Driving Licence
1. Issued By & Official Portals
Sarathi Parivahan (MoRTH)
Under MoRTH contactless faceless services, applicants holding Aadhaar can apply for a Learner Licence (LL) and take the computer knowledge test completely from home without visiting an RTO in participating states. Booking a practical track driving test for a Permanent DL, however, requires visiting the RTO test track in person.
2. Why It Is Required
A Driving Licence (DL) in India is an official legal authorization issued by Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. It permits individuals to operate motorized vehicles—including two-wheelers (MCWG), four-wheelers (LMV), and commercial vehicles—on public roads.
3. Who Is Eligible
- Age 16+ for motorcycles without gear (engine capacity up to 50cc) with written parental consent
- Age 18+ for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV - cars and geared motorcycles MCWG)
- Age 20+ for Commercial and Transport vehicles (must hold valid LMV licence for at least 1 year)
- Must have completed minimum 30 days holding a valid Learner's Licence before applying for Permanent DL
4. Official Application Fees & Timeline
Official Fee Breakdown
Statutory fee under Rule 32 of CMVR per vehicle class (MCWG or LMV).
Stage 1: LearnerGovernment fee for permanent driving licence entry in national register.
Stage 2: PermanentPractical track test fee per vehicle category evaluated by Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI).
Chip-embedded physical smart card format and postal Speed Post delivery.
Estimated Processing Timeline
Generated online immediately upon clearing the computer road safety test.
Applicant must hold valid LL for at least 30 days before booking permanent DL test slot.
Practical test at RTO track; card dispatched via Speed Post upon passing.
Statutory fees are set under Rule 32 of Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. Individual states may levy nominal user charges (₹50–₹100) for smart card printing or automated driving test track maintenance.
5. Documents Required
6. Prepare Your Documents (Auto-Fix Studio)
Auto-crop your photograph, resize your signature to recommended pixel and DPI parameters, and convert identity proofs into standardized A4 PDFs formatted for portal size limits.
7. Official Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
Apply for Learner Licence (LL)
Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, select your state, choose 'Apply for Learner Licence', and authenticate with Aadhaar.
Take Online Road Safety Test
Watch the mandatory road safety tutorial video and clear the 15-question online test (passing score: 9-10 correct answers).
Practice Driving for 30 Days
Download your LL PDF. Practice driving with an 'L' plate accompanied by a person holding a valid permanent DL.
Book Permanent DL Slot
After 30 days (and within 6 months), log in to Sarathi, choose 'Apply for Driving Licence', pay fees, and book a track slot.
Pass Practical RTO Track Test
Appear at the automated test track with your vehicle. Complete required maneuvers ('H', '8', reverse parking, gradient stop).
8. Online vs. Offline Application Workflow
- •Filing application Form 2 for Learner Licence (LL).
- •Aadhaar-based face-authenticated online LL computer test from home.
- •Booking driving test appointment slot and paying government fees.
- •Applying for DL Renewal, duplicate DL, or change of address within state.
- •Downloading digital driving licence on DigiLocker / mParivahan.
- •Practical driving skill test at RTO automated driving test track (ADTT).
- •Physical biometric and signature verification for non-Aadhaar applications.
- •Submitting commercial endorsement certificates from accredited driver training centers.
9. Technical Upload Specifications
Passport size (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
Max Size: 20 KB (JPG, JPEG)
Background: Light / White background
Signature on white paper
Max Size: 20 KB (JPG, JPEG)
Ink: Black or Blue ink
Format: PDF, JPG
Max File Size: 500 KB
Clean, legible scans of age and address proofs under 500 KB.
10. Common Rejection Reasons & Mistakes to Avoid
- •Touching boundary sensors or stepping outside lane lines during automated track test.
- •Vehicle rolling backward by more than 6 inches during the gradient (incline) stop-and-start test.
- •Failure to wear seatbelt (for car) or ISI-marked helmet with strapped chinstrap (for two-wheeler).
- •Form 1A medical fitness certificate signed by non-MBBS practitioner.
- •Letting the Learner Licence expire (LL is strictly valid for 6 months; if expired, the entire process must be restarted from Stage 1).
- •Booking permanent driving test before completing the mandatory 30-day waiting period.
- •Failing to carry original identity proofs and vehicle documents (RC, Insurance, PUC) on track test day.
- •Not practicing reverse 'S' or 'H' track maneuvers prior to the automated camera-evaluated test.
11. How to Track & Correct Applications
- Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and click 'Application Status'.
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
- View status across stages: Document Verification, Test Result Approval, Smart Card Printing, and Postal Speed Post tracking number.
- If you fail the practical driving test: You can book a re-test slot after 7 days by paying the nominal re-test fee on Sarathi.
- To correct name or address on an existing DL: Choose 'Services on DL' on Sarathi, upload supporting gazette/Aadhaar proof, and submit.
12. Official Government Sources & Verification
Easy to Doc prioritizes primary government sources. Verify official circulars, fee structures, and procedures directly on statutory portals:
Official portal for all state driving licence applications, tests, and slot bookings.
Statutory fee schedule and guidelines governing driving licence issue and renewal.
13. Helpful Easy to Doc Guides & Utilities
Comprehensive step-by-step roadmap from Learner Licence to Smart Card.
Application GuideLearner Licence Online Test Preparation GuideTraffic signs, road markings, sample questions, and home test instructions.
Application GuideDriving Licence Renewal Online WalkthroughHow to renew expired licences, Form 1A rules for 40+, and late penalties.
Free In-Browser UtilityCompress PDF Under 500 KBCompress medical certificates, marksheet scans, and address proofs for Sarathi upload.
Free In-Browser UtilityPassport Photo Grid MakerGenerate standard 3.5×4.5 cm passport photos for non-Aadhaar physical RTO files.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Learner's Licence test online from home?
Yes, in most states across India (including Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, etc.), applicants choosing the Aadhaar authentication route can take the computer knowledge test from home via webcam face-authentication on Sarathi.
What is the passing score for the online Learner's Licence test?
The test consists of 15 to 20 multiple-choice questions on traffic rules, road signs, and driver responsibilities. You must score at least 60% (typically 9 or 10 correct answers) within the 10-15 minute time limit.
How long is a Learner's Licence valid?
A Learner's Licence is valid for exactly 6 months across India. You can apply for a Permanent Driving Licence any time after 30 days from the date of LL issuance.
Can I drive alone on a Learner's Licence?
No. Under Motor Vehicles Rules, an LL holder must always be accompanied by a person holding a valid permanent driving licence, and the vehicle must display prominent red 'L' plates on front and rear.
What happens if I fail the practical driving test at the RTO?
If you fail the practical test, you can pay a nominal re-test fee on Sarathi and book a new test appointment after 7 days. You have up to three attempts before your LL expires.
Is digital driving licence on DigiLocker or mParivahan valid during police inspection?
Yes. Under Rule 139 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, digital driving licences and vehicle registration certificates presented via official DigiLocker or mParivahan mobile apps are officially recognized alongside physical smart cards for inspection.
Information can change when government rules or statutory procedures are updated. Always verify critical filing requirements with the official government source. Easy to Doc is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government authority.
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