A valid driving licence is mandatory to drive any vehicle in India, and the full process runs through the government's Sarathi portal. This guide walks you from learner's licence to permanent DL — the tests, minimum age, documents, fees, validity, and how to pass the driving test first time.
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A valid driving licence is mandatory to drive any motor vehicle — driving without one carries a fine of ₹5,000 under the MV Act 2019, and the vehicle can be impounded. The process runs through the government's Sarathi portal, moving from a learner's licence to a permanent DL.
You will need age proof, address proof, passport photos, and a Form 1 medical self-declaration (a doctor's certificate for transport vehicles). Fees vary by vehicle class and state — a learner's licence and permanent DL each cost a modest per-class fee, while an international DL is around ₹1,000 and valid for one year. A DL is valid for 20 years or until age 50, whichever comes first, after which it renews every 5 years with a medical test.
Each licence covers specific classes — MCWOG, MCwG, LMV, LMV-TR and HMV — and you can add classes by passing further tests. Before your RTO visit, review the traffic rules, find your office via the RTO finder, and see related registration steps in the RTO guide.
16 years for motorcycles without gear (up to 50cc), 18 years for light motor vehicles and geared two-wheelers, and 20 years for heavy motor vehicles (with at least one year holding an LMV licence).
The learner's licence test has 15 questions on traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 9 correctly to pass. It is a computer-based test at the RTO, and you can practise free at GaadiInfo's DL exam page.
Yes. Apply through the official Sarathi portal — fill the form, upload documents, pay fees, and book your test slot online. You still need to visit the RTO once for the learner's test and once for the driving test.
You must wait at least 30 days after the learner's licence before applying for the permanent DL. After passing the driving test, the smart card is dispatched in 7–15 working days, so the full process takes roughly 45–60 days.
A DL is valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first. After 50 it is renewed every 5 years, subject to a medical fitness test.