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—vehicle:driving-licence-apply [2026/07/22 17:47] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(driving licence apply,permanent driving licence,sarathi parivahan,Form 4 driving licence,driving licence fee 2026)&metatag-description=(Apply for a permanent driving licence in 2026 on Sarathi Parivahan: eligibility, Form 4, the 30-day wait, verified fees, the test and grievance steps explained)&og:title=(How to Apply for a Driving Licence 2026)&og:description=(A numbered, step-by-step SOP to apply for a permanent driving licence in India on Sarathi Parivahan, with verified fees and the test booking flow)&og:type=(article)}}
 +
 +====== How to Apply for a Driving Licence 2026 ======
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:driving-licence-apply.png?direct&1200 |How to Apply for a Driving Licence 2026 - RTI Wiki citizen guide}}
 +
 +//Reviewed on 2026-06-20 by Dr. Shrawan Kumar Pathak.//
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**Quick Reply:** Apply for a permanent driving licence on **Sarathi Parivahan** (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in) only after you have held a learner licence for at least 30 days. Fill Form 4, upload your documents, pay the fee, book a test slot at your RTO, pass the test, and the smart-card licence reaches you by post.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +This guide treats the whole task like a standard operating procedure. Do the steps in order, tick each one off, and you will not get stuck halfway. Every fee and rule below is checked against the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and the Motor Vehicles Act. State user-charges can differ, so always confirm the final amount on your own State page in Sarathi.
 +
 +===== Before you start: are you eligible? =====
 +
 +You can apply for a permanent licence only once you already hold a learner licence. The Motor Vehicles Act sets the minimum age:
 +
 +  * **18 years** for a light motor vehicle, such as a car or a geared two-wheeler.
 +  * **16 years** for a gearless motorcycle up to 50cc, with your parent or guardian giving written consent.
 +  * **20 years** for a transport vehicle.
 +
 +If you have not yet got the learner stage done, read our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vehicle/learner-licence|learner licence online guide]] first and come back here after 30 days.
 +
 +==== The 30-day rule you cannot skip ====
 +
 +Rule 15(1) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules is strict: you may not appear for the driving test unless you have held the learner licence for at least 30 full days. Apply on day 31 or later. The licence stays valid for the apply window, so do not let it run too close to its own six-month expiry either.
 +
 +===== The 9-step SOP to your permanent licence =====
 +
 +==== Step 1: Gather your documents ====
 +
 +Keep clear scans ready before you log in. You will normally need [[/documents/driving-licence-new|proof of age and address]] (Aadhaar, passport, or PAN with a separate address proof), your learner licence number, a passport photo, and your signature. For a transport licence you also need a medical certificate in Form 1-A from a registered doctor.
 +
 +==== Step 2: Open Sarathi and pick your State ====
 +
 +Go to **sarathi.parivahan.gov.in**, the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Select your State first, because each State routes you to its own RTO list. Then choose "Apply for Driving Licence".
 +
 +==== Step 3: Pull your learner details ====
 +
 +Enter your learner licence number and date of birth. The system fetches your existing record, so you do not re-type everything. Check that the vehicle classes shown match what you actually want on the permanent licence.
 +
 +==== Step 4: Fill Form 4 ====
 +
 +Form 4 is the legal application for a driving licence. Fill your personal and address details, confirm the vehicle class or classes, and select your RTO. In 2026 most States capture your photo through Aadhaar e-KYC or a live webcam, so keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile handy for the OTP.
 +
 +==== Step 5: Upload documents and photo or signature ====
 +
 +Upload each document in the size and format the portal asks for. Blurry or oversized files are the single most common cause of a rejected application, so re-scan if you are unsure.
 +
 +==== Step 6: Pay the fee online ====
 +
 +Pay by UPI, net banking, or card and save the receipt. The verified all-India fees under Rule 32 are:
 +
 +  * Learner licence: **Rs 150** per class of vehicle (paid at the learner stage).
 +  * Test of competence to drive: **Rs 300**.
 +  * Driving licence on smart card in Form 7: **Rs 200**, which includes the chip.
 +
 +Renewal later costs around Rs 200 to Rs 250 including the smart card; verify the current figure on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. States may add a small service charge on top.
