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Driving Licence in India: How to apply online/offline

Team AckoApr 5, 2024

Whether it is the population, technology or economy, India has grown in all aspects post liberalisation. This has had a direct impact on the consistent rise in the number of motor vehicles running on the roads. But no one can legally drive or ride on Indian roads without a Driving Licence issued by an authorised Regional Transport Office (RTO). Read ahead to understand the types and procedures related to Driving Licence in India to avoid non-compliance penalties while driving.

Contents

Types of Driving Licences in India
Driving Licence application process in India
- How to apply for a Driving Licence online in India
- How to apply for a Driving Licence offline in India
How to check Driving Licence application status in India
Driving test procedure in India
- Four-wheelers driving test
- Two/three-wheelers driving test
Driving Licence fees in India
Eligibility for Driving Licence in India
Documents required for Driving Licence in India
How to renew Driving Licence in India
Duplicate Driving Licence in India
- Documents required for duplicate DL in India
- Steps to apply for duplicate Driving Licence in India
International Driving Permit application in India
- Documents required for IDP in India
- Steps to apply for IDP in India
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Types of Driving Licences in India

The types of Driving Licences differ based on the type of vehicle they are issued for in India. Here are the five main categories of DLs one can apply for.

Gearless two-wheeler DL (Such as mopeds and gearless scooters)
Geared two-wheeler DL (Such as bikes and geared scooters)
Light motor vehicle DL (Such as sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, etc.)
Transport vehicle DL (Such as trucks, vans, buses, etc.)
Other categories (Such as a vehicle that transports hazardous items)

Driving Licence application process in India

There are both online and offline DL application options available in India. It allows applicants to choose a preferred method of getting a DL issued. The following sections highlight the processes for online and offline applications for a new Driving Licence in India.

How to apply for a Driving Licence online in India

Here is how you can apply for a Driving Licence online in India.

Step 1: Visit the official transport website known as Parivahan Sewa.
Step 2: Upon reaching the home screen, get to the “Online Services” and then to “Driving Licence Related Services”.
Step 3: You will be redirected to another portal called Sarathi.
Step 4: Select the state (location) where you live and then choose “Apply for Learner’s Licence (LL)”.
Step 5: Submit your LL application along with appropriate documents and the required fee.
Step 6: Take your preliminary exam on the scheduled date of the test to obtain an LL.
Step 7: Hold on to the LL for at least 30 days and keep practising your driving skills.
Step 8: Now, get to the Sarathi portal once again to apply for a permanent Driving Licence.
Step 9: Via the “Apply for Driving Licence” section, you can fill in your application as an applicant holding LL.
Step 10: Get a driving test slot, pay the charges and get your receipt.
Step 11: Visit the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) to take your DL test.

An officer will conduct and assess your performance during the driving test. Then, you will be sent to record your biometric data. After that, you can wait for the DL to be delivered to your address through the postal service.

How to apply for a Driving Licence offline in India

Here is how you can apply for a Driving Licence offline in India.

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan platform to download Form 2 or obtain it at your local Regional Transport Office.
Step 2: Fill out details in Form 2 for Learning Licence and submit at the local RTO with other documents.
Step 3: You need to choose a slot for the Learning Licence test and an application number.
Step 4: Use the application number to appear for the test and receive your LL upon successful completion.
Step 5: Select a slot for your DL driving test as per the given options.
Step 6: Submit the standard application fee and get your acknowledgement slip.
Step 7: Visit the RTO on the scheduled date to take your test.

Upon completing the test, you will be requested to record your biometric details. Then, the RTO will take a couple of days for document verification before sending your DL through courier/post.

How to check Driving Licence application status in India

After completing the application and test procedures, you can follow the status of your application using the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan website and pick the state where you live.
Step 2: Click on “Application Status”.
Step 3: Provide your Birth Date, Application ID, and fill in the Captcha.
Step 4: Click “Submit” to view the status of your DL application.

Driving test procedure in India

The test of your driving skills plays a vital role in determining whether you are eligible for a Driving Licence in India. These tests differ slightly for four-wheelers and two/three-wheelers. Here are the specifics of the driving skill test required for a Driving Licence in India.

Four-wheelers driving test

Two kinds of tests are required: Ground test and road test.
In the ground test, you are required to drive a car on the symbols “T” and “U” (in that pattern).
During the road test, you need to showcase your driving while following the traffic rules.
The test is conducted under the inspection of an RTO-appointed officer.
The officer can ask you to take the test again based on your performance.

