Driving Licence in India: Learner Licence, Permanent Licence, Renewal, Online Process and Tests

A driving licence is both a legal requirement and a widely accepted identity document. The process has moved largely online through the government's Parivahan portal, but you still need to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for tests in most cases. This guide explains the steps, from learner licence to renewal.

Fees, forms and procedures change often. Treat the figures here as indicative and confirm them on the official government or bank website before you act.

Eligibility

• 16 years for a motorcycle without gear with an engine of up to 50 cc, with parental consent.
• 18 years for motorcycles with gears and light motor vehicles such as cars.
• 20 years for commercial vehicles, usually with an additional requirement such as education level and medical fitness.
• You must be able to read vehicle number plates at the prescribed distance and be physically fit to drive.

Step 1: Learner's licence

1. Go to the official Parivahan Sarathi portal, select your state, and choose "Apply for Learner Licence".
2. Fill in the application with your details, vehicle classes and upload documents: address proof, age proof and a photograph and signature.
3. Submit the medical declaration (Form 1), and Form 1A, a medical certificate, if you are above 40 or applying for a commercial licence.
4. Pay the fee online and book a slot for the learner test. Many states offer online tests from home after Aadhaar authentication.
5. The test has questions on traffic signs and rules. Study the state driving handbook. Pass marks are set by the state.
6. Download the learner licence after passing.

Step 2: Practise

A learner licence is valid for six months. Drive with a licensed driver and display L plates. Learn road rules, lane discipline, signals and parking. Estimate running costs with the fuel cost calculator before you buy a vehicle.

Step 3: Permanent licence

1. After at least 30 days from issue of the learner licence and before it expires, apply for a permanent licence on Sarathi and pay the fee.
2. Book a driving test slot at the RTO.
3. Appear with your vehicle (or school vehicle), learner licence and documents.
4. The test usually includes driving manoeuvres such as an "8" or "H" track, parking and observing signals. Some RTOs use automated test tracks.
5. After passing, the licence is issued and sent by post, and a digital copy is available on DigiLocker.

Many states allow driving schools approved by the government to conduct tests and issue certificates for waiver of RTO tests, under recent rules. Check the current procedure.

Documents

Fees

Fees are set by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and state governments. In general, learner licence, test and licence issue fees are modest and vary by vehicle class, and charges for renewal, duplicate licences and international permits differ. Use only the official portal's fee calculator, and avoid agents charging high amounts for "fast-track" service.

Renewal

• A licence is valid for 20 years or until age 40, whichever is earlier, and for those above 30 and under 50, for 20 years or until age 50, as laid out in the rules. After 50, validity is shorter, typically five years at a time. Commercial licences have a validity of three years generally. Check current rules.
• Renew up to a year before expiry. You may get a grace period after expiry with a late fee, and a long delay may need a fresh test.
• Apply online on Sarathi and upload a medical certificate if required.

Other services

• Duplicate licence: if lost, file an FIR where needed and apply online.
• Address or name change: update on Sarathi with proof.
• Adding a vehicle class: apply for endorsement and take a test.
• International Driving Permit: apply for travel abroad. Rules for each country differ.

Tips for passing the test

• Practise on the type of track used at your RTO.
• Check the vehicle documents, insurance and pollution certificate. See vehicle insurance.
• Stay calm, use mirrors, indicate and do not touch the markers.
• Arrive early with all documents.

Common mistakes

• Letting the learner licence expire before applying.
• Using unofficial websites that charge extra fees. See scam awareness.
• Driving without a valid licence, which attracts heavy fines and invalidates insurance claims.
• Not updating address changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age for a driving licence?

16 for a gearless motorcycle up to 50 cc with parental consent, and 18 for most other private vehicles.

How long is a learner licence valid?

Six months.

Can I apply online?

Yes, through the Parivahan Sarathi portal, with an RTO visit for the test in most cases.

When should I renew my licence?

Up to a year before expiry. Late renewal may need a fee or a fresh test.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Required for those above 40 and for commercial licences, and a declaration for others.

Is a digital licence valid?

Yes, DigiLocker and mParivahan copies are valid.

Last reviewed 8 November 2026. Rates, limits and rules change, so confirm figures with the official source before you act.