A permanent driving licence is an official document issued by the RTO that authorizes you to legally drive a motor vehicle on Indian roads. Unlike a learning licence, which is temporary and valid for six months, the permanent licence is valid for 20 years (or until the holder turns 50 years old, whichever is earlier).
Applying for a permanent driving licence is a mandatory step after holding a learning licence for at least 30 days. The process involves submitting an application online or offline, paying the required permanent licence fees, and passing the RTO driving test.
How to Apply for Permanent Driving Licence Online
You can easily apply for permanent driving licence online through the official Parivahan Sarathi portal. The online method saves time, reduces paperwork, and allows you to book test slots directly from your home.
Steps to apply online:
- Visit the Parivahan Sarathi website.
- Select your state and choose the “Apply for Driving Licence” option.
- Enter your learning licence number.
- Fill out the permanent licence application form with your details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the permanent driving licence fees online.
- Book a driving test slot at your nearest RTO.
- Appear for the test on the scheduled date.
- If you pass, your permanent driving licence status will show “approved.”
Permanent Driving Licence Fees: What You Need to Know
The permanent licence fees depend on the type of vehicle (2-wheeler, 4-wheeler, commercial vehicle, etc.).
- Application fee: ₹200 – ₹300
- Driving test fee: ₹300 – ₹500
- Smart card printing fee: ₹200
For 2-wheeler permanent licence fees, the cost is usually around ₹500–₹700 including the test. For 4-wheeler permanent licence fees, it ranges between ₹800–₹1200.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence
Here is the complete permanent driving licence application process in detail:
- Hold a Learning Licence: You must first have a valid learning licence for at least 30 days.
- Fill the Application Form: Apply online via Parivahan Sarathi or offline at the RTO.
- Upload/Submit Documents: Submit address proof, age proof, Aadhaar, and passport-size photos.
- Pay Permanent Licence Fees: Complete the payment online or at the RTO counter.
- Book Driving Test Slot: Choose an available date and time for your driving test.
- Appear for the Driving Test: Drive under RTO supervision to prove your skills.
- Check Driving Licence Status: Track your permanent licence status online via Parivahan.
- Receive Licence: If you pass, the licence is dispatched to your address within 2–4 weeks.
Can I Directly Apply for Permanent Driving Licence Without a Learning Licence?
No. You cannot directly apply for a permanent driving licence in India without holding a learning licence. As per RTO rules, every applicant must first obtain a learning licence, practice driving under supervision, and then apply for the permanent one.
This ensures that all drivers have at least 30 days of driving practice before appearing for the permanent licence test.
Permanent Driving Licence Application Process
The application process for permanent driving licence can be completed in two modes:
- Online: Apply through Parivahan Sarathi portal.
- Offline: Visit your nearest RTO office, collect Form 4, submit documents, pay fees, and book your test.
Both methods require a mandatory driving test at the RTO.
How to Convert Your Learning Licence to Permanent Driving Licence
If you already hold a learning licence, converting it into a permanent licence is simple:
- Wait for 30 days from the issue date of your learning licence.
- Apply online/offline for the permanent licence application.
- Submit required documents.
- Pay the fees.
- Book and attend your driving test.
- Check your learning licence to permanent licence status online.
Permanent Driving Licence Test: What to Expect
The permanent licence test is conducted by an RTO officer to check your driving ability.
For 2-wheelers:
- Balance the vehicle properly.
- Ride in an “8” shape track.
- Follow traffic signals.
For 4-wheelers:
- Drive smoothly in an “H” pattern.
- Follow traffic signs and road safety rules.
- Demonstrate gear shifting and reversing.
Passing this test is mandatory to get your permanent licence.
How to Check Permanent Driving Licence Status
After applying, you can track your permanent driving licence status online:
- Go to the Parivahan website.
- Click on “Driving Licence Related Services.”
- Enter your application number and date of birth.
- The system will show your permanent licence status (approved, under process, dispatched, or delivered).
Documents Required for Permanent Driving Licence Application
To apply, you need:
- Learning Licence copy
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Address (Voter ID, Passport, Utility Bill)
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, School Certificate, PAN)
- Passport-size photographs
- Payment receipt of fees
2-Wheeler Permanent Driving Licence Fees
The 2-wheeler permanent licence fees usually include:
- Application form fee: ₹200
- Driving test fee: ₹300
- Smart card printing fee: ₹200
Total: ₹500–₹700 approx.
How to Apply for Permanent Driving Licence After Learning Licence
Once your learning licence is at least 30 days old, you can apply online/offline for a permanent licence. Ensure you practice driving regularly before appearing for the test.
How to Renew Your Permanent Driving Licence
A permanent driving licence is valid for 20 years or until the age of 50. After expiry, you must renew it:
- Visit Parivahan Sarathi portal.
- Select “Renewal of Driving Licence.”
- Submit expired licence, ID proof, and medical certificate (if age 40+).
- Pay renewal fees (₹200–₹500).
- Download/receive renewed licence.
Permanent Driving Licence Fees for 4-Wheeler and 2-Wheeler
- 2-Wheeler Licence Fees: ₹500–₹700
- 4-Wheeler Licence Fees: ₹800–₹1200
- Commercial Licence Fees: ₹1000–₹1500
Permanent Driving Licence Online Apply: Complete Overview
The online apply process is the most convenient:
- Fill form on Parivahan.
- Upload documents.
- Pay fees online.
- Book test slot.
- Appear for driving test.
What Are the Requirements for Permanent Licence Application?
You must:
- Hold a learning licence (30+ days old).
- Be at least 18 years old for LMV (2-wheeler/4-wheeler).
- Submit valid ID, age, and address proof.
- Pass the driving test.
How to Check Your Permanent Driving Licence Application Status
Your permanent licence application status can be tracked using:
- Application number
- Date of birth
- State RTO portal or Parivahan
What is the Difference Between Learning Licence and Permanent Licence?
- Learning Licence: Temporary, valid for 6 months, issued for practice.
- Permanent Licence: Official approval to drive, valid for 20 years.
How to Track the Status of Permanent Driving Licence Application
You can track via:
- Parivahan portal
- Sarathi website
- SMS from RTO
- mParivahan mobile app
How to Pay Permanent Licence Application Fees
You can pay the permanent licence fees online using UPI, debit card, net banking, or offline at the RTO office. Always keep the receipt for tracking your application status.
FAQ
Q1. What is the validity of a permanent driving licence?
A permanent licence is valid for 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier.
Q2. Can I apply for a permanent driving licence online?
Yes, you can apply via the Parivahan Sarathi portal.
Q3. How many days after learning licence can I apply for a permanent licence?
You can apply after 30 days but before 6 months.
Q4. What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can reapply and take the test again after 7 days.
Q5. What documents are required for permanent licence?
Learning licence, Aadhaar, address proof, age proof, photos, and fee payment receipt.