 +
 +==== Step 7: Book your driving test slot ====
 +
 +Choose a date and time for the test at your RTO. Slots fill fast in big cities, so book early. Print the appointment slip.
 +
 +==== Step 8: Take the test at the RTO ====
 +
 +Carry all original documents. The test checks that you can start, steer, signal, reverse, and stop safely for the class you applied for. Verification of your originals happens the same day.
 +
 +==== Step 9: Get your smart-card licence ====
 +
 +Once you pass and your documents clear, the RTO approves the licence. The smart card is printed and posted to your address. You can follow each stage on our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vehicle/dl-status-renewal|driving licence status and renewal guide]] using your application number.
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:driving-licence-apply-flow.png?direct&760 |Process flow for How to Apply for a Driving Licence 2026}}
 +
 +//Figure: step-by-step flow. If a step stalls, use the grievance or RTI route shown.//
 +
 +===== What to do if you are rejected or stuck =====
 +
 +If you [[/rejection-recovery/driving-licence-rejected|fail the test]], you can re-test after paying the test fee again. If your [[/driving-licence-application-stuck-rto-delay-india|application sits for weeks with no movement]], or you believe it was wrongly rejected, do not keep refreshing the page. First raise a grievance on **CPGRAMS at pgportal.gov.in** with your application number. If the office still gives no answer, [[/rti-for-driving-licence-delay-2026|file an RTI]] to the Public Information Officer of your RTO asking for the file status and the reason for delay. That usually unblocks a stalled file fast.
 +
 +While your licence is in process, sort the rest of your vehicle paperwork too: keep a valid insurance policy ready in case of a [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vehicle/vehicle-insurance-claim|vehicle insurance claim]], set up your [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vehicle/fastag-guide|FASTag]], and clear any pending dues you spot when you [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vehicle/echallan-check-pay|check and pay an eChallan]].
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== How long after the learner licence can I apply for a driving licence? ====
 +
 +You can apply once 30 days have passed since your learner licence was issued, under Rule 15(1). Apply on day 31 or later, but before the learner licence itself expires.
 +
 +==== What is Form 4 and why does it matter? ====
 +
 +Form 4 is the prescribed application for a driving licence under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The Sarathi portal fills it electronically when you apply, so you do not need a paper form for an online application.
 +
 +==== How much does a permanent driving licence cost in 2026? ====
 +
 +The driving test fee is Rs 300 and the smart-card licence fee is Rs 200 including the chip, under Rule 32. Your State may add a small service charge, so confirm the total on Sarathi before you pay.
 +
 +==== Can I apply for a driving licence fully online? ====
 +
 +You can complete the application, upload, and payment fully online on Sarathi. You still have to attend the RTO in person for the driving test and to show your original documents.
 +
 +==== What documents do I need for a car licence? ====
 +
 +Proof of age and address, your learner licence number, a passport photo, and your signature. A transport-vehicle licence additionally needs a Form 1-A medical certificate.
 +
 +==== My application is stuck. What can I do? ====
 +
 +Lodge a grievance on CPGRAMS at pgportal.gov.in with your application number. If there is still no response or you were wrongly rejected, file an RTI with your RTO's Public Information Officer asking for the status and reasons.
 +
 +==== Do the fees change from State to State? ====
 +
 +The core fees under Rule 32 are set centrally and apply across India. Individual States can levy a small extra user or service charge, so the final amount you pay on Sarathi may be slightly higher.
 +
 +==== Do I need a new test if I already drive a two-wheeler and want a car class? ====
 +
 +Yes. Each vehicle class needs its own test of competence. You add the new class to your application and take the test for that class.
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +  * https://indiankanoon.org/doc/28072254/
 +  * https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
 +  * https://parivahan.gov.in
 +  * https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/9460/1/a1988-59.pdf
 +  * https://pgportal.gov.in
 +
 +See also our guide to the [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/apply-international-driving-permit-idp-2026|international driving permit]] once your licence is in hand, and how to get a [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vehicle/duplicate-rc-dl|duplicate RC or DL]] if your card is lost.
 +
 +{{tag>driving licence vehicle}}