Full guide
Apply for Permanent Driving Licence in India: Online Application and RTO Test
Once you have held a learner’s licence for at least 30 days, you can apply for a permanent driving licence in India. This guide walks you through the online application on the Sarathi Parivahan portal, what happens at the RTO driving test, and what it costs. It applies across India, although your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) runs the test and may have its own extra charges.
Eligibility criteria for permanent driving licence
Anyone who holds a valid learner’s licence and wants to drive without supervision. You must apply between day 31 and the end of the six-month validity of your learner’s licence. If your learner’s licence has expired, you have to start again with a new one.
If you already hold a licence and want to add another vehicle class (for example a car to an existing two-wheeler licence), the process is similar but is called “Additional Endorsement” on Sarathi.
Documents required for driving licence in India
Valid learner’s licence. This is the key document. It must be for the same vehicle class you are testing for and must be at least 30 days old.
Form 4. The driving licence application. On Sarathi, most of it fills in from your learner’s licence record.
Proof of age and address. Usually already on file from your learner’s licence. Bring the originals to the test anyway. Your state RTO may ask for extra documents.
Form 1A medical certificate. Needed if you are 40 or older, and for everyone applying for a transport vehicle licence.
Form 5 driving school certificate. Needed for transport vehicle licences.
A vehicle for the test. You bring your own vehicle of the right class, with valid registration, insurance and pollution certificate. Fit “L” plates. If you trained at a driving school, they will often provide the vehicle.
Accredited training centre certificate. Since 2021, people who complete a course at a government-accredited driver training centre can be exempted from the RTO driving test. Check whether your state has such centres and accepts the certificate.
Step-by-step driving licence online application process
- Go to the official Sarathi Parivahan portal, select your state and choose “Apply for Driving Licence”.
- Enter your learner’s licence number and date of birth. Check the details shown and pick the vehicle class.
- Upload any extra documents, such as Form 1A.
- Pay the test and licence fees online.
- Book a slot for the RTO driving test online. Busy city RTOs can be booked up for weeks, so book soon after day 30.
- On the test day, arrive early with your learner’s licence, originals, the vehicle and its papers.
- Take the test. For two-wheelers it usually includes riding a figure-of-8 track without putting a foot down. For cars it usually covers an H or 8 track, reversing, parking and a short road drive. Many RTOs now use automated tracks with sensors.
- If you pass, your photo and signature may be captured and the licence is approved. The smart card is posted to your address.
Fees and timelines
Central fees under rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Driving test, per vehicle class | ₹300 |
| Issue of driving licence | ₹200 |
Most states add a smart card charge and service fees, which can bring the total to several hundred rupees more. Waiting time for a test slot ranges from a few days to about a month, and the card usually reaches you one to three weeks after you pass. A digital copy in DigiLocker or mParivahan is valid for police checks in the meantime.
A non-transport licence issued before you turn 30 is valid until you turn 40. Validity is shorter for older applicants and for transport licences.
Common problems and fixes
Failed the test. Pay the repeat test fee and book again. Several states make you wait about a week before a retest. Practise the track pattern beforehand.
Learner’s licence expiring before the test date. Book your slot early. If it expires, you must apply for a new learner’s licence.
Vehicle papers out of date. Testers can refuse a vehicle with expired insurance or pollution certificate. Check them the day before.
Card not received. Track the status on Sarathi using your application number. If it was returned undelivered, contact the RTO to collect it or arrange redelivery.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after my learner’s licence can I take the driving test?
After at least 30 days, and before the learner’s licence expires at six months.
Can I test for a two-wheeler and a car on the same day?
Yes, if your learner’s licence covers both. You pay the test fee for each class and take a test on each vehicle.
Do I need to visit the RTO in person?
For the driving test, usually yes. The exception is if you trained at an accredited driver training centre and your state accepts its certificate in place of the RTO test.
Is a digital licence valid?
Yes. A licence shown in DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as valid by traffic police.