Independent step-by-step guide · Reviewed: August 2026
Permanent Driving Licence: Online Application and Driving Test Guide
A permanent driving licence authorises the holder to drive the vehicle class recorded on the licence, subject to applicable law and restrictions. A new applicant must first obtain a learning driving licence for the relevant class.
Official Parivahan guidance states that an applicant who has held a valid learner's licence for at least 30 days can appear for the test of competence.
Independent informational website — not a government portal. This website does not issue licences, book appointments, collect government fees or represent any government authority. Complete transactions only on official portals.
Official government portal · Independent informational website
30 days
Min. after LL
Form 4
Application
Skill test
Required
Eligibility Checklist
- ✓Hold a valid learner's licence for the same vehicle class.
- ✓Complete at least 30 days from learner's licence issue while remaining within its validity.
- ✓Meet the age and class-specific eligibility requirements.
- ✓Use the application linked to the correct state and licensing authority.
How to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence
Use the official Sarathi flow for your state. Labels may differ, but the journey usually follows these stages.
- 1
Open Sarathi and start New Driving Licence
Open Sarathi, select the concerned state and choose New Driving Licence.
- 2
Enter learner's licence details
Enter learner's licence and identity details.
- 3
Complete application and documents
Complete the application and upload documents where enabled.
- 4
Pay the fees shown
Pay the applicable test and licence fees shown by the portal.
- 5
Book a driving test appointment
Book a driving test appointment through the appointment service for your state.
- 6
Attend with documents and vehicle
Attend with original documents and the correct vehicle class.
- 7
Complete the test of competence
Complete the test of competence assessed by the competent authority.
- 8
Track until approval and issue
Track the application until approval and issue.
Appointment booking is covered separately in the driving licence slot booking guide.
Documents and Forms
Prepare the items commonly required for a permanent licence application and test appointment. Exact requirements can differ by state.
Valid learner's licence
Proves eligibility for the applied class
Form 4 / online equivalent
Application for licence to drive
Application acknowledgement
Connects appointment and payment
Original identity/address documents
Verification where required
Fee receipt
Proof of payment
Vehicle documents
May be checked for the test vehicle
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Valid learner's licence | Proves eligibility for the applied class |
| Form 4 / online equivalent | Application for licence to drive |
| Application acknowledgement | Connects appointment and payment |
| Original identity/address documents | Verification where required |
| Fee receipt | Proof of payment |
| Vehicle documents | May be checked for the test vehicle |
What Happens During the Driving Test
The competent authority assesses whether the applicant can control the vehicle, follow road rules, observe safely and perform the tasks prescribed for the test. Requirements and test-track design differ by vehicle class and state.
Car applicants can also review the LMV driving licence guide. Motorcycle applicants should understand MCWG in driving licence.
After the Test
A pass does not always mean the card is immediately available. Track progress through check driving licence status.
When a digital record becomes available, use DigiLocker or mParivahan rather than unofficial PDF generators. Applicants comparing the full journey can also read apply for a driving licence online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.When can I apply for a permanent driving licence?
Generally after holding the learner's licence for at least 30 days and while it remains valid.
2.Which form is used?
Official guidance identifies Form 4 for a permanent driving licence, though the portal may capture the information electronically.
3.What if I fail the driving test?
Follow the portal or licensing authority's retest procedure and pay any applicable retest fee before booking another appointment.
Related Driving Licence Guides
Official Sources and External Links
Official portal for driving-licence and learner-licence services; flow varies by state.
MoRTH/NIC transport-services information and official guidance.
Ministry notifications, rules and fee schedules.
Official permanent-licence procedure.
Official list of driving-licence forms.
Editorial disclosure
Content should be reviewed whenever MoRTH, Parivahan, Sarathi or a state transport department changes a form, fee, eligibility rule, portal flow or document requirement. Last reviewed: August 2026.