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Driving Licence (DL)

Parivahan Sarathi driving licence apply online, contactless LL test, Form 1A medical rules & DL renewal

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📝 Reviewed by: India Docs Portal Editorial Team📅 Last updated: August 28, 2026Sources: Official .gov.in portals

Quick Answer

💡 A Driving Licence (DL) is an official permit issued by Regional Transport Offices (RTO) under the Motor Vehicles Act to operate motor vehicles in India. Applicants can complete the Learner's Licence (LL) test online from home using Aadhaar authentication on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, practice for 30 days, pass the RTO practical driving test, and download their digital DL via DigiLocker.

Quick Information

⏱️ Processing Time

Learner's Licence: Instant after passing online test | Permanent DL: 15–30 days after clearing RTO practical driving test

💵 Fees

₹200 per vehicle class for Learner's Licence + ₹200 for Permanent DL test + ₹200 Smart Card issue fee

✅ Eligibility

Minimum 16 years for gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc | 18 years for private cars (LMV) & motorcycles with gear (MCWG) | 20 years for transport/commercial vehicles

Who Needs This Document?

Any citizen seeking legal permission to operate two-wheelers (MCWG), four-wheelers (LMV), or commercial transport vehicles on Indian roads

Required Documents

  • Aadhaar Card (enables 100% faceless contactless online process)
  • Proof of Age (Class 10 Marksheet / Birth Certificate / Passport)
  • Proof of Residence (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Utility Bill)
  • Medical Certificate Form 1A (Mandatory for applicants aged 40+ or transport category, signed by MBBS doctor)
  • Active Learner's Licence (held for minimum 30 days before booking permanent DL test)

How to Apply for Driving Licence (DL)

1

Apply for Learner's Licence on Sarathi Portal

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, select your state, and choose 'Apply for Learner Licence'. Use Aadhaar Authentication to access the contactless faceless process.

2

Watch Road Safety Tutorial & Take Online LL Test

Watch the mandatory road safety tutorial video, then take the online STALL MCQ test from home with facial verification (minimum 60% passing score).

3

Download Digital Learner's Licence (Form 3)

Upon passing, instantly download your digital Learner's Licence PDF (valid for 6 months across India).

4

Practice for 30 Days & Apply for Permanent DL

Practice driving for at least 30 days. Log back into Sarathi Parivahan, choose 'Apply for Driving Licence', enter your LL number, and pay the test fees.

5

Book Slot & Pass RTO Driving Test

Book a test appointment slot and attend the automated driving test track (ADTT) at your local RTO with your vehicle.

6

Download Digital DL & Receive Smart Card

Upon passing, fetch your verified digital Driving Licence in DigiLocker or mParivahan, and receive the physical NFC Smart Card by Speed Post.

📝 How to Update Driving Licence (DL)

Renew your Driving Licence, change your address, or add vehicle classes online on Sarathi Parivahan:

1

Visit Sarathi Parivahan

Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, select your state, and click 'Apply for DL Services'.

2

Enter DL Number & DOB

Enter your Driving Licence Number and Date of Birth to fetch your electronic profile.

3

Select Service (Renewal / Address Change)

Choose 'Renewal of DL', 'Change of Address in DL', or 'Endorsement of Vehicle Class'.

4

Upload Form 1A & Pay Fees

Upload medical certificate Form 1A (if age 40+) and pay the renewal fee online.

5

Download Updated DL

Download the updated digital licence immediately and receive the new Smart Card by Speed Post.

⬇️ How to Download Driving Licence (DL)

Download an official digital Driving Licence PDF or smart card on DigiLocker / mParivahan:

1

Log In to DigiLocker

Open digilocker.gov.in or the DigiLocker app and sign in with your Aadhaar OTP.

2

Search 'Ministry of Road Transport and Highways'

Select 'Driving License' under the Transport Department section.

3

Enter DL Number

Input your exact DL Number (e.g., MH12 20220012345) and consent.

4

Download Digitally Signed PDF

Download the QR-coded digital Driving Licence legally valid across all Indian states.

🔍 How to Check Driving Licence (DL) Application Status

Track your Driving Licence application or Smart Card dispatch status online:

1

Open Sarathi Parivahan Application Status

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and click 'Application Status'.

2

Enter Application Number & DOB

Enter your 10-digit application reference number and Date of Birth.

3

View Stage & Speed Post Tracking

Check if your file is pending scrutiny, test approval, smart card printing, or track the India Post tracking consignment.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Booking the permanent DL driving test before completing the mandatory 30-day waiting period from the date of Learner's Licence issue
  • Letting the Learner's Licence expire (valid for only 6 months; if expired, a fresh LL application is required)
  • Missing the Form 1A medical certificate if applying after age 40 or for commercial transport categories

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Learner's Licence test online from home?

YES! Under MoRTH contactless faceless services, if you select 'Aadhaar Authentication' on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, you can watch the mandatory road safety video and take the computerized MCQ exam (STALL) from your home laptop/smartphone using webcam facial verification.

What is the validity period of a Driving Licence in India?

Under the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act: For private vehicles (LMV/MCWG), a driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder reaches 40 years of age (whichever is earlier). Between ages 40 and 50, it is renewed for 10 years; between 50 and 55, for 5 years; and beyond age 55, renewed every 5 years.

When is the Form 1A Medical Certificate mandatory?

Form 1A medical fitness certificate signed by a Registered Medical Practitioner (MBBS doctor) is mandatory if: 1) The applicant is 40 years of age or older, or 2) The applicant is applying for or renewing a commercial transport vehicle licence. For private vehicle applicants under 40, a self-declaration in Form 1 is sufficient.

Is the digital Driving Licence on DigiLocker / mParivahan legally valid?

YES! Under Rule 139 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) and MoRTH notifications, digital driving licences and vehicle RCs presented via DigiLocker or the mParivahan app are legally equivalent to physical smart cards across India for all traffic police inspections.

How to renew an expired Driving Licence online?

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, select 'Services on DL (Renewal/Duplicate/Aadhaar Update)', enter your DL Number and Date of Birth, upload Form 1/1A, pay the ₹200–₹400 fee, and submit. You can apply for renewal up to 1 year before expiry and within 1 year after expiry without a re-test.

📖 Detailed Guide Available

A complete guide to the online Learner's Licence (LL) test on Sarathi Parivahan. Learn how to take the contactless test from home via Aadhaar, syllabus questions, and instant LL download.

Read Complete Guide →

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