Driving LicenceHow to get a driving licence
After 30 days with a learner's licence you can take the driving test. Pass it, and the permanent driving licence is sent to your address.
Before you apply
- You hold a valid learner's licence for the same class of vehicle.
- At least 30 days have passed since it was issued.
- You can drive that vehicle with confidence in traffic.
Steps, as Parivahan gives them
- Book an appointment for the test of competence on the Sarathi website, or at the RTO where online booking is not offered.
- Apply in Form 4 for the driving licence, with your learner's licence.
- Pay the fees: Rs 300 for the test for each class of vehicle, and Rs 200 for the issue of the licence.
- Go for the test with a vehicle of the type you applied for.
- Show the officer that you can drive and can do the tasks set out in Rule 15 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
- If you pass, the driving licence is issued and sent by speed post to your address.
What the test looks at
The officer watches how you handle the vehicle: starting and stopping smoothly, using mirrors and signals, keeping to your lane, turning, reversing and parking, and how you behave around other road users. Many cities now use tracks with sensors and cameras, so the result does not depend on one person's opinion. The Delhi Transport Department adds that you may be asked about road signs and the basic parts and indicators of the vehicle.
On the day
- Carry the learner's licence, the appointment slip, the fee receipt and the documents your acknowledgement lists.
- Reach early and make sure the vehicle's papers are in order.
- An instructor cannot sit with you during the test.
- Check the name, date of birth and address on the licence details before they are approved. Corrections later cost a fee.
Classes of vehicle
A licence is given for a class of vehicle, and each class is tested and charged separately. The most common are motor cycle without gear, motor cycle with gear and light motor vehicle (car). To add a class later, you apply for "addition of class": the fee is Rs 500 plus the test fee.
Questions people ask
When can I apply for a driving licence after the learner's licence?
After you have held the learner's licence for at least 30 days, and before it expires at six months.
Do I have to bring my own vehicle for the driving test?
Yes. Parivahan says the applicant should bring a vehicle of the type the application is for.
What is the fee for a driving licence?
Rs 300 for the driving test for each class of vehicle and Rs 200 for the issue of the licence. States add their own user charges.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can take it again by paying the test fee again. In Delhi a re-test can be applied for after 7 days.
Is driving school training compulsory?
In Delhi it is not compulsory for private vehicles, but it is for commercial vehicles, because the school issues the certificate in Form 5. Check the rule in your state.
Check before you go. These facts were read on the official Parivahan website and the Delhi Transport Department website on 11 November 2026. Rules and fees change, and states add their own charges and steps. Your state's page on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in is the final word. This is not a government site.