How to Apply Driving License Online

A driving licence proves that a driver is skilled, aware of traffic rules, and physically fit to drive safely. It reduces the chances of road accidents and protects everyone on the road. Around the world, licences help maintain a standard level of driving competency, prevent untrained drivers from risking public safety, and allow authorities to legally enforce traffic rules.

According to Indian Express, Government data reveals that over 29,000 fatalities occurred on national highways during the first half of 2025, amounting to more than 50% of the total deaths recorded last year.

Getting your driving license isn’t just a paperwork hassle—it’s your ticket to legal freedom, road safety, and avoiding those wallet-draining penalties that hit harder in 2025. 

That’s why in this article, we will cover the eligibility rules, age limits, driving licence categories, and the complete process to apply for a driving licence in India. No agents, no queues, just you legally hitting the roads soon!

Eligibility Criteria for a Driving Licence in India

To apply for a driving licence in India, an individual must:

• Be an Indian citizen or legal resident
  
• Have basic literacy in the local language
  
• First obtain a Learner’s Licence and pass its test before applying for the permanent licence
  

Applicants also need to submit:

• Age proof
  
• Address proof
  
• A medical fitness certificate, especially for people above 40 years of age (Form 1A)

Minimum Age Limits for Driving in India

The allowed age for applying depends on vehicle type:

There is no maximum age limit, but after 40 years the licence is issued for shorter renewal periods—
10 years first, then every 5 years thereafter

Driving Licence Categories in India

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, different licence categories allow driving different types of vehicles:

Driving a vehicle type not covered by your licence may lead to heavy penalties or licence suspension.

Penalties for Driving Without a Licence (India – 2025)

Government enforcement has become stricter due to rising road safety concerns:

E-challans and AI cameras now make enforcement faster and automated, encouraging safer driving habits.

Types of Driving License in India

A driving license is created in two stages:

Learner License (LL)

• Valid for 6 months
• Allows you to drive legally on the road for learning purposes
• Helps you avoid challans while practicing
• You can apply for the final license anytime within these 6 months
  

Final / Permanent Driving License (DL)

• Issued after passing the driving test at the RTO
• Valid for 10–15 years
• Needs to be renewed after expiry

Government Portal for Driving License 

To apply online, you must use the official government website:

✔ Sarathi Parivahan – Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

⚠ There are many fake websites on Google, so make sure you open the official portal only.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Driving License in India

Follow the instructions below on your computer or mobile:

Step 1: Visit the Website

1. Open your browser and search “Sarathi Parivahan”
2. Click on the first link of Ministry of Road Transport
3. Go to Online Services → Driving License Related Services

Step 2: Select Your State

Choose the state where you live.
(Example: Bihar, UP, Assam, Punjab, etc.)

Step 3: Start the Application

1. Click Apply for Learner License
2. Select General Category
3. Choose the option: Applicant does not hold any driving license
   

Step 4: Aadhaar or Without Aadhaar

You will get two options:

• Submit via Aadhaar Authentication
  
• Submit without Aadhaar Authentication
  

If you choose Aadhaar authentication, your Aadhaar details will automatically get printed on your license, without any option to edit.
So most people prefer Submit without Aadhaar Authentication.

Step 5: Enter Mobile Number

• Enter your mobile number
• Enter Captcha
• Submit OTP
  

Step 6: Fill Application Form

Enter all required details:

• Applicant Name
• Father’s / Mother’s Name
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Qualification
• Identification Marks (e.g., scar, mole — any permanent mark)
• Email ID
• Present Address & Permanent Address
• Number of years living at current address
  

Step 7: Select Vehicle Types

Choose the type of license you want, e.g.,

• Motorcycle with Gear (Two-wheeler)
• LMV – Light Motor Vehicle (Car)
  

Add both if you want license for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler.

Step 8: Fill Self-Declaration (Medical Fitness)

Answer health-related questions (Yes / No)
Example:

• Do you have epilepsy? → No
• Can you identify traffic light colors? → Yes
  

Submit the form.

Step 9: Upload Documents

You need to upload two sets of documents:

Upload scanned copies in PDF or JPEG format (Max 500KB).

Step 10: Upload Photo & Signature

Upload:

• Passport-size photo
• Your digital signature
  

Step 11: Fee Payment

Total charge for LL varies by state, but generally around ₹700 – ₹800.

Pay online using:

• Debit Card
  
• Net Banking
  
• Credit Card
  

Step 12: Book Slot for Test

After payment:

• Select your preferred date
  
• Choose the available time slot shown in green
  
• Download or print the slot booking slip
  

What to Do on the Test Date?

Go to the RTO office with:

• Aadhaar Card
  
• PAN Card
  
• 10th / 12th Marksheet (or whichever you uploaded)
  
• Slot booking slip
  

At RTO:

• Documents will be verified
  
• A computer-based learning test will be conducted
  

After clearing the test, your Learner License will be issued online, and you can:

• Download or print it
  
• Start driving legally for 6 months
  

Applying for Final Driving License

After 30 days of LL (and before 6 months), apply for the final license.

Final steps include:

• Visit RTO with original documents
  
• Give a practical driving test
  
• Upon passing, you will receive a smart card driving license
  

Once done, you will receive your permanent driving license, valid for 10–15 years.

Final Words

Whether you are a new learner or planning to upgrade your licence, always follow legal procedures and traffic guidelines to enjoy a safe and hassle-free driving experience. Drive smart, drive safe!