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Driving Licence

The permanent licence that allows you to drive a motor vehicle on public roads in India. You get it after holding a learner's licence and passing a driving test.

Official fees

ServiceFee
Driving test, per class of vehicle₹300
Issue of driving licence₹200
Smart card licence (extra)₹200
Adding another class of vehicle₹500

Checked 27 Sep 2026

Documents to keep ready

  • Valid learner's licence, at least 30 days old
  • Form 4 application (filled online)
  • Proof of age and address, e.g. Aadhaar
  • Recent passport size photo
  • Form 1A medical certificate if 40 or older, or for a transport vehicle
  • Form 5B certificate if you trained at an Accredited Driver Training Centre

How to apply

  1. Log in to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in with your learner's licence number
  2. Apply for Driving Licence and pick the vehicle class
  3. Pay the test and licence fee online
  4. Book a driving test slot at the RTO
  5. Take the test in your own roadworthy vehicle with valid papers
  6. After passing, the licence is approved and the smart card is sent by post or collected
Good to know
  • If you complete a course at a government Accredited Driver Training Centre (ADTC), its Form 5B certificate exempts you from the RTO driving test (rules in force since July 2021, clarified in June 2024). A normal driving school certificate does not.
  • Carry your learner's licence, vehicle RC, insurance and PUC to the test.
  • States may add small service charges on top of the central fee.

Common questions

Is the RTO driving test still needed after the June 2024 rules?
Yes, unless you hold a Form 5B certificate from an Accredited Driver Training Centre. Ordinary driving school certificates do not exempt you.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after 7 days by paying the test fee again, as long as your learner's licence is valid.
Can I get a digital driving licence?
Yes. A licence stored in DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as valid by traffic police.