The Motor Vehicles Act requires you to have a valid driving licence, in Delhi and other states, if you intend to drive a vehicle on the roads in India. Fortunately, applying for a driving licence in Delhi is relatively simple and can be conveniently done online.
First, you need to get a learner’s licence, after which you can apply for a permanent one. The minimum age to apply for a licence is 18 years in case of a non-transport vehicle and 20 years if you plan to drive heavy motor vehicles.
The process also involves a theoretical test to gauge the understanding of traffic rules and regulations, followed by a practical road test. Finally, you can receive your licence after clearing all requirements and paying the fee.
To drive your vehicle in Delhi, you have to obtain a valid driving licence in Delhi issued by the government. You can get a non-gear two-wheeler licence from the age of 16 and a full-fledged four-wheeler driving licence in Delhi from the age of 18.
The Delhi Transport Department is responsible for registering motor vehicles and issuing driving licences, both provisional (learner’s) and permanent. If caught driving without a valid licence, you may have to pay heavy fines and even face imprisonment.
Here is how you can apply for a driving licence in Delhi and renew it.
Based on permanent and temporary factors, the driving licence in Delhi is categorised as temporary(Learner) and permanent.
Holding a learner’s licence allows you to drive a vehicle on the road under the guidance of a permanent licence holder. It has a six-month validity enabling you to practise and improve upon your driving skills. However, you must practise for at least a month before you can proceed to the official practical road test.
You get a permanent licence upon clearing the road and ground test. There are various types of vehicles for which you can apply for a permanent driving licence in Delhi.
Transport Vehicle
Those who want to drive a commercial vehicle belong to this category. Transport vehicles include light motor vehicles such as jeeps, auto rickshaws, etc. It also includes medium passenger or goods vehicles such as delivery vans, tempos and minivans used for ferrying passengers or transporting goods.
Heavy vehicles such as public transport buses and huge trucks or vans used for commercial transport of goods are also classified under this category.
Non-transport Vehicle
If you want to drive a private vehicle, you qualify for a driving licence as per this category. It includes motor vehicles with gear and without gear, such as mopeds and scooters and light motor vehicles like cars, SUVs, etc.
Now that many government processes are digitised, you can apply for a driving licence in Delhi through online or offline modes.
The online application process for a driving licence in Delhi is hassle-free. You may apply online for driving licence in Delhi by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Delhi Transport Department
Step 2: Under the ‘Online Services’ section, select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’
Step 3: You are redirected to the official website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Step 4: Select ‘Delhi’ in the ‘State’ section, then enter your learner’s licence number and date of birth.
Step 5: Fill in all the given details in the form and upload the necessary documents
Step 6: Pay the application fee online, save the generated online application number, and book a driving test slot.
Step 7: Visit the RTO, share your application number with the officer-in-charge and show your documents.
Step 8: Appear for the driving test and record your photo and fingerprint if you pass. Your driving licence will be sent to you by post.
You can apply for a permanent driving licence in Delhi through the offline method by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the RTO and collect the driving licence form
Step 2: Fill in the necessary details and attach the documents required
Step 3: Submit the same to the RTO officer-in-charge along with the application fee
Step 4: Get a slot for your driving licence test and appear as per the schedule to be eligible for a driving licence in Delhi
Step 5: After you have successfully passed the driving test, your permanent driving licence will be issued
You must pass the following criteria to be eligible to apply for a driving licence in Delhi:
You need be at least 16 years (for non-geared two-wheelers)/ 18 years (for two and four-wheeler licence) to apply for the licence
You need to have a valid learning licence
You have to apply for a permanent licence after 30 days and within 180 days of the issuance of the learning licence
You must be completely familiar with all traffic rules and regulations
Keep the following documents ready when applying for a driving licence in Delhi:
Driving licence application form
Passport-size photographs
Driving certificate forms 5,14, and 15 (for transport vehicles)
Address proof (Voter ID, Passport, Ration Card etc.)
Proof of age (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Birth Certificate etc.)
