Driving Licence India — Apply, Renew & Pass the Test
Getting or renewing your driving licence in India - complete process from learner's licence to permanent DL, fees, documents, and how to pass the driving test first try.
Updated May 2026
18 years
Minimum age (LMV)
₹200–300
DL fee per vehicle class
20 years
DL validity
Driving without a valid licence carries a fine of ₹5,000 (first offence) under the amended MV Act 2019. The vehicle can also be impounded.
DL is valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes earlier. After 50, it's renewed every 5 years with a medical fitness test.
The official Sarathi portal allows end-to-end DL application, slot booking, fee payment, and tracking online. Physical RTO visits are required only for biometric capture and the driving test.
A Learner's Licence (LL) is valid for 6 months. If you don't apply for the permanent DL within this period, you need to reapply for a fresh LL.
How to Get a Driving Licence in India
Apply for Learner's Licence (LL)
Access the official Sarathi portal. Fill the application, upload documents (Aadhaar, photo, address proof), pay the fee (₹150–200), and book a slot for the LL test at your nearest RTO.
Pass the Learner's Licence test
The LL test is a 15-question computer-based test on traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving. You need to score 9/15 to pass. Practice free at GaadiInfo's DL exam page.
Get your Learner's Licence
After passing, the LL is issued the same day (digital copy via DigiLocker). It is valid for 6 months. You must display an 'L' board on your vehicle while practising.
Wait 30 days, then apply for Permanent DL
You must wait at least 30 days after LL issuance before applying for the permanent DL. Apply on Sarathi, book a driving test slot at your RTO.
Pass the Driving Test
The driving test evaluates your actual driving ability - starting, stopping, reversing, and navigating traffic. Tests are conducted on a designated track at the RTO or on public roads. The test duration is 10–15 minutes.
Receive your Permanent DL
After passing, the DL smart card is dispatched to your registered address within 7–15 working days. A digital DL (available in DigiLocker) is issued immediately.
Documents Required for Driving Licence
Age proof
Birth certificate, Aadhaar, PAN, or Class 10 marksheet
Address proof
Aadhaar card is the most convenient option
Passport-size photographs
2 recent photos
Medical fitness certificate (Form 1)
Self-declaration for LMV; doctor certificate for HMV/transport vehicles
Learner's Licence
Required when applying for permanent DL
Driving Licence Fees
| Learner's Licence (per vehicle class) | ₹150–200 | Online booking |
| Permanent DL (per vehicle class) | ₹200–300 | Smart card DL |
| DL renewal | ₹200–250 | Online processing |
| International DL | ₹1,000 | Valid for 1 year |
| Duplicate DL (if lost) | ₹200–300 | Plus ₹200 smart card fee |
| DL address change | ₹200 | Submit new address proof |
Frequently Asked Questions
More Guides & Tools
Information sourced from official government portals - parivahan.gov.in, morth.nic.in. Process details and fees may vary by state. Verify with your local RTO before proceeding.