Everything about your Driving License
This section of myrtobuddy.com covers learner’s licenses, permanent licenses, renewals, and downloading your DL, in plain language, with every step checked against the official Sarathi portal – https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
Guides in this section
Full step-by-step guides are being added one at a time, each verified on the actual portal before it goes up.
Check Your Application Status
Track a learner’s or permanent licence application using just your application number and date of birth.
Apply for a Learner’s License
Documents needed, the online test, and how to book your slot.
Apply for a Permanent License
Booking the driving test, what to expect at the RTO, and next steps.
Renew an Expired License
The renewal window, the grace period, and what happens if it lapses.
Download Your Driving License
Getting a digital copy (DigiLocker and the Sarathi portal) without waiting for the physical card.
Change the Address on Your DL
Update the address on your licence after a move, the documents needed and the fee.
Get a Duplicate Driving Licence
For a lost, torn or faded card. Same licence number, no new test.
Book Your LL or DL Test Slot
Book, check and cancel a slot for the learner’s test or the driving test on Sarathi.
Find a Lost Application Number
Get your LL or DL application number back with your name, date of birth and mobile number.
LL Practice Test
Practise questions on road signs and traffic rules before your learner’s licence test.
DL & RC Validity Checker
Enter your licence expiry date to see how much time is left and when to renew.
RTO Document Checklist
Pick a task like a new licence, renewal or duplicate DL and get the exact documents and forms to keep ready.
RTO Form Finder
See what Form 1, 1A, 2, 4A and other licence forms are for, and download the official PDFs.
Two licenses, one process
Almost everyone goes through both stages before they’re allowed to drive on their own.
Learner’s License
The first step. It lets you practice driving on public roads under supervision, and is usually valid for 6 months. Applying involves a short test on road signs and traffic rules, taken online or at the RTO depending on your state.
Permanent License
Applied for after holding a learner’s license for at least 30 days, and after passing a driving test at the RTO. This is the license that lets you drive on your own, long term.
Learner’s vs. Permanent, side by side
The quickest way to see how the two licenses actually differ.
| Feature | Learner’s License | Permanent License |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Practice driving under supervision | Full, independent driving rights |
| Minimum age | 16 (gearless two-wheeler, with parental consent) or 18 (others) | 18, and holder of a valid learner’s license for 30+ days |
| Validity | 6 months from the date of issue | Private vehicles: until age 40 if issued before 30, then 10 years, and shorter after 50 (see the FAQ below) |
| Test required | Test on road signs and traffic rules, online or at the RTO depending on your state | Practical driving test at the RTO |
| Driving alone | Not allowed, must be accompanied and display an “L” sign | Allowed |
| Renewable | No, a fresh application is needed if it lapses | Yes, before or shortly after expiry |
How the whole process works
The shape of the journey from first application to a permanent license in hand.
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1
Apply for a Learner’s License online
Fill the application on the Sarathi portal, upload your documents, and pick a slot for the online test. Our learner’s licence guide has every step.
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2
Pass the online learner’s test
A short test on road signs and traffic rules, taken at the RTO or online depending on your state. Warm up with our LL practice test.
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3
Practice for at least 30 days
You’re required to hold the learner’s license for a minimum of 30 days before applying for a permanent one.
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4
Apply for the Permanent License and book your test
Submit the permanent license application and book a slot for the practical driving test at your RTO.
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5
Pass the RTO driving test
Once cleared, the permanent license is issued, and usually available to download digitally within a few days.
What you’ll generally need
Exact requirements can vary slightly by state. This is the general list.
- Age: 16 with parental consent for a learner’s license restricted to gearless two-wheelers, 18 for a full learner’s license.
- Proof of age: birth certificate, 10th mark sheet, PAN card, or passport.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, utility bill, passport, or voter ID.
- Photograph and signature: as specified during the online application.
- Medical certificate: required only for transport (commercial) vehicle licenses, or applicants above a certain age.
For the exact list for your task, with the forms included, use our RTO document checklist.
Official fee schedule
The base fees fixed under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (Rule 81). Some states add their own charges on top, such as a smart card or service fee.
| Purpose | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s license, per vehicle class | ₹150 |
| Learner’s license test or repeat test | ₹50 |
| Driving test or repeat test, per vehicle class | ₹300 |
| Issue of driving license | ₹200 |
| International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 |
| Adding another vehicle class to an existing license | ₹500 |
| Endorsement or renewal for hazardous goods vehicles | ₹1,000 |
| Renewal of driving license | ₹200 |
| Renewal applied for after the grace period | ₹300, plus ₹1,000 for each year of delay |
| Change of address or other particulars on a license | ₹200 |
| Appeal against a licensing authority’s order | ₹500 |
| Driving school or establishment license, issue or renewal | ₹10,000 |
| Duplicate license for a driving school | ₹5,000 |
These are central base fees. The exact amount payable, including any state-specific additions, is always shown on the Sarathi portal before you pay.
Vehicle classes, in plain terms
Your license is issued for specific vehicle classes, not “driving” in general. These are the common ones.
MCWOG
Motorcycle Without Gear. Scooters and gearless two-wheelers. A 50cc engine cap applies only to the 16-to-18 age exception with parental consent, not to the class in general.
MCWG
Motorcycle With Gear. Geared two-wheelers of any engine capacity.
LMV (Non-Transport)
Light Motor Vehicle. Private cars and similar vehicles used for personal, non-commercial driving.
Transport Vehicle
Commercial vehicles like taxis, trucks, and buses. Requires a separate transport license and a medical certificate.
Common questions
Can I drive alone with a learner’s license?
No. A learner’s license requires a licensed adult to be present in the vehicle with you, and you must display an “L” sign. Driving alone on a learner’s license is not permitted.
How long is a permanent driving license valid?
For non-transport (private) vehicles, the Motor Vehicles Act sets it by your age on the date of issue or renewal: under 30, valid until you turn 40; 30 to 50, valid for 10 years; 50 to 55, valid until you turn 60; 55 or older, valid for 5 years. A transport vehicle licence is valid for 5 years. The exact expiry date is printed on your license, and that’s the one to go by. Our validity checker shows how much time is left.
Is a driving license issued in one state valid in another?
Yes. A driving license issued anywhere in India is valid across the entire country.
Can I get a digital copy of my driving license?
Yes, through DigiLocker or the mParivahan app, once your license is issued and linked. A digital copy carries the same legal validity as the physical card. See our DL download guide.
What happens if my learner’s license expires before I take the permanent test?
You’ll need to apply for a fresh learner’s license and go through the online test again. There’s no automatic extension.
Can I apply for licenses for two different vehicle classes at once?
At the learner’s license stage, yes, you can generally include multiple vehicle classes, like a two-wheeler and a car, in a single application. Adding a new class to an existing permanent license is usually a separate process, and it can vary by state.
Do I need a medical certificate for a driving license?
Only for transport vehicle licenses, or for applicants above a certain age, as specified at the time of application. The doctor fills in Form 1A, which you can download from our RTO Form Finder.
Can I apply for a driving license without an Aadhaar card?
Yes. Aadhaar-based e-KYC speeds up the process considerably, but other accepted proofs of address can be used in its place.
Watch out for agent fraud
Driving license applications are a common target for fake “agents” who promise to skip the test or speed things up. Never share your OTP, Aadhaar number, or bank details with anyone offering to arrange a license outside the official process. Apply and pay only through the official Sarathi portal.
Ready to apply?
All driving license services are handled on the government’s official Parivahan platform, not on this site.