A driving licence is the first step for anyone who wants to work as a delivery partner, cab driver, truck driver or even a driver abroad. Candidates searching for Driving Licence Apply Online 2026, Learner Licence Online Test, Driving Licence Fees, DL Renewal Online and Driving School Fees can use this step-by-step guide.
In India, licences are issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your state, and most applications are made online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Important Notice: This article is an independent information guide, not an official RTO notification. Fees and procedures can vary by state and may change. Always confirm on the Sarathi portal or your state transport department website before applying.
1. Driving Licence Apply Online 2026 – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issued by | State RTO under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 |
| Official portal | sarathi.parivahan.gov.in |
| Step 1 | Learner’s Licence (LL) – online test |
| Step 2 | Permanent Driving Licence (DL) – driving test after at least 30 days |
| Learner’s Licence validity | 6 months |
| Minimum age | 16 years (gearless up to 50cc, with guardian consent); 18 years (motorcycle with gear, car); 20 years (transport vehicles) |
| Driving without licence | Fine of up to ₹5,000 under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 |
2. Types of Driving Licence in India
| Licence Class | Vehicle |
|---|---|
| MCWOG | Motorcycle / scooter without gear |
| MCWG | Motorcycle with gear |
| LMV | Light Motor Vehicle – cars, jeeps, light vans |
| LMV-TR / Transport | Commercial light vehicles such as taxis |
| HMV / HGMV / HPMV | Heavy goods and passenger vehicles – trucks and buses |
| e-Rickshaw / e-Cart | Battery-operated rickshaws and carts |
Tip for delivery and cab jobs: Delivery partners usually need an MCWG (or MCWOG for scooters) licence. Cab drivers need an LMV licence, and commercial driving may need a transport licence and badge as per state rules.
3. Driving Licence Eligibility
- 16 years: Motorcycle without gear up to 50cc, with parent or guardian consent.
- 18 years: Motorcycle with gear and private cars (LMV).
- 20 years: Transport vehicles (with conditions as per rules).
- Knowledge of traffic rules: Checked in the learner’s licence test.
- Medical fitness: Form 1 self-declaration; Form 1A medical certificate for transport vehicles and applicants above 40, as applicable.
4. How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Online
- Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal and select your state.
- Choose “Apply for Learner Licence”.
- Fill in your personal details and choose the vehicle classes you want.
- Upload documents: proof of age, proof of address, photo and signature (Aadhaar-based e-KYC can simplify this in many states).
- Pay the fees online.
- Book a slot for the learner’s licence test, or take the online test from home where your state offers Aadhaar-based faceless service.
- Pass the test and download your learner’s licence.
Learner’s Licence Test – What to Expect
- Multiple-choice questions on traffic signs, road rules and safe driving.
- Usually around 10–20 questions, with a pass mark set by the state.
- Practise using mock tests on the Sarathi portal before the real test.
5. How to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence
- Wait at least 30 days after getting your learner’s licence (and apply before it expires in 6 months).
- Log in to the Sarathi portal and choose “Apply for Driving Licence”.
- Enter your learner’s licence number and date of birth.
- Pay the driving licence fee and driving test fee.
- Book a driving test slot at your RTO or authorised testing centre.
- Take the driving test in a suitable vehicle (bring your own vehicle with valid papers, if required).
- After passing, the licence is issued and sent by post or available as per state process. You can also keep a digital copy in DigiLocker or mParivahan.
6. Driving Licence Fees 2026
Basic fees are set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. States may add smart card, service and postal charges.
| Service | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence (per class) | 150 |
| Learner’s Licence test / re-test | 50 |
| Driving Licence issue | 200 |
| Driving test / re-test (per class) | 300 |
| Renewal (within grace period) | 200 |
| Renewal after grace period | 300 + ₹1,000 per year of delay |
| Adding a vehicle class | 500 |
| Duplicate Driving Licence | 200 |
| International Driving Permit | 1,000 |
Source: BankBazaar summary of CMVR fees. Always check the exact total shown on the Sarathi portal for your state before payment.
7. State-wise Driving Licence Process
The basic steps are the same across India, but each state decides smart card charges, slot availability, online test options and testing centres.
| What Varies by State | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Smart card and service charges | Shown during payment on the Sarathi portal |
| Online (faceless) learner test | Whether your state allows the test from home |
| Driving test locations | RTO tracks or authorised testing centres |
| Transport badge rules | Needed for commercial drivers in some states |
| Language of test | Many states offer the test in local languages |
Popular searches include driving licence apply online in Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Gujarat – the process for all of them starts on the same Sarathi Parivahan portal.
