Driving Licence Apply Online & Offline in India 2025

Applying for a driving licence in India is now easier than ever, thanks to digital RTO services and the Sarathi parivahan portal. Whether you are applying for a learner’s licence or a permanent one, knowing the correct steps will save you time and avoid unnecessary delays.

With driving licence apply options available both online and offline, you can fill out forms, upload documents, and book your driving test slot from the comfort of your home. This guide explains everything you need to know from eligibility and documents to fees and test tips so you can get your licence hassle-free in 2025.

Before you driving licence apply, you need to know the different licence types and the eligibility criteria.

Driving Licence Types & Eligibility in India

The easiest way to driving licence apply is through the official Parivahan Sarathi portal, which is available across most Indian states. The online process saves time and avoids long queues at the RTO

1. Visit the Official Portal
   Go to sarathi.parivahan
2. click on the online services you will see the option of Driving licence related services

select your state name from the list.

Next, choose the type of application you need:

• New Learner’s Licence – if you are applying for a licence for the first time.
• New Driving Licence – if you already have a learner’s licence and now want to apply for a permanent one.

• Fill Out the Application Form – Enter personal details, vehicle type, and address.
• Upload Documents – Submit scanned copies of age proof, address proof, and passport-size photo.
• Book a Test Slot – Choose a date for your driving test or learner’s test.
• Pay the Application Fee – Pay the required driving licence fees (₹200–₹500 depending on state and type).
• Print the Acknowledgement – Keep the receipt to track your application status.

Processing Time:

The online driving licence apply process usually takes 7–21 days, and the licence is delivered by post after you pass the test.

If you prefer the traditional way, you can driving licence apply by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). The offline process requires filling out forms, submitting documents, and booking a test date at the RTO.

Steps to Apply for Driving Licence Offline:

1. Visit your local RTO and request the application forms.
2. Fill in Form 1 (health declaration) and Form 2 (application for a learner’s licence).
3. For a permanent licence, fill Form 4 and attach all required documents.
4. Submit the application along with the driving licence fees (₹200–₹500).
5. Book a slot for the driving test.
6. Appear for the driving test and collect the acknowledgement slip.

Before you driving licence apply, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Missing documents can delay your application or cause rejection.

Document Checklist

• Proof of Age – Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, Birth certificate.
• Proof of Address – Voter ID, Aadhaar card, utility bill, rental agreement.
• Passport-size Photos – 3 to 5 recent photographs (as required by RTO).
• Medical Certificate (Form 1A) – Mandatory if you are 40 years or older.
• Application Forms – Form 2 for learner’s licence and Form 4 for permanent licence.
  

Driving Licence Fees in India (2025)

The process to driving licence apply in India is evolving rapidly, with more states adopting digital services and new rules to improve safety and efficiency.

1. Punjab RTO Services Go Fully Online

From June 2025, Punjab has moved to a fully online driving licence application system. Applicants can book slots, upload documents, and pay fees digitally, while driving tests are now conducted on automated test tracks with CCTV monitoring.

• Pass rates: About 40% for car tests and 82% for two-wheelers, showing that automation is reducing human bias.
• This change aims to speed up the DL apply process and cut down on middlemen at RTOs.
  Read full update here
  

2. Learner Licence Test from Home in Gujarat

Gujarat launched a home-based learner’s licence test on July 7, 2025. Now, applicants can take their LL test online from their homes.

• Impact: The pass rate increased from 75% to 90%, with 4,000+ applicants taking the test within 10 days.
• Authorities are reviewing the system to prevent cheating and ensure fair testing.
  Read full update here
  

3. Experts Demand Overhaul of Learner System

Many experts believe the current learner’s licence training is too basic, especially the 10-minute online safety video required during application.

• Proposal: They suggest introducing certified driving courses, better testing, and a demerit point system to improve driver awareness and reduce accidents.
  Read full update here
  

4. What It Means for Applicants

• Faster applications: States like Punjab and Gujarat are digitizing RTO services, making the driving licence apply process quicker.
• Flexible testing: Home-based tests could expand to more states.
• Stricter training: Expect improved learning modules and stricter standards for permanent driving licences.

Once you complete your driving licence apply process, the next step is to pass the driving test. Automated test tracks and CCTV monitoring are now used in many states like Punjab to ensure fair evaluations

After Passing – Getting Your Licence

After you successfully pass the driving test:

1. The RTO issues a receipt or temporary driving licence on the same day.
2. The permanent DL is printed and dispatched within 7–21 days (online) or 15–30 days (offline).
3. You can track the

Some applicants need additional steps during driving licence apply:

Senior Citizens

• Must submit Form 1A (medical certificate).
• Vision and health tests are mandatory.
  

Persons with Disabilities

• Can apply for customized licences with special vehicle approvals.
• May need a fitness certificate from a government hospital.
  

Commercial Driving Licence

• Required for heavy or goods vehicles.
• Needs Form 5 (training certificate) and age proof (minimum 20 years).

1. Can I driving licence apply online?
Yes, you can apply online via sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.

2. How much is the fee for a new driving licence?
The fee starts at ₹200 for permanent licences and ₹150–₹200 for learner’s licences.

3. Do I need to take a test for a new DL?
Yes, you must pass a driving test to get a permanent licence.

4. How long does it take to get a licence?
Online: 7–21 days, Offline: 15–30 days.

5. Can I driving licence apply without a learner’s licence?
No, you must first hold a learner’s licence for at least 30 days.

Applying for a driving licence in India is now faster and simpler, thanks to the Parivahan Sarathi portal and digital RTO services. Whether you choose online or offline, the key is to prepare your documents, pay the correct fees, and book your test on time.

With states like Punjab moving to fully automated test tracks and Gujarat offering home-based learner’s tests, the future of driving licence apply is more convenient than ever. Start early, follow the rules, and you’ll have your licence in hand without stress.