A driving license (DL) is a legal requirement to drive a motor vehicle on public roads in India, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The process involves obtaining a Learner’s License (LL) followed by a Permanent Driving License (DL).
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has digitized much of the process through the Sarathi Parivahan portal, making it accessible online or offline via Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
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Types of Driving Licences
- Learner’s Licence (LL): Temporary licence, valid for 6 months, allows supervised driving practice.
- Permanent Driving Licence (DL): Issued after passing a driving test, permits independent driving.
- Commercial Driving Licence: For commercial vehicles (e.g., taxis, buses).
- International Driving Permit (IDP): For driving abroad, requires a valid DL.
Eligibility Criteria
Below is a detailed table outlining the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Learner's License (LL) and Permanent Driving License (DL) in India, based on the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
| Criteria | Learner's License (LL) | Permanent Driving License (DL) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | - 16 years for motorcycles without gear (engine capacity ≤ 50cc), with parental/guardian consent. - 18 years for other motor vehicles (non-transport). - 20 years for transport/commercial vehicles. |
- 18 years for non-transport vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles). - 20 years for transport vehicles (e.g., taxis, trucks). - Same as LL for motorcycles without gear (16 years with consent). |
| Prior License Requirement | - No prior license required. | - Must hold a valid LL for at least 30 days but not more than 180 days. |
| Educational Qualification | - No specific educational requirement. | - No specific educational requirement, except for commercial DL (minimum 8th-grade pass in some states). |
| Medical Fitness | - Declaration of physical fitness (Form 1). - Medical certificate (Form 1A) required for: - Transport vehicle applicants. - Applicants above 40 years (non-transport). - Color blindness and limb movement checks conducted before LL test. |
- Must be medically fit (good eyesight, physical condition). - Medical certificate required for: - Commercial/transport vehicle licenses. - Applicants above 50 years. |
| Knowledge of Traffic Rules | - Must pass a written/online test (e.g., STALL test) assessing traffic rules and regulations (minimum 60% to pass). | - Must demonstrate knowledge of traffic rules and vehicle systems during the driving test. |
| Driving Test | - No driving test required. - Computer-based multiple-choice test on traffic laws. |
- Practical driving test mandatory to assess skills (e.g., parallel parking, driving on an "8"-shaped track for two-wheelers). - Must bring own vehicle for the test (unless specified otherwise by state RTO). |
| Training Requirement | - No formal training required, but must learn under supervision of a permanent DL holder. - For commercial vehicles, training from a recognized driving school may be required. |
- Must have practiced driving under supervision during LL period. - For commercial DL, certificate from a government-recognized driving school is mandatory in some states. |
| Supervision During Driving | - Must be accompanied by a permanent DL holder. - Vehicle must display "L" sign in red on white background at front and rear. - Two-wheeler learners cannot carry passengers except the instructor. |
- No supervision required; can drive independently within the vehicle category specified. |
| Documents Required | - Form 1 (physical fitness declaration). - Form 1A (medical certificate, if applicable). - Form 2 (LL application). - Age proof (e.g., birth certificate, Aadhaar, passport). - Address proof (e.g., Aadhaar, utility bill, passport). - Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID). - 2-3 passport-size photographs. - Parental/guardian consent for applicants under 18. |
- Valid LL (original). - Form 4 (DL application). - Form 5, 14, 15 (driving certificate for transport vehicles). - Age, address, and identity proofs (same as LL). - 1-3 passport-size photographs. - Medical certificate (Form 1A) for commercial DL or applicants above 50. |
| Application Process | - Apply online via Parivahan Sewa portal or offline at RTO. - Submit documents, pay fees (₹150 + ₹50 test fee, varies by state). - Book test slot and pass the LL test. |
- Apply online via Parivahan Sewa or at RTO. - Submit documents, pay fees (₹716 in some states, varies). - Book driving test slot, pass the test, and receive DL. |
| Validity | - Valid for 6 months from the date of issue. - Renewable if not converted to DL within 6 months. |
- Non-transport DL: Valid for 20 years or until age 50, whichever is earlier. - Commercial DL: Valid for 3 years. |
| Vehicle Category Restrictions | - Restricted to the vehicle category applied for (e.g., motorcycle without gear, light motor vehicle). - Cannot drive alone or carry passengers (except instructor). |
- Authorized to drive the vehicle category specified in the DL (e.g., LMV, transport vehicles). - Can add additional categories by passing relevant tests. |
| Fees (Approximate) | - ₹150 (application) + ₹50 (test fee), varies by state. | - ₹716 (varies by state, e.g., Maharashtra). |
| Additional Notes | - LL is a prerequisite for DL. - Failure in the LL test allows reattempt after 7 days. |
- Failure in the driving test allows reattempt after 7 days. - Diplomats may apply for DL directly without LL. |
Notes:
- Fees and specific requirements (e.g., medical certificates, training) may vary by state. Always check with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) for state-specific rules.
