours/days; some states allow driving test at private authorized test tracks.
Problem 3: Practical test failed
Book the next slot 7-14 days out and pay the additional test fee. Practice the specific maneuvers that caused the fail.
Problem 4: Learner license expired without getting permanent DL
You need to reapply for learner license from scratch. 30-day mandatory wait starts over.
State-Specific Notes
Most states now fully use Sarathi + VAHAN integration. A few state-specific flows:
- Maharashtra: e-Mitra partners are a major walk-in help option
- Tamil Nadu: state’s own portal sometimes directs through sarathi.tn.gov.in
- Delhi: driving test slot booking is extremely competitive — book 2-3 weeks ahead
- UP: some RTOs still require biometric at Lucknow-connected servers; check your jurisdiction
हेल्पलाइन — Helpline
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Parivahan Helpdesk | support-mordottransport[at]gov.in |
| State-wise RTO | Google “[your city] RTO phone” |
| Portal | https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in · https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in |
Related guides on LabhKosh
- Vehicle RC Transfer Process
- Aadhaar Card Update Online
- Passport Apply Online India
- Vehicle Registration Online (VAHAN)
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Last verified: 20 April 2026. Official source: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
Yeh website kisi bhi sarkari vibhaag se sambandhit nahi hai. Yahan di gayi jaankari sirf shaikshanik uddeshya ke liye hai.
Can I apply for DL without a driving school?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to enroll in a driving school, though schools help with practice on the specific RTO test track.
How long is an Indian driving license valid?
20 years from issue date or till age 40, whichever comes first. After 40, the DL is renewed every 10 years with a medical fitness certificate.
Can I drive a car (LMV) with my motorcycle (MCWG) license?
No. DL classes are not interchangeable. You must obtain a separate DL endorsement for each vehicle class you want to drive.
What’s the mandatory gap between Learner License and DL application?
At least 30 days. You must hold the Learner License for a minimum of 30 days before applying for permanent DL.
What if I lose my physical driving license?
File an FIR at the police station, then apply for a duplicate on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in with a ₹200 fee. Duplicate is issued in 7-15 days.
