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Overview
A permanent driving license in India is issued after you hold a valid learner's license and pass the driving test. The application is started on the Sarathi portal, followed by fee payment, test slot booking, and a visit to the RTO.
Eligibility
- You are at least 18 years old (16 for gearless two-wheelers)
- You hold a valid learner's license for the vehicle class
- You can provide age, address proof, and passport photos
Documents Required
- Learner's license
- Age proof (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill)
- Passport-size photographs
- Application form printout
- Medical certificate for commercial vehicles
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner's license test fee Varies by state | ₹150 - ₹200 |
| Driving license test fee Varies by state | ₹300 - ₹500 |
| Smart card fee If applicable | ₹200 |
Processing Time
7 to 20 working days
Timeline depends on test slot availability and RTO processing.
Step-by-Step Process
Visit the Sarathi portal
Open https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state where you want to apply for the driving licence.
Select State
Choose the state where you want the driving licence service.
Login
Click Login after selecting the state to open the sign-in form.
Select State
Choose the state where you want the driving licence service.
Login
Click Login after selecting the state to open the sign-in form.
Selecting the correct state and RTO is important because your DL records are maintained there.
Log in to Sarathi
After selecting the state, click the Login button and enter your username, password, and captcha. New users must register first.
Select State
Choose the state where you want the driving licence service.
Login
Click Login after selecting the state to open the sign-in form.
Select State
Choose the state where you want the driving licence service.
Login
Click Login after selecting the state to open the sign-in form.
Error: "No record found" — Check that you selected the correct state and RTO before logging in.
Select "Apply for New Driving Licence"
After logging in, choose the option to apply for a new driving licence and select the relevant vehicle class.
Login-required step
Enter learner licence and personal details
Enter your existing learner licence number and date of birth to fetch your records. Verify that the details match before proceeding.
Login-required step
Make sure your learner licence is still valid and covers the vehicle class you are applying for.
Upload documents and photograph
Upload clear scans of your age proof, address proof, and a recent passport-size photograph as per Sarathi specifications.
Login-required step
Pay the fee and book a driving test slot
Review the fee breakdown and pay online. Book a convenient date and time slot for the driving test at your RTO.
Login-required step
If the fee is deducted but the slot is not booked, check your application history before retrying.
Visit the RTO for the driving test
On the test day, visit the RTO with original documents and the fee receipt. Pass the driving test to receive your permanent licence.
Login-required step
Carry the vehicle for which you are taking the test, or use the RTO vehicle if available.
Common Mistakes
Common Errors & Fixes
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
| Learner licence not found | Ensure you selected the correct state and RTO and entered the learner licence number correctly. |
| Photo upload rejected | Upload a recent passport-size photo as per Sarathi specifications. |
| Payment deducted but slot not booked | Check application history. If the slot is missing, book again without paying. |
| Test slot not available | Try a different date or RTO. New slots are released periodically. |