- The LL test is typically a computer-based multiple-choice exam, while the DL test includes practical driving tasks like parallel parking or navigating specific tracks.
- For commercial/transport vehicle licenses, additional requirements like a driving school certificate or higher age limits apply.
Documents Required
| Document Category | Learner’s Licence | Permanent Driving Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Form 2 | Form 4 |
| Identity Proof (any one) | Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport | Same as LL |
| Address Proof (any one) | Ration card, Electricity bill, Voter ID, Passport | Same as LL |
| Age Proof (any one) | Birth certificate, 10th-class marksheet, Passport | Same as LL |
| Physical Fitness | Form 1 (self-declaration), Form 1A (medical certificate, if applicable) | Not required (unless specified) |
| Photographs | Recent passport-size photo, signature (scanned for online upload) | Six passport-size photos |
| Fee Payment Receipt | Proof of online/offline payment | Proof of online/offline payment |
| Learner’s Licence | Not applicable | Valid Learner’s Licence |
| Vehicle Documents | Not applicable | For the vehicle used in the driving test |
| Training Certificate | Not applicable | Form 5 (for commercial vehicles, from a recognized driving school) |
Application Process
Step 1: Applying for a Learner’s Licence
- Access the Official Portal:
- Visit Parivahan Sewa.
- Navigate to Menu > Online Services > Driving Licence Related Services.
- Scroll down, select Your State from the state dropdown.
- Initiate LL Application:
- On the Driving Licence Dashboard, click Apply for Learner’s Licence.
- Enter personal details: Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email for verification.
- Fill out Form 2 with:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Vehicle category (e.g., two-wheeler, four-wheeler, commercial).
- Upload Documents:
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN).
- Address proof (e.g., ration card, electricity bill).
- Age proof (e.g., birth certificate, 10th marksheet).
- Passport-size photo and signature.
- Form 1 (self-declaration) or Form 1A (medical certificate, if required).
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Online Test:
- Schedule or take the computer-based test on traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- Pass mark: 60% correct answers.
- Upon passing, the LL is issued and available for download.
- Pay Fees:
- Pay online via net banking, UPI, or card:
- Application fee: ₹200
- Test fee: ₹50
- LL issuance: ₹150
- Save the payment receipt.
- Download the LL after payment confirmation.
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Note: LL holders must display an “L” sign on the vehicle and be accompanied by a person with a valid permanent DL for the same vehicle category.
Step 2: Applying for a Permanent Driving Licence
- Check Eligibility: Ensure LL is held for 30–180 days.
- Access the Portal:
- Visit Parivahan Sewa.
- Go to Online Services > Driving Licence Related Services > Apply for Driving Licence.
- Complete Seven Stages:
- Stage 1: Enter Applicant Details: Fill Form 4 with personal details and LL number.
- Stage 2: Upload Documents: Upload identity, address, age proofs, and LL.
- Stage 3: Upload Photo/Signature (if not previously submitted).
- Stage 4: Book DL Test Slot:
- Select a green-marked date from the calendar.
- Choose a time slot from the available schedule.
- Confirm booking with OTP sent to registered mobile/email.
- Stage 5: Pay Fees:
- Application fee: ₹200
- Test fee: ₹300
- DL issuance: ₹200
- Smart card (optional): ₹200
- Stage 6: Verify Payment: Confirm payment status on the portal.
- Stage 7: Receive Application Receipt: Download the receipt for reference.
- Submit DL Form: Enter LL number and date of birth and click OK, complete Form 4, and submit.
- Driving Test: Visit the RTO on the scheduled date with:
- Test vehicle (matching applied category).
- Original documents (LL, proofs, receipt).
- The Motor Vehicle Inspector tests skills (starting, stopping, turning, parking, signalling).
- If passed, biometrics are recorded, and DL is issued or sent via speed post.
- If failed, reapply after 7 days with ₹300 test fee.
Slot Booking for Tests
- Online:
- On Parivahan Sewa, go to Appointments > LL Test Slot Booking or DL Test Slot Booking.
- Enter application number or LL number, date of birth, and verification code.
- Select a green-marked date and time slot.
- Confirm with OTP.
- Rescheduling/Cancellation:
- Use the same portal, select Reschedule or Cancel, and choose a new slot if needed.
- Offline:
- Visit the RTO to manually schedule a test slot.
Driving Test
- Conducted by: RTO officer or certified driving school (post-June 2024).
- Vehicle: Applicant provides vehicle matching DL category (e.g., own car for LMV).
- Test Components:
- Ground Test: Maneuver in T/U/figure-8 pattern to demonstrate control, balance, and signaling.
- Two-Wheelers: Ride in figure-8, maintain balance, use indicators.
