Last Updated: October 16, 2026
Planning to buy your first bike or car? Before you start driving on public roads, you need a valid driving licence issued by the appropriate transport authority.
The good news is that you can apply for a driving licence online through the Government of India’s Sarathi Parivahan portal. From submitting your application to paying fees and booking a driving test, several steps can be completed online.
However, getting a permanent driving licence generally requires passing a practical driving test.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a driving licence online, the documents required, application fees and how to check your licence status.
Who Can Apply for a Driving Licence in India?
Before applying, check whether you meet the minimum age requirements.
| Vehicle Category | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle without gear, subject to the 50cc limit and parental consent | 16 years |
| Motorcycle with gear | 18 years |
| Private car (Light Motor Vehicle) | 18 years |
| Transport vehicle | 20 years, subject to additional requirements |
Applicants must also meet the applicable medical fitness and licensing requirements.
Important: If you’re applying for your first licence, you generally need to obtain a Learner’s Licence (LL) before applying for a permanent Driving Licence (DL).
How to Apply for Learner’s Licence Online
A Learner’s Licence allows you to practise driving under the prescribed conditions. It is the first step towards obtaining a permanent licence.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the Sarathi Parivahan Portal.
Step 2: Select Your State
Choose the state where you want to apply for your driving licence.
Step 3: Choose Learner’s Licence
Find the Learner Licence section and select Application for New Learner Licence.
Step 4: Fill in Your Details
Enter your name, date of birth, address, mobile number and other requested information. Select the correct vehicle category.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Submit the age, address and other supporting documents requested by your state portal.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Complete the payment using the available methods and save your receipt.
Step 7: Complete the Learner’s Test
You must complete the required test covering traffic signs, road rules and basic driving regulations.
Some states provide an online learner’s test facility, while others require an RTO visit.
After successfully completing the process, you can obtain your Learner’s Licence.
How to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence Online
Once you’ve held your Learner’s Licence for at least 30 days, you can apply for a permanent Driving Licence.
Your Learner’s Licence is valid for six months, so plan your driving test within its validity period.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
- Select your state from the available options.
- Open the Driving Licence section.
- Select New Driving Licence.
- Enter your Learner’s Licence number and date of birth.
- Complete the required application details.
- Upload documents if requested.
- Pay the prescribed driving licence fees.
- Book an available driving test appointment.
- Visit the designated RTO or testing facility with your original documents and the appropriate vehicle.
During the practical test, an examiner will assess your ability to control the vehicle and follow driving rules.
If you pass and your application is approved, the licensing authority will issue your Driving Licence.
Useful tip: Practise basic vehicle control, turning, reversing where applicable, stopping safely and following traffic signals before attending your test.
Documents Required for Driving Licence
Keep the following documents ready before applying.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card, passport or other accepted document | Age or address verification |
| Birth certificate or school certificate | Age proof |
| Learner’s Licence | Permanent licence application |
| Form 1 | Physical fitness declaration, where applicable |
| Form 1A | Medical certificate, where required |
| Photograph | Applicant identification, if requested |
Additional documents may be required depending on your age, vehicle category and state.
Driving Licence Application Fees in 2026
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways prescribes the following basic licensing fees.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence issuance (per vehicle class) | ₹150 |
| Learner’s Licence test | ₹50 |
| Driving competence test (per vehicle class) | ₹300 |
| Driving Licence issuance | ₹200 |
Additional state charges, service fees or retest fees may apply.
Always check the final amount displayed on the official Sarathi portal before making payment.
How to Check Driving Licence Application Status
After submitting your application, you can track its progress online.
- Open the Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Select your state.
- Click Application Status.
- Enter your application number and date of birth.
- Complete the captcha and submit.
- Check your current application status.
If your application remains pending, review whether any document verification, fee payment or driving test is incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a driving licence completely online?
You can complete several application steps online. However, obtaining a permanent driving licence generally requires a practical driving test at an authorised facility.
Can I get a driving licence without a Learner’s Licence?
First-time applicants generally need a valid Learner’s Licence before applying for a permanent Driving Licence.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can apply for a retest according to the applicable rules, pay the prescribed retest fee and book another appointment.
Can I download my driving licence online?
Yes. Once issued and available in the government database, you can access a digital driving licence through services such as DigiLocker or mParivahan.
Can I apply for both a bike and car licence?
Yes. You can apply for the appropriate vehicle classes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and complete the applicable tests and fees.
Final Words
Applying for a driving licence online is easier when you understand the difference between a Learner’s Licence and a permanent Driving Licence.
Start by obtaining your Learner’s Licence, practise driving safely and apply for your permanent licence after the required waiting period.
Always use official government portals and avoid agents promising a driving licence without the required tests.
Official Sources:
- Parivahan Sewa
- Sarathi Parivahan Portal
- Learner’s Licence Guidelines
- Permanent Driving Licence Guidelines
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and is not affiliated with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or any RTO. Licensing procedures, fees and document requirements may vary by state and are subject to change. Always verify the latest instructions on the official Parivahan website.
