How to Apply for a New Driving Licence at RTO Online in India, Documents, Fees & Process Explained

Getting Your First Driving Licence in India: Where Do You Start?

Getting a driving licence in India is a rite of passage for millions of young adults every year. It is your legal permission to operate a motor vehicle on Indian roads, and without it, driving is not just illegal, it puts you, your passengers, and fellow road users at serious risk.

The good news is that applying for a new driving licence in India has become significantly simpler and more transparent thanks to the Sarathi Parivahan portal. Gone are the days of standing in long RTO queues from 6 AM, bribing middlemen, and waiting weeks without any update. Today, you can complete almost the entire process online from the comfort of your home — and only visit the RTO when it is time for your driving test.

This guide covers the complete process — from applying for a learner's licence to getting your permanent driving licence — including all required documents, fees, and what to expect at each stage.

Step 1: Apply for a Learner's Licence (LL) Online

In India, before you can get a permanent driving licence, you must first hold a valid Learner's Licence (LL) for at least 30 days. A learner's licence is proof that you have basic knowledge of traffic rules and are learning to drive under supervision.

How to Apply for a Learner's Licence on Sarathi Parivahan

1. Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan portal: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in

2. Select your state from the dropdown menu.

3. Click on 'Apply for Learner Licence' from the services menu.

4. Fill in the application form with your personal details, name, address, date of birth, Aadhaar number, and mobile number.

5. Upload the required documents (listed in the next section).

6. Pay the learner's licence fee online.

7. Book a slot for the LL test at your nearest RTO.

8. On the test day, appear at the RTO and take the online computer-based test on traffic rules and road signs.

9. If you pass, your learner's licence is either issued on the spot or mailed to your registered address.

The LL test consists of 15 to 20 multiple-choice questions on traffic rules, road signs, and driving behaviour. A score of 57% or above is generally required to pass.

Step 2: Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence (DL)

After holding your Learner's Licence for a minimum of 30 days (and not more than 180 days), you can apply for a permanent driving licence.

10. Log in to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.

11. Click on 'Apply for Driving Licence'.

12. Enter your Learner's Licence number and date of birth to link your application.

13. Fill in the remaining details and upload documents.

14. Pay the driving licence fee online.

15. Book a driving test slot at your RTO.

16. Appear at the RTO on the scheduled date and time with your vehicle for the driving skill test.

17. If you pass the driving test, your DL is either generated immediately or mailed within 7-30 days.

Documents Required for Applying for a Driving Licence in India

The following documents are required at the time of online application and RTO visit:

Age Proof (Anyone)

• Aadhaar Card

• Birth Certificate

• Class 10 Mark Sheet or Transfer Certificate

• Passport

Address Proof (Any one)

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID Card

• Passport

• Recent utility bill (electricity/water/gas) not older than 3 months

• Bank Passbook with current address

Driving Licence Fees in India (2025)

The fees for a new driving licence in India are nominal and are paid online at the time of application:

• Learner's Licence Test Fee: Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 (varies by state)

• Permanent DL Application Fee: Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 (varies by state and vehicle class)

• Smart Card DL Fee: Rs. 200 (applicable in most states)

• Additional charges may apply for commercial vehicle endorsements

Note: Fee structures are set by individual state governments and may vary slightly. Check the fee schedule on your state's Sarathi portal page before applying.

Driving Test at RTO: What to Expect

The driving test at the RTO tests your basic vehicle control skills and adherence to road safety norms. For two-wheelers, you may be asked to navigate an 8-shaped track, balance the vehicle at slow speeds, and perform an emergency stop. For four-wheelers (LMV), tests typically include forward parking, reverse parking, hill start (if applicable), and driving on the test track without stalling.

On the test day, carry the following to the RTO: your Learner's Licence original, a print-out of your appointment confirmation, your vehicle (ensure it is in good working condition, with valid insurance and PUC), and all original documents.

Frequently asked questions

How to apply for a new driving licence online in India?

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, select your state, and click 'Apply for Learner Licence'. Complete the form, upload documents, pay fees, and book a test slot. After 30 days, apply for a permanent DL through the same portal.

What is the minimum age for a driving licence in India?

The minimum age is 16 years for a gearless two-wheeler (engine up to 50cc). For all other motor vehicles, including cars and bikes with gears, the minimum age is 18 years.

How many days after a learner's licence can I apply for a permanent DL?

You must hold a Learner's Licence for a minimum of 30 days and apply for the permanent DL within 180 days from the LL issue date.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for a driving licence application in India?

Aadhaar is the preferred document for identity and address proof on the Sarathi Parivahan portal. It simplifies the process significantly. However, alternative documents are accepted if Aadhaar is unavailable.

Can I apply for a driving licence at any RTO in India?

You must apply at the RTO of the district where you permanently reside. The address on your residential proof document determines which RTO jurisdiction you fall under.