How to Get a Driving Licence in India: Online Application, RTO Process, Documents and Fees

Obtaining a driving licence in India is a two-step process: first, you apply for a learner's licence (LL), and after a mandatory waiting period, you apply for a permanent driving licence (DL). The entire process can be initiated online through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Parivahan portal (parivahan.gov.in). This guide covers the complete process, required documents, fees, and practical tips for 2026.

Step 1: Apply for a Learner's Licence

Visit the Parivahan portal at parivahan.gov.in and select 'Driving Licence Related Services'. Choose your state and click 'Apply for Learner Licence'. The portal supports Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication, which simplifies the verification process. Fill in your personal details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee of approximately Rs 200 and the test fee of approximately Rs 100. You will then need to take an online test on traffic rules and road signs. In many states, this test is AI-proctored and can be completed online. Once you clear the test, the learner's licence can be downloaded instantly.

Waiting Period

The learner's licence is valid for six months. You must wait at least 30 days after receiving the LL before you can apply for a permanent driving licence. This waiting period is designed to allow time for supervised driving practice. During this period, you must drive only with a person holding a valid permanent DL seated beside you, and the vehicle must display an 'L' sign.

Step 2: Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence

After the 30-day waiting period, return to the Parivahan portal and select 'Apply for Driving Licence'. Fill in the online form, upload the required documents, pay the fee of approximately Rs 700, and book a slot for the driving test at a Regional Transport Office (RTO) or an automated driving test track near you. On the scheduled date, appear at the test centre with your original documents for verification. You will need to pass a practical driving test. If you pass, your permanent DL will be issued.

Documents Required

For the learner's licence, you need identity proof (PAN card, passport, voter ID, or masked Aadhaar), address proof (latest electricity or water bill, registered rental agreement, or passport), age proof (birth certificate, 10th-grade marksheet, or passport), and three recent passport-size photographs. For the permanent DL, you need the same documents plus your learner's licence (physical or digital copy that is at least 30 days old). Applicants for a commercial vehicle licence and private vehicle applicants aged 40 years and above also need a medical certificate in Form 1A.

For identity documents, the Aadhaar card is widely accepted. If you are concerned about Aadhaar misuse, refer to our guide on how to check Aadhaar authentication history and lock biometrics.

Fees

The fee for a learner's licence is approximately Rs 200 (application) plus Rs 100 (test fee). The permanent driving licence fee is approximately Rs 700. Additional fees may apply for the smart card format. International Driving Permits (IDP) have separate fees. Fees may vary slightly by state. All fees can be paid online through the Parivahan portal using credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

If you face issues with the RTO process, you have the right to file a complaint. Our guide on how to file a consumer complaint online in India covers the process.

For questions about traffic rules and e-challans, see our guide on how to check, pay, or contest a traffic e-challan online.

Key Takeaways

Getting a driving licence in India requires two steps: learner's licence followed by a permanent DL after 30 days. Apply online through the Parivahan portal at parivahan.gov.in. The learner's licence fee is approximately Rs 300 and the permanent DL fee is approximately Rs 700. You need identity, address, and age proof along with passport-size photographs. A practical driving test at the RTO is mandatory for the permanent licence. Commercial vehicle applicants need a medical certificate in Form 1A.