The Process of Obtaining a Driver’s License from the RTO

Getting a driver’s license is essential for legally driving in India. This guide simplifies the process, covering licence types, fees, eligibility, and more for a smooth application.

Types of Driving Licences in India

India offers various types of driving licences based on vehicle categories:

1. Learner’s Licence: A six-month licence to practise driving, available from age 16 for two-wheelers under 50cc (with parental consent) or 18 for other vehicles.
2. Permanent Driving Licence: Issued after clearing the driving test, this licence allows you to operate vehicles specified under the chosen category legally.
3. Commercial Driving Licence: Licence issued to individuals trained and certified for professional driving roles for commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, and taxis.
4. International Driving Licence: Issued to Indian residents who hold a valid Indian driving licence that permits them to drive abroad.

Know your licence type before you start the application process.

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in India

Applying for a driving licence in India involves a two-step process: obtaining a learner’s licence and then applying for a permanent driving licence.

How to Get a Learner’s Licence in India

A learner’s licence is the first step to legally driving in India, allowing supervised practice for six months. Here's the process to get a learner's licence:

1. Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
2. Select Your State: Choose the state where you wish to apply.
3. Click on "Apply for Learner's Licence": Under the "Learner's Licence" section.
4. Fill Out the Application Form: Provide personal and vehicle-related details.
5. Upload Documents: Submit identity proof, address proof, age proof, and passport-size photographs online.
6. Pay Fees: Complete the payment for the learner’s licence application.
7. Schedule the Test: Book a slot for the online learner’s licence test.
8. Take the Test: Appear for the test at the RTO or online.
9. Receive Your Learner’s Licence: If you pass, you will receive your learner’s licence immediately or within a few days.

Eligibility for Learner’s Licence:

• 16 years for non-geared two-wheelers (with parental consent).
• 18 years for geared vehicles.
• 20 years for commercial vehicles.

Learner's licence test involves colour blindness inspection and a multiple-choice test on road signs and traffic rules. 60% is the passing score.

How to Get a Permanent Driving Licence in India

After holding a learner’s licence for at least 30 days, you can apply for a permanent driving licence. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
2. Select Your State: Choose the relevant state.
3. Click on "New Driving Licence" Under the "Driving Licence" menu.
4. Enter Learner’s Licence Details: Provide your "Learning Licence Number" and "Date of Birth."
5. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the details accurately.
6. Schedule a Driving Test: Book a test slot at your local RTO.
7. Visit the RTO: On the scheduled date, bring your original documents, learner’s licence, and fee receipt.
8. Take the Driving Test: Demonstrate your driving skills before the RTO inspector.
9. Receive Your Driving Licence: If you pass, your permanent driving licence will be issued.

Driving Licence Fees in India

As of January 2025, the fees for obtaining and maintaining a driving licence in India are as follows:

• Learner’s Licence: ₹150 + ₹50 (test fee),
• Permanent Driving Licence: ₹200.
• Driving Test Fee: ₹300.
• International Driving Permit: ₹1,000.
• Renewal of Driving Licence: ₹200 within the grace period; after grace period: ₹300; additional ₹1,000/year for late renewal.
• Change of Address/Details in Licence: ₹200.

Fees can vary by state; confirm exact charges with your RTO.

Eligibility for Getting a Driving Licence in India

To apply for a driving licence in India, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age:
   • 16 years for two-wheelers without gear (with parental consent).
   • 18 years for two-wheelers with gear and cars.
   • 20 years for commercial vehicles.
2. Education:
   • Basic understanding of traffic signs and road safety rules.
3. Learner’s Licence:
   • Mandatory before applying for a permanent licence.
4. Driving Skills and Test:
   • You must learn driving skills and successfully pass the driving test conducted by the RTO to demonstrate your competence.

Documents Required to Apply for a Driving Licence in India

Keep these documents ready when applying:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID, or any government-issued ID.
• Proof of Address: Utility bill, rent agreement, Passport, or Aadhaar card.
• Age Proof: Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, school certificate, or PAN card.
• Passport-size Photographs: Typically 2-3 recent photographs.
• Learner’s Licence: Required for permanent licence applications.
• Form 1A (Medical Certificate): Mandatory for:
  • Applicants over 40 years of age.
  • Transport vehicle licence applications.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Driving Licence?

The process typically takes up to 4 weeks, depending on:

• Completion of the learner’s licence period (30 days minimum).
• Availability of driving test slots.
• Document verification timelines.

For quicker processing, ensure all your documents are accurate and complete.

Drive Legally, Drive Confidently

Obtaining your driving licence is not just about legality—it ensures you’re well-versed in road safety and traffic rules. Pair your licence with comprehensive vehicle insurance for added protection.

Consider Royal Sundaram Car Insurance to safeguard against unforeseen incidents. Visit our website to explore plans tailored to your needs.