This is Part 3 of the Car & Bike Owner's Guide, our 20-part series on owning, running and staying legal with a vehicle in India. New here? Start with Part 1: Choosing Your First Car, or read the previous part, Part 2: Scooter or Motorcycle?.
Every driver in India needs a valid driving licence (DL), and the process is now largely online through the Sarathi section of the Parivahan portal. Here is how it works.
Who can apply
- Age 16: Gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc, with consent from a parent or guardian.
- Age 18: Motorcycles with gears and private cars (light motor vehicles).
- Transport vehicles such as taxis and goods vehicles have separate requirements.
Step 1: The learner's licence
- Apply on the Sarathi portal, choosing your state and the vehicle classes you want.
- Upload proof of age and address, a photo and signature, and pay the fee.
- Take the learner's test, a short multiple-choice quiz on road signs and rules. Many states now let you take it online from home with Aadhaar-based verification.
- Your learner's licence (LL) is usually valid for six months.
While learning, display an "L" sign on your vehicle and drive with a licensed person beside you in a car.
Step 2: Practise
You must wait at least 30 days after getting your LL before taking the driving test. Use that time well: practise in traffic, at night and on slopes, and learn to park in tight spaces.
Step 3: The driving test
- Book a test slot online for your RTO.
- Bring your LL, documents and a roadworthy vehicle with valid papers.
- The test usually includes a figure-of-eight or H-track for two-wheelers and cars, and a short road test.
- Pass, and your DL is printed and posted to your address. You can also find it in DigiLocker. See Part 4: Vehicle Documents.
The driving school route
Under rules in force since July 2021, accredited driver training centres can train and test learners. In states where these centres operate, passing their course can exempt you from the RTO driving test. Check whether a school is officially accredited before paying.
Renewal and updates
- How long a DL is valid depends on your age when it is issued. Renew it before it expires.
- Renewal, address change and duplicate licences can be applied for online.
- An International Driving Permit for travel abroad is also issued by your RTO.
Driving without a licence can attract a fine of ₹5,000. More in Part 9: Traffic Fines and E-Challans.
Rules, fees and fines here reflect central rules as of October 2026. States can set their own procedures and compounding amounts, and rules change, so check the Parivahan portal, your state transport department or your RTO before acting.
Next in the series: Part 4: Vehicle Documents.
