The Two-Stage Process: Learners Licence First
A permanent driving licence in India requires completing two stages. First, obtain a learners licence by passing a knowledge test at the RTO. Second, after holding the learners licence for a minimum of 30 days, apply for the permanent licence by passing a practical driving test at the RTO. The online
application for both stages is handled through the Sarathi portal at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
Applying for an LMV Driving Licence
An LMV driving licence — Light Motor Vehicle licence — covers private cars and light motor vehicles up to a specific gross vehicle weight. It is the most commonly sought licence category in India and covers most private cars driven for personal use. If you’re wondering how do I apply for a driving licence, the process for an LMV licence begins with obtaining a learner’s licence. After holding the learner’s licence for at least 30 days, you can apply through the Sarathi portal for the permanent driving licence test. Select the LMV category, upload the required documents (age proof, address proof, learner’s licence, and a medical certificate if you are above 40 years of age), pay the applicable fee, and book a driving test slot. Successfully passing the driving test completes the process of how do I apply for a driving licence and allows you to receive your LMV driving licence.
The Online Application Steps on Sarathi
The step-by-step online process on the Sarathi portal for applying for a driving licence: create or log in toyour account using your mobile number and OTP; navigate to Apply for Services and select New Driving Licence; verify your learners licence details; fill in personal information and address; upload scanned
documents; select the test centre (RTO); choose an available appointment date for the driving test; pay the application fee online; and download the appointment slip. The appointment slip is required for the driving test visit.
What Happens at the RTO Driving Test
The practical driving test at the RTO assesses the applicant's ability to operate the vehicle safelyaccording to traffic rules. For LMV licence tests, the test typically involves manoeuvring the vehicle through a defined course that includes a figure-eight pattern, a gradient stop-and-start, and reverseparking. In some states, the test also includes a road drive. Pass the test and the licence is issued and dispatched to the registered address. Fail and a re-test can be scheduled after the required waiting period.
Digilocker and Smart Card DL
After passing the test, the driving licence is issued as a smart card format and dispatched by Speed Post. The digital licence is also available through DigiLocker linked to the Aadhaar number. The Digi Locker digital DL is legally equivalent to the physical card and is accepted during traffic checks under the IT Act
provisions for electronic documents. The physical card delivery typically takes 7 to 15 working days afterthe test pass.
Conclusion
Applying for an LMV driving licence online through the Sarathi portal minimises RTO visits to the mandatory practical driving test. The online process handles the application, document submission, fee payment, and appointment booking. Understanding the two-stage learners-to-permanent process and the
minimum 30-day wait between stages ensures the timeline is managed correctly from first application to licence receipt.
