Introduction
In India, driving without a valid driving licence is a punishable offense under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To streamline and digitize the application process, the Government of India has made it possible to apply for a driving licence online via the official Parivahan Sewa website (https://parivahan.gov.in/). Managed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the portal simplifies access to a variety of transport-related services, including applications for driving licences, renewals, and tests.
This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to obtain a driving licence using the Parivahan website, covering everything from eligibility criteria to the required documentation, fees, procedures, and tips for a successful application.
1. Types of Driving Licences in India
Before applying, it is essential to know the types of driving licences available:
- Learner’s Licence (LL) – Temporary licence valid for 6 months.
- Permanent Driving Licence (DL) – Issued after passing the driving test.
- Commercial Driving Licence (CDL) – For heavy goods and passenger vehicles.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – Required for driving abroad.
- Renewal of DL – For those whose licence has expired.
- Duplicate DL – Issued if the original licence is lost or damaged.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a driving licence in India, the following criteria must be met:
Licence Type | Age Requirement | Additional Notes |
---|---|---|
Two-wheeler without gear (up to 50cc) | 16 years | Parental consent needed |
Two-wheeler with gear and light motor vehicles (LMV) | 18 years | Must know traffic rules |
Commercial vehicles | 20 years | Minimum education (8th standard in some states) |
3. Documents Required
For Learner’s Licence
- Proof of age (Birth certificate, PAN card, Passport, etc.)
- Proof of address (Aadhaar card, Utility bill, Voter ID, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A, for applicants over 40 or applying for transport vehicles)
For Permanent Driving Licence
- Learner’s Licence
- Proof of age and address (if not submitted earlier)
- Form 4 (Application for DL)
- Passport-size photographs
- Form 5 (For commercial DL applications)
4. Steps to Apply for Driving Licence via Parivahan Website
The Parivahan Sewa website has made the process efficient and user-friendly. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
Click on “Driving Licence Related Services” under “Online Services.”
You will be redirected to the Sarathi portal: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: Select Your State
Choose your State/UT from the dropdown menu. Services vary slightly from state to state, so this step is crucial.
Step 3: Apply for Learner’s Licence
Click on “Apply for Learner Licence.”
Sub-steps:
- Read the instructions and click “Continue.”
- Fill in the Learner Licence Application Form.
- Choose the class of vehicle (e.g., LMV, MCWG).
- Upload required documents (address, age proof).
- Upload your photograph and signature, if required.
- Schedule your LL test (usually an online or written test on traffic rules).
- Pay the fee using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Step 4: Appear for Learner Licence Test
- Attend the test at the designated RTO or online (varies by state).
- Questions are usually objective and based on road signs, safety, and traffic rules.
- Upon passing, the Learner’s Licence will be issued digitally and is valid for 6 months.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Driving Licence
After 30 days and within 180 days of getting the Learner’s Licence, you can apply for the permanent DL.
Return to the Sarathi portal, choose your state, and click on “Apply for Driving Licence.”
Sub-steps:
- Enter your Learner’s Licence number.
- Fill out the DL application form.
- Choose the type of vehicle.
- Upload documents if not already provided.
- Book a driving test slot at the RTO.
- Pay the required fee online.
Step 6: Appear for the Driving Test
- Reach the RTO on your test date with your vehicle.
- The test generally includes parking, gear shifting, and driving in traffic.
- Conducted by a Motor Vehicle Inspector.
- If you pass, the licence is approved and dispatched.
Step 7: Track Application Status
You can track your DL status by:
- Visiting https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
- Clicking on “Application Status.”
- Entering your application number and DOB.
5. Fee Structure (Approximate)
Service | Fee |
---|---|
Learner’s Licence | ₹200 |
Permanent Driving Licence | ₹200 |
Driving Test | ₹300 |
Smart Card DL | ₹200 |
Renewal | ₹200 |
Duplicate Licence | ₹250 |
Fees may vary by state. Always check the portal during the application.
6. Additional Services Available on Parivahan
Apart from applying for a new licence, Parivahan also offers:
- DL Renewal
- Duplicate DL Application
- International Driving Permit
- Address Change on DL
- DL Extract or Verification
- Driving School Licensing
7. Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Use Aadhaar for faster eKYC verification.
- Ensure all documents are legible and in correct format (PDF/JPEG).
- Practice well for both LL and DL tests.
- Arrive early for your driving test appointment.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition during the test.
- Save the application number and payment receipts.
- Check the SMS and email updates sent by the portal.
- Use the “Print Acknowledgement” after each step.
8. Benefits of Using the Parivahan Portal
- 24×7 Access to application forms and status.
- Eliminates the need for multiple RTO visits.
- Integrated with DigiLocker and Aadhaar.
- Transparent and secure online fee payment.
- Centralized services for all Indian states and UTs.
- Reduces dependency on agents or intermediaries.
9. Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Application rejection | Double-check uploaded documents |
Website timeout | Use the portal during non-peak hours |
Payment failure | Wait a few hours and try again or change browser |
Incorrect information | Use “Edit Application” option before final submission |
Test failure | Retake the test after a few days (as per RTO rules) |
10. Conclusion
The Parivahan Sewa portal has revolutionized the way Indians apply for and manage their driving licences. With its user-friendly interface, secure transactions, and transparent procedures, applicants can now get their learner’s or permanent licence with minimal hassle.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone eligible can successfully navigate the application process — from filling the online forms to passing the driving test and receiving the licence.
As India moves forward with digital transformation, embracing platforms like Parivahan not only saves time and energy but also supports the government’s vision of “Digital India.” If you’re planning to get your driving licence, start with Parivahan today.