How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online?

🚦 Step 1: The Learner’s Licence (LL)

The Learner's Licence is your entry point. In 2026, many states allow this to be done entirely online via "Faceless Services."

Visit the Portal: Open your browser and go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
State Selection: Select your state from the dropdown menu.
Start Application: Click on Apply for Learner Licence. On the next page, click Continue.
Authentication: Choose Submit via Aadhaar Authentication. This is the key to skipping the RTO visit.
e-KYC: Enter your Aadhaar number, click Generate OTP, and enter the code sent to your mobile. Your name, photo, and address will be auto-filled.
Fill Form 2: Most details are already there. You must manually select your Blood Group, Educational Qualification, and your Class of Vehicle (MCWG for bikes, LMV for cars).
Self-Declaration: Click the Form 1 (Physical Fitness) link. Answer the basic health questions and submit.
Upload Signature: Upload a clear scan of your signature on white paper.
Payment: Pay the fee online. For 2026, the standard fee is ₹150 for the licence and ₹50 for the test, totaling ₹200.
LL Test: Watch the mandatory safety video. Then, take the Online LL Test using your device's camera for face verification. Once you pass, you can download your LL instantly.

🏎️ Step 2: The Permanent Driving Licence (DL)

You become eligible to apply for your permanent DL exactly 30 days after your Learner’s Licence is issued.

Application: Go back to the Sarathi portal and click Apply for Driving Licence.
Link LL: Enter your Learner’s Licence number and Date of Birth.
Slot Booking: Click on Appointments -> Slot Booking. Choose a "Green" date on the calendar and select a time that works for you.
The Field Test: Visit the RTO on your appointment date. You will perform a practical driving test (like the '8' or 'H' track) under camera supervision.
Fee Payment: The standard fee for a permanent DL in 2026 is ₹200 for the licence and ₹300 for the driving test, totaling ₹500. (Note: An additional ₹200 may apply if your state issues a Smart Card).
Approval: Once the inspector approves your test, your DL will be mailed to your home via Speed Post and will appear in your DigiLocker within 48 hours.

📂 Document Checklist

Keep these digital copies ready before you start. Use high-quality scans to avoid rejection!

Aadhaar Card: For age and address verification.
Learner's Licence: Your digital or printed LL copy.
Passport Photo: A clear, recent JPEG.
Signature Scan: Your signature on plain white paper.
Medical Certificate (Form 1A): Only required if you are 40+ years old or applying for a Commercial/Transport licence. This must be signed by a doctor.

🛠️ Professional Tool Guide

The RTO portal is very strict: files must be clear but usually under 200KB. Here is how to use your recommended tools to get it right.

Pi7 Tool (For Precision)

Visit pdf.pi7.org.

This is the best tool for when the portal gives you a specific size limit. You can set the target to exactly "150KB" or "50KB", and the tool will resize your PDF or image to that exact size. This is perfect for the pre-filled Form 2 or your Medical Certificate.

iLovePDF (For Quality)

Visit ilovepdf.com.

Use the Recommended Compression setting. This tool is excellent for scanning your Aadhaar Card or Address Proof because it keeps the text perfectly sharp and readable while slashing the file size.