8. Documents Required
- Proof of age: Aadhaar, birth certificate, 10th marksheet, passport or PAN
- Proof of address: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, utility bill or rent agreement
- Recent passport-size photo and signature (as per portal format)
- Form 1 (self-declaration of physical fitness)
- Form 1A medical certificate (where required)
- Learner’s licence number (for permanent DL)
- Training certificate (if applying through an accredited driving training centre)
9. Driving School Fees and Accredited Training Centres
You can learn from family or friends, but a good driving school teaches safe driving faster.
| Training Type | Typical Duration | Illustrative Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Two-wheeler course | 7 – 15 days | ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 |
| Car (LMV) course | 15 – 30 days | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Heavy vehicle course | 30 days or more | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000+ |
Fees vary widely by city and school, so these are only estimates.
Accredited Driver Training Centres (ADTC): Rules notified by MoRTH in 2021 (GSR 394(E), effective 1 July 2021) allow accredited centres with simulators and test tracks. Candidates who pass training at an accredited centre can get exemption from the RTO driving test, as per the rules. The Ministry has clarified that a certificate from an ordinary driving school does not exempt you from the RTO driving test, so check whether a school is officially accredited before paying.
10. Driving Licence Renewal Online
- A non-transport licence is generally valid for 20 years or until age 40 (whichever is earlier), then for shorter periods as per rules.
- You can renew from one year before expiry up to one year after expiry (grace period).
- Apply on the Sarathi portal under “Services on Driving Licence” → Renewal.
- Upload Form 1A medical certificate if you are above 40 or hold a transport licence.
- After the grace period, extra fees apply and a fresh test may be required.
11. Driving Licence for Jobs
| Job | Licence Usually Needed |
|---|---|
| Food / grocery delivery partner | MCWG or MCWOG |
| E-commerce delivery (bike) | MCWG |
| Cab driver (Uber, Ola, Rapido cars) | LMV, plus transport badge / commercial requirements as per state |
| Truck driver | HMV / transport licence |
| Bus driver | HPMV / transport licence and badge |
| Driver jobs abroad | Indian licence plus country-specific conversion or test |
Related job guides: Delivery Boy Jobs 2026 | Uber Driver Jobs 2026 | Germany Jobs for Indians 2026
12. Beware of Licence Agents and Fake Websites
- Apply only on the official Sarathi portal or your state transport website.
- Avoid agents promising a licence “without test” – this is illegal and unsafe.
- Never pay on websites that copy the Parivahan design but have different web addresses.
- Report fraud at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
13. Frequently Asked Questions – Driving Licence Apply Online 2026
1. How can I apply for a driving licence online?
Apply for a learner’s licence on the Sarathi Parivahan portal, pass the online test, then apply for a permanent licence after 30 days and pass the driving test.
2. What is the minimum age for a driving licence?
16 for gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc with guardian consent, 18 for geared bikes and cars, and 20 for transport vehicles.
3. How long is a learner’s licence valid?
6 months.
4. Can I take the learner’s licence test from home?
Many states offer Aadhaar-based online tests from home. Check availability for your state on the Sarathi portal.
5. What is the fee for a driving licence?
The basic CMVR fee is ₹200 for issue and ₹300 for the driving test, plus learner’s licence fees. States may add smart card and service charges.
6. How long does it take to get a driving licence?
At least 30 days after the learner’s licence, plus test slot and delivery time.
7. Does a driving school certificate exempt me from the RTO test?
Only accredited driver training centres under the 2021 rules can give exemption. Ordinary driving school certificates do not.
8. How do I renew my driving licence online?
Use the Sarathi portal’s renewal service, pay the fee and upload a medical certificate if required.
9. What is the fine for driving without a licence?
Up to ₹5,000 under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
10. Is a digital driving licence valid?
A licence stored in DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as valid for verification.
11. Can I get a licence for both bike and car together?
Yes, you can select multiple vehicle classes in one learner’s licence application, paying the fee per class.
12. Do delivery jobs need a driving licence?
Yes, bike delivery jobs need a valid two-wheeler licence and vehicle documents.
14. Final Words
Driving Licence Apply Online 2026 is simple if you follow the official steps: learner’s licence first, practise safely, then take the driving test after 30 days. A valid licence opens doors to delivery, cab, truck and even overseas driving jobs.
Useful Official Links: Sarathi Parivahan portal | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways | Parivahan Sewa
Disclaimer
This article is an independent information guide and is not affiliated with MoRTH, Parivahan, any RTO or state transport department. Fees, ages and procedures are based on central rules and public sources and may vary by state or change over time. Always confirm on official websites before applying or paying.