How to apply for driving licence — Learner + Permanent (2026)

• Age 16+ for gearless 2-wheeler ≤50cc · Age 18+ for car/motorcycle · Age 20+ for transport vehicle
• No physical disability that prevents safe driving (Form 1A self-declaration)
• Address proof in same RTO jurisdiction as application

1. Apply for Learner Licence — Go to parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice → Apply Online → New Learner Licence. Choose your state RTO.
2. Fill Form 2 + upload docs — Identity + address + age + photo + signature. Aadhaar OTP eKYC saves uploading 3 docs.
3. Pay LL fee — Rs 200 + state-specific service charges (Rs 50–150). UPI/card.
4. Take LL theory test — Online from home (some states like Delhi, MH, KA, TN) OR at RTO. 10 multiple-choice questions; pass mark 6/10. Re-attempt allowed.
5. Wait 30 days — Mandatory holding period before applying for Permanent DL.
6. Apply for Permanent DL — Within 6 months of LL (else LL expires). parivahan.gov.in → Apply for Driving Licence → use LL number.
7. Pay PDL fee + book RTO slot — Fee Rs 200 + Rs 200 smart card + Rs 50 each for category endorsement. Book test slot 7–15 days out.
8. Take driving test at RTO — Bring your own vehicle of the requested category. Test: figure-8, gradient, parallel park, stop on incline. Pass on first attempt 70% of cases.
9. Receive smart card DL — Speed Post to address on file in 15–30 days. e-DL on DigiLocker available immediately on RTO approval.

• Online portal: Parivahan Sarathi
• Offline: Any Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your state. POPSK no role. Some private “DL agents” — avoid; use parivahan directly.
• Fee: LL: ₹200 + state charges · PDL: ₹400–600 incl. smart card · Test re-attempt: ₹50 each
• Timeline: LL: same day (online) or 1–3 days (RTO test) · PDL: 30 days holding + 15 days test slot + 15–30 days smart card = ~75 days total.

See our complete checklist: Documents required for driving licence — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.

• Aadhaar address mismatch — DL must be in current address. Update Aadhaar first.
• Test failure — re-book after 7 days. Common fail: parallel parking, gradient stop. Practise.
• Smart card delayed >45 days — file RTI to RTO; Motor Vehicles Act §10 mandates timely issuance.
• Agent demanding cash — agents are NOT mandatory. parivahan.gov.in is the only official portal.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.

Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Or browse state-wise scheme procedures: All state portals + RTI templates

Track your application status: How to check status guide

In Delhi, MH, KA, TN, TS, UP and ~10 other states, yes — Aadhaar e-KYC + facial verification. Other states require RTO visit.

Re-attempt after 7 days, same RTO, fresh slot booking, Rs 50 fee. Unlimited attempts allowed within LL validity.

Non-transport: 20 years from issue OR up to age 40, whichever is earlier. Transport: 5 years.

No — LL holder must be accompanied by a PDL holder + display L plate front + back. Police can fine Rs 5,000 for solo LL driving.

Use our driving licence RTI generator — auto-fills RTO PIO details.

• How to check status — 25 high-traffic services
• Documents required — 30 checklists
• All state RTI portals
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Official portal: https://parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/sarathiHomePublic.do
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
• Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.