How to Get a Driving Licence in India (Sarathi Parivahan)

1. The Two-Stage Statutory Process

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, obtaining a Driving Licence in India requires completing two statutory stages:

Stage 1: Obtain a Learner's Licence (LL) by clearing an online computer knowledge test on road traffic signs, vehicle regulations, and driver duties.

Stage 2: Practice driving with an 'L' plate under supervision for at least 30 days, then pass a practical track test evaluated by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to receive your permanent smart card licence.

2. Applying for Learner Licence (LL) on Sarathi

Step 1: Open sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your State. Click 'Apply for Learner Licence'.

Step 2: Choose 'Applicant holds Aadhaar Card' for contactless faceless processing without visiting the RTO.

Step 3: Authenticate with Aadhaar OTP. The portal auto-populates your name, date of birth, photo, and address.

Step 4: Select your vehicle categories: Motorcycle with Gear (MCWG) for two-wheelers, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) for cars, or both.

Step 5: Pay the statutory application and test fee (approx. ₹150–₹200 per category). Watch the mandatory 10-minute road safety video tutorial, then take the 15-question online test.

3. 30-Day Mandatory Training Period

Upon passing the online test, your Learner's Licence PDF is generated immediately. Under Rule 16 of CMVR, the LL is valid for exactly 6 months across India.

By law, you must hold the LL for at least 30 days before you become eligible to book a practical driving test for a Permanent DL. During this period:

• You must paint or paste a red 'L' sign on a white background on the front and rear of your vehicle.
• You must be accompanied at all times by a person holding a valid permanent driving licence for that class of vehicle.
• You cannot carry any passengers on a two-wheeler other than your licensed instructor.

4. Applying for Permanent DL & Slot Booking

After completing 30 days (and before the 6-month expiry of your LL), return to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and click 'Apply for Driving Licence'.

Enter your LL number and Date of Birth. Select your vehicle classes, pay the driving test fee and smart card fee (approx. ₹700–₹1,000), and choose an available appointment date on the RTO test track calendar.

5. RTO Track Test Maneuvers & Passing Tips

On your appointment day, arrive at the RTO automated driving test track (ADTT) with your vehicle and original vehicle papers (RC, valid Insurance, PUC Certificate).

Four-Wheeler (LMV) Test Maneuvers: Evaluated by overhead sensor cameras. Requires completing an 'H' track, parallel parking between cones, an 8-figure maneuver, and a gradient (incline) start where the vehicle must not roll backward by more than 6 inches.

Two-Wheeler (MCWG) Test Maneuvers: Completing an 8-shaped serpentine track without putting your foot down or touching the curb.

6. Smart Card DL & DigiLocker Integration

Upon passing, the Motor Vehicle Inspector approves your file. Your chip-embedded Smart Card Driving Licence is printed and dispatched to your address via Speed Post within 7 to 15 days.

You can also link your DL number immediately to DigiLocker or mParivahan to access an authorized digital licence valid across India.