Here are the fees to apply for different types of driving licences in Delhi:
Type of Licence Process |
Fees |
Fees for Driving Licence Test |
₹100/- |
Driving Licence (non-gear two-wheeler) |
₹100/- |
Driving Licence (light motor vehicle) |
₹150/- |
Driving Licence (commercial light motor vehicle) |
₹200/- |
Smart Card Driving Licence |
₹200/- |
Driving Licence (medium and heavy motor vehicles) |
₹500/- |
Disclaimer: The fees mentioned are subject to changes as per the policies of the governing authorities.
You can apply for these driving licences in Delhi offline by visiting the following RTO centres:
RTO Office, ISBT, Sarai Kale Khan, New Delhi
RTO Office, Vasant Vihar, South West Delhi, New Delhi
RTO Office, DTC Depot, Vasant Vihar
RTO Office, B Block, Community Centre, Janakpuri
For a more detailed list of RTO offices in Delhi, check the official pdf document from the Transport Department, Delhi.
If you are yet to receive the driving licence, there is an option to check out the current status of your driving licence in Delhi. Usually, the RTO gives a tracking number of your driving licence to track the shipment’s current location.
If the RTO has not yet provided you with a tracking number, you can get it by giving application details. Alternatively, check the application status by entering your application number on the Delhi Transport Authority Website.
Keep the following documents ready before applying for an international driving licence in Delhi:
IDP Application Form (Form No. 4)
Copy of a current driver’s licence
Passport-sized Photos (4)
Proof of Age
Proof of Address
Medical Certificate
Here are the steps you can follow to apply for an international driving licence:
Step 1: Visit a nearby RTO and submit the completed international driving licence application form
Step 2: Submit the necessary documents along with the form
Step 3: Pay the application fees for an international driving licence in Delhi, which is approximately ₹1,000.
Once you complete these steps, you get the international driving licence.
If you have lost or damaged your driving licence, apply for a duplicate driver’s licence before the completion of 6 months from the date it was lost or damaged. If you apply after 6 months, you will need to inform the Transport Department for authorisation. You can get a duplicate licence for the same period as your previous one.
Submit the following documents to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Delhi:
Application Form (Form LLD)
Form 1 (Declaration of Physical Fitness)
Copy of Driving licence (self-attested)
FIR (for lost licence)
Application Fees
Challan Clearance Report
To apply for a duplicate driver's licence:
Step 1: Submit your application form and support documents to the same RTO which issued your previous licence
Step 2: Verification of documents is done
Step 3: Receive your duplicate licence within the next few days after verification
While your driving licence permits you to drive vehicles on the road, a good insurance plan for your vehicle is equally important. A motor insurance plan with an extensive coverage provides you and your vehicle with enhanced protection and saves you from unexpected financial expenses.
For great deals on budget-friendly car insurance plans, check out the plans listed below.
The driving licence test fee in Delhi is approximately ₹100. It may vary according to the category of vehicle.
Yes, you can make changes to your existing driving licence. A nominal fee of ₹200 is charged for a new/duplicate licence.
Along with a valid driving licence, you must have an active motor insurance plan, vehicle registration certificate, PUC, and any other permits applicable. Failing to provide any of these documents when asked by the traffic officer can attract hefty penalties.
You will have to visit the RTO, apply for a driving licence renewal form, and then pay the applicable renewal fee.
A driving licence is valid for 20 years after it is issued.
The international driving permit’s validity is one year from the date of issuance.
The ‘L’ symbol indicates the one who is driving the car has a learner’s licence. It acts as a sign to other drivers that the individual is in the process of learning.
You are assessed on the basis of your driving skills and awareness of traffic rules in a road test. In theory, you are judged for your skillset on road signs, vehicle indicators etc.
If you fail the test, you can apply again for a retest after 7 days. However, you have to pay certain charges for the same.
The applications VAHAN & SARATHI came into effect to capture the functionalities as mandated by the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 as well as State motor vehicle Rules with customization in the core product to suit the requirements of 36 States and UTs.
Yes, you may apply online for a driving licence in Delhi.