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+{{htmlmetatags>
+metatag-keywords=(apply driving licence, dl online application, learner licence apply, permanent dl, parivahan)
+metatag-description=(Two-step DL: Learner Licence (LL) first via parivahan.gov.in, then Permanent DL after 30 days. Online slots, RTO test, smart card by post.)
+}}
+====== How to apply for driving licence — Learner + Permanent (2026) ======
+{{:social:auto:how-to-apply-driving-licence.png?direct&1200 |How to apply for driving licence — Learner + Permanent (2026) — RTI Wiki}}
+<WRAP info>
+**Quick answer:** Driving Licence in India is a **two-step process**: (1) **Learner Licence (LL)** — online theory test at parivahan.gov.in or RTO computer, valid 6 months. (2) **Permanent DL** — apply 30 days after LL issue, take a driving test at RTO, smart card delivered in 15–30 days. Total cost: ~Rs 1,200–1,500.
+</WRAP>
+===== Who can apply (eligibility) =====
+  * 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
+===== Step-by-step process =====
+  - **Apply for Learner Licence** — Go to parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice → Apply Online → New Learner Licence. Choose your state RTO.
+  - **Fill Form 2 + upload docs** — Identity + address + age + photo + signature. Aadhaar OTP %%eKYC%% saves uploading 3 docs.
+  - **Pay LL fee** — Rs 200 + state-specific service charges (Rs 50–150). UPI/card.
+  - **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.
+  - **Wait 30 days** — Mandatory holding period before applying for Permanent DL.
+  - **Apply for Permanent DL** — Within 6 months of LL (else LL expires). parivahan.gov.in → Apply for Driving Licence → use LL number.
+  - **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.
+  - **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.
+  - **Receive smart card DL** — Speed Post to address on file in 15–30 days. e-DL on %%DigiLocker%% available immediately on RTO approval.
+===== Where to apply, fee, and timeline =====
+  * **Online portal:** [[https://parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/sarathiHomePublic.do|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.
+===== What documents to keep ready =====
+See our complete checklist: [[:documents:driving-licence-new|Documents required for driving licence]] — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.
+===== Common issues + how to handle =====
+  * **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.
+===== If your application is delayed or rejected — file an RTI =====
+Most "delays" or "rejections" clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
+<code>
+. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
+. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
+. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
+. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
+. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.
+</code>
+**Auto-fill the PIO details + your case:** [[:rti-for-driving-licence-status|Open the RTI Drafter →]]
+**Or browse state-wise scheme procedures:** [[:scheme-state:driving-licence:start|All state portals + RTI templates]]
+**Track your application status:** [[:check-status:driving-licence-status|How to check status guide]]
+===== Frequently asked questions =====
+==== Can I take LL test from home? ====
+In Delhi, MH, KA, TN, TS, UP and ~10 other states, yes — Aadhaar e-KYC + facial verification. Other states require RTO visit.
+==== What if I fail the driving test? ====
+Re-attempt after 7 days, same RTO, fresh slot booking, Rs 50 fee. Unlimited attempts allowed within LL validity.
+==== How long is DL valid? ====
+Non-transport: 20 years from issue OR up to age 40, whichever is earlier. Transport: 5 years.
+==== Can I drive on LL alone? ====
+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.
+==== My DL is delayed beyond 30 days. What now? ====
+Use our [[:rti-for-driving-licence-status|driving licence RTI generator]] — auto-fills RTO PIO details.
+===== Summary + what to do next =====
+<WRAP center round tip 90%>
+**Bottom line:** Apply at **Parivahan Sarathi** (https://parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/sarathiHomePublic.do). 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.. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
+  * **Start your application:** [[https://parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/sarathiHomePublic.do|Parivahan Sarathi]]
+  * **Document checklist first:** [[:documents:driving-licence-new|Required documents]]
+  * **Track existing application:** [[:check-status:driving-licence-status|Status check guide]]
+  * **If stuck — RTI Drafter:** [[:rti-for-driving-licence-status|File an RTI in 5 minutes]]
+  * **Talk to other citizens:** [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI community]]
+  * **Browse all how-to-apply guides:** [[:how-to-apply:start|All 25 application guides]]
+</WRAP>
+===== Related reading =====
+  * [[:check-status:start|How to check status — 25 high-traffic services]]
+  * [[:documents:start|Documents required — 30 checklists]]
+  * [[:state-rti-portals-directory|All state RTI portals]]
+  * [[:citizen-rti-playbook|Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios]]
+===== Sources =====
+  * Official portal: https://parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/sarathiHomePublic.do
+  * Citizen feedback collected via [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI]] (composite, identifying details removed).
+  * Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.
+//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
+{{tag>how-to-apply driving-licence citizen-services rti-fallback}}