Applying for a driving licence in India involves two key stages: first securing a learner’s licence, followed by a permanent licence. Many applicants wonder about the application steps, documents required, test process, and renewal procedure. This guide explains everything you need to know about the process, along with practical examples and official resources.
Understanding the Learner’s Licence
A learner’s licence is a temporary document that allows new drivers to practice driving under supervision. It is valid for six months and is the first step before applying for a permanent licence.
Key Features of Learner’s Licence:
- Valid for 6 months from the issue date.
- Mandatory before applying for a permanent licence.
- Requires passing a short written or online test on traffic rules.
Steps on How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence
You can apply online or offline. Most applicants today prefer online applications through the official Parivahan website.
Application Steps:
- Visit the official Parivahan portal.
- Select the state and click on “Apply for Learner’s Licence”.
- Fill out the application form with personal and address details.
- Upload required documents such as Aadhaar card, age proof, and address proof.
- Book a slot for the learner’s licence test.
- Pay the required fee online.
- Appear for the test on traffic rules and road signs.
Example: A 20-year-old student applying for a two-wheeler learner’s licence will need to upload Aadhaar and a birth certificate, then clear the online test before getting approval.
Documents Required for Learner’s and Permanent Licence
| Document Type | Accepted Proofs |
| Age Proof | Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card |
| Address Proof | Voter ID, Aadhaar card, utility bill, rental agreement |
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID |
| Passport Photo | Recent passport-sized photographs |
How to Apply for a Permanent Licence
Once you hold a learner’s licence for at least 30 days (and not more than 6 months), you are eligible to apply for a permanent licence.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Licence:
- Log in to the Parivahan portal and select “Apply for Permanent Driving Licence“.
- Upload documents again, along with your learner’s licence details.
- Book a driving test appointment.
- Pay the driving test fee online.
- Appear for the test with a motor vehicle inspector present.
- If you clear the test, the permanent licence will be issued.
Example: A learner who applied for a four-wheeler licence in Delhi can book the test at their nearest RTO. Upon passing, the permanent licence is mailed to their registered address.
Driving Licence Test Process Explained
- Theory Test: For learner’s licence, includes basic traffic rules, road signs, and safety questions.
- Practical Test: For a permanent licence, it involves driving the vehicle on a test track under the inspector’s supervision.
- Result: If you pass, the permanent licence is issued; if you fail, you can reapply after 7 days.
Renewal of Driving Licence
A permanent licence is usually valid for 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever comes first. After expiry, renewal is mandatory.
Steps for Renewal:
- Apply online via the Parivahan portal.
- Upload documents like an old licence, age proof, and a recent photo.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Collect a renewed licence from the RTO or receive it by post.
FAQs on Driving Licence in India
Q1. How to apply for a driving licence online in India?
You can apply through the Parivahan portal by filling out the form, uploading documents, booking a test, and paying the fee online.
Q2. Why is a learner’s licence important before applying for a permanent licence?
It allows applicants to practice legally and ensures they are familiar with road safety before attempting the permanent licence test.
Q3. How long does it take to get a permanent licence after the test?
Usually, the licence is dispatched within 2 to 3 weeks after passing the test.
Q4. How to apply for a driving licence renewal after expiry?
Visit the Parivahan portal, submit documents, pay the renewal fee, and collect the renewed licence.
Q5. Why do applicants fail the driving licence test?
Common reasons include lack of practice, nervousness, or not following instructions during the test.
Conclusion
Knowing how to apply for a learner’s licence and a permanent licence helps applicants prepare better, gather the right documents, and avoid delays. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, completing the steps online ensures a smoother process. For accurate and updated information, always use the official Parivahan portal.
It’s great to see how the online process has simplified applying for a learner’s licence. The test on traffic rules is a great initiative to ensure new drivers understand road safety before they get behind the wheel.