- Four-Wheelers: Drive in T/U pattern, execute turns, and park.
- Road Test: Drive on public road (5-10 minutes) to show:
- Lane discipline.
- Traffic rule adherence (e.g., speed limits, signals).
- Safe overtaking, parking, and reversing.
- Commercial Vehicles: Additional single-track test (forward/reverse) for certified school graduates.
- Ground Test: Maneuver in T/U/figure-8 pattern to demonstrate control, balance, and signaling.
- Duration: 10-20 minutes, depending on vehicle and RTO.
- Pass/Fail: Immediate result; failure requires retest after 7 days (₹300 retest fee).
Check Driving Licence Status
On the Parivahan Sewa website (parivahan.gov.in) or Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in):
- Go to "Online Services" > "Driving Licence Related Services."
- Select your state.
- Click "Application Status" from the menu.
- Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha.
- Click "Submit" to check status.
Vehicle Categories for DL
- MCWG (Motorcycle With Gear): Motorcycles with gears (e.g., 100cc+ bikes).
- MCWOG (Motorcycle Without Gear): Scooters/mopeds without gears (e.g., 50cc-100cc).
- LMV (Light Motor Vehicle): Cars, jeeps, SUVs for personal use.
- HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle): Trucks, buses (requires 1-year LMV DL experience).
- Transport Vehicle: Commercial vehicles like taxis, rickshaws, or buses (age 20+).
Fees and Charges
| Licence Type / Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence | |
| Application | ₹200 |
| Test | ₹50 |
| Issuance | ₹150 |
| Permanent Driving Licence | |
| Application | ₹200 |
| Test | ₹300 |
| Issuance | ₹200 |
| Smart card (optional) | ₹200 |
| International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 |
| Other Fees | |
| Duplicate DL | ₹200 |
| Renewal | ₹200 (₹1,000 if after grace period) |
| Adding vehicle category | ₹500 |
Driving Licence Renewal
A valid driving licence is mandatory for driving in India. Renewing it on time avoids penalties and ensures legal compliance.
The process is facilitated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through the Sarathi Parivahan portal or local RTOs.
Eligibility and Timing
- When to Apply: Within one year before or after the licence expiry.
- Grace Period: 30 days post-expiry without penalty.
- Late Renewal: If expired over 5 years, treated as a fresh application.
- Penalties: Driving with an expired licence incurs a ₹5000 fine or 3 months imprisonment.
Documents Required
- Form 9: Application for renewal.
- Form 1: Self-declaration of physical fitness (non-transport vehicles).
- Form 1A: Medical certificate (mandatory if over 40 or for commercial vehicles).
- Original Driving Licence.
- Photographs: Two passport-size photos.
- Proof of Identity and Address: Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, or passport.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If applying in another state.
- Driver Refresher Training Certificate: For heavy motor vehicles.
Online Renewal Process
- Visit Sarathi Parivahan.
- Select your state.
- Navigate to “Driving Licence Related Services” > “Apply for DL Renewal.”
- Fill Form 9, enter DL number and date of birth.
- Upload scanned documents, photo, and signature.
- Pay fees (~₹200; ₹1000 fine post-grace period; varies by state).
- Schedule an RTO appointment if required.
- Visit RTO with original documents for verification.
- Receive renewed licence within 15 days.
Offline Renewal Process
- Download Forms 9, 1, and 1A from the Parivahan portal or collect from RTO.
- Complete forms and attach documents and photos.
- Submit at the local RTO with applicable fees.
- Undergo medical or driving test if required (e.g., expired over 1 year or over 40).
- Collect receipt; renewed licence delivered in 15 days.
Fees and Penalties
- Renewal Fee: ~₹200 (smart card/book varies by state).
- Late Fee: ₹30 if over 30 days post-expiry; ₹1000 fine post-grace period.
- State Variations: Check RTO website for exact fees.
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Non-transport licences valid for 20 years or until age 40; commercial licences for 3–5 years.
Vehicle Categories
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| MCWG | Motorcycles with gears (e.g., 100cc+ bikes) |
| MCWOG | Scooters/mopeds without gears (e.g., 50cc-100cc) |
| LMV | Cars, jeeps, SUVs for personal use |
| HMV | Trucks, buses (requires 1-year LMV DL experience) |
| Transport Vehicle | Commercial vehicles like taxis, rickshaws, buses (age 20+) |
Fees and Charges
| Licence Type / Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence | |
| Application | ₹200 |
| Test | ₹50 |
| Issuance | ₹150 |
| Permanent Driving Licence | |
| Application | ₹200 |
| Test | ₹300 |
| Issuance | ₹200 |
| Smart card (optional) | ₹200 |
| International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 |
| Other Fees | |
| Duplicate DL | ₹200 |
| Renewal | ₹200 (₹1,000 if after grace period) |
| Adding vehicle category | ₹500 |