Complete guide 2026Updated India Driving Licence Facts & RTO Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in India — RTO test format, state-wise information, fees, speed limits, traffic fines, and the Parivahan Sarathi portal.
Table of Contents
RTO Test
15–20 MCQs (varies by state), 4 options each, 60% pass mark (9/15 or 12/20), 20–30 minutes. Conducted at 1,300+ RTOs across 28 states and 8 UTs.
Parivahan Sarathi PortalTotal Cost
₹700 in statutory fees (states add service charges): Learner’s Licence ₹150, LL test ₹50, Driving Competency Test ₹300, Driving Licence ₹200. International Driving Permit ₹1,000.
