Your road to freedom: Step-by-step guide to get your driving licence
Obtaining a driving licence is an important milestone toward personal freedom, responsibility, and convenience. Whether you're preparing for your first driving test or renewing an existing licence, the process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. This article will walk you through the essential steps to obtain a driving licence.
A driving licence in India is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA), authorizing an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It serves as both an identity proof and a certification of the holder's ability to drive a vehicle in compliance with traffic laws.
Types of Driving Licences in India
Learner's Licence: Temporary licence issued to new drivers for practising.
Permanent Driving Licence: Issued after the successful completion of a driving test.
Commercial Driving Licence: For individuals driving commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, etc.
International Driving Permit (IDP): The International Driving Permit (IDP) allows Indian citizens to drive in foreign countries.
Check Eligibility
You can apply for a driving licence online through the official Parivahan Sewa website, which is managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:
To attain a driving licence, one should attain certain age limits.
- To ride a two-wheeler without gear, one should attain 16+ years.
- Two-Wheeler With Gear & Light Motor Vehicles: 18+ years.
- Commercial Vehicles: 20+ years.
You can apply for a permanent licence: Can apply 30 days after receiving a learner's licence (valid for 6 months).
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Proof of Identity: For proof of identity, get any of the credentials like Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, etc.
- Proof of Address: Utility bills, ration cards, passports, etc., are acceptable as proof of age.
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate, SSLC certificate, Aadhaar card, etc., are acceptable as proof of age.
- Learner's License (If applying for a permanent one).
- Form 1 & 1A: For medical fitness (only for applicants above 50 years or for commercial vehicles).
- Eye test certificate to be obtained from an ophthalmologist.
- Passport-sized Photos.
Step 3: Application Mode
- To apply in online mode, visit the website https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
- To apply in offline mode Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- For Learner’s Licence:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal:
- Go to Driving License > Apply for Learner Licence.
Following are the stages of application for applying for a learner's licence.
1. Fill in the application details.
2. Upload photo and signature
3. Upload documents
4. fee payment (fees may vary according to the type of your vehicle )
(Issue of learner’s licence in form 3 for each class of vehicle: Rs 150)
5. Verify the payment status
6. Print the receipt
7. Book a slot for the Learner’s licence test.
8. Appear for the test with a basic knowledge test about traffic rules and signs.
- For Permanent License:
- Wait at least 30 days after getting your learner’s licence.
Steps to follow for a new driving licence:
1. Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
2. Select concerned state
3. Click on "New Driving Licence" from the "Driving Licence" menu.
4. Enter your "Learning Licence Number" & "Date of Birth" to further proceed
5. Fill out the application form.
6. Click on the Next button to proceed.
7. Visit RTO on the scheduled date with original documents & fee slip.
Step 5: Offline Application (Optional)
- Visit the RTO: Collect application forms for a learner's or permanent licence.
- Submit Documents: Attach photocopies along with the filled form.
- Pay Fees: Pay at the RTO counter.
- Attend Test: For both learner’s and driving licences.
- Collect License: Either on the spot (LL) or by post (DL).
Step 6: Fee Structure
- Learner's Licence Fee: ₹150–₹500.
- Driving Test Fee: ₹300–₹1,000 (varies).
- Smart Card DL: ₹200
For more details, visit the official website https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/