Two/three-wheelers driving test

Two kinds of tests are required: Ground test and road test.
In the ground test, you need to ride the vehicle on symbols “T” and “8” (in that pattern).
In the road test, the knowledge of traffic rules is judged while riding.
You can take the test again after seven days if not cleared the first time.

Driving Licence fees in India

Here are the fees charged for different kinds of DL-related services in India.

Type of DL service	Fees (in Rs.)
Issuing LL	150
Fee for LL-related test/retest	50
Issuing DL	200
Fee for driving test/retest	300

Eligibility for Driving Licence in India

To receive a permanent DL in India, one must fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
The applicant must first obtain a Learner’s Licence and apply for DL after 30 days.
The applicant needs to submit his/her DL application within 6 months of LL issuance.
The applicant has to successfully pass the tests associated with LL and DL.

Documents required for Driving Licence in India

The following documents are usually required when you apply for a Driving Licence in India.

DL application filled out in Form 2
Address proof (Ration card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
Age proof (Educational certificates, birth certificate, etc.)
Copy of a valid Learner’s Licence
Copy of the applicant’s PAN card
Passport photos
Fee payment receipt
Certificate of physical fitness

How to renew Driving Licence in India

If your Driving Licence is about to expire, you must apply for DL renewal following these steps.

Step 1: Go online to the Sarathi Parivahan website and pick your place of residence from the different Indian states mentioned in a drop-down menu.
Step 2: Click on “Renew your DL” among the mentioned services.
Step 3: Follow the instructions to submit your application with the required fee and download a receipt for it.
Step 4: Schedule an RTO appointment for in-person verification (if required in your state).

After that, the RTO will take a few days to issue your renewed licence and send it via post.

Duplicate Driving Licence in India

A duplicate Driving Licence is issued in India in case of loss or theft of the original document. You can apply for the same with the following documentation and procedure.

Documents required for duplicate DL in India

You will need to provide the following documents to apply for a duplicate Driving Licence in India.

Duplicate DL application
Copy of the First Information Report (FIR) regarding the theft/loss of your original DL
Payment receipt of the duplicate DL process fee
Certificate of challan clearance obtained from the Traffic Police Department in your city
Address proof

Steps to apply for duplicate Driving Licence in India

With all documents handy, you can follow these steps to apply for a duplicate Driving Licence in India.

Step 1: Visit the Sarathi portal, choose your state (location) and click on “Apply for duplicate DL”.
Step 2: Submit your application and download the receipt.
Step 3: Pay a visit to your local RTO and present the documents and payment receipt.
Step 4: Allow a couple of days for the verification process. The city RTO will send your Driving Licence straight to your address via speed post.

Note: You must place your application request within 6 months of losing your Driving Licence.

International Driving Permit application in India

IDP or International Driving Permit allows you to drive motor vehicles legally in foreign countries. If required, you can apply for International Driving Licence in India with the following documents and process.

Documents required for IDP in India

Before applying, you must collect the following documents for an International Driving Permit in India.

Form 4A for IDP application (Click to download)
Copy of your existing Driving Licence
Medical Certificate under Form 1
Residence and age proof
Copies of your valid passport
Original and copies of the valid visa
Air ticket copies for verification
Photos (4 copies in passport size)

Steps to apply for IDP in India

Here are the steps to follow for an IDP application in India.

Step 1: Through the Sarathi Parivahan website, you can select your state (location) name.
Step 2: Click on “Apply for IDP/International Driving Permit” and then “Continue”.
Step 3: Get your details by entering your birth date, DL number and Captcha.
Step 4: Complete application submission and print the acknowledgement slip.
Step 5: Visit the local RTO office for the verification process.

It will take some days to receive your IDP after the verification of all submitted documents.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any DL-related decisions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The following are some of the frequently asked questions related to Driving Licence in India.

Do I need to have a Learner’s Licence to apply for a Driving Licence in India?

Yes, a valid Learner’s Licence is required to apply for Driving Licence in India. Once issued, an LL remains valid for the next six months. You need to apply for DL after 1 month and within 6 months of getting your LL.

How many attempts are allowed for DL tests in India?

There are no restrictions on the number of DL test attempts for a valid candidate in India. After failing a driving test, one can take the same test again after seven days.

How long does a DL remain valid in India?

A DL for private vehicles remains valid for 20 years in India. But, the validity period can be reduced if the DL holder grows to 40 years before the standard 20-year duration. However, a DL for commercial vehicles comes with a 5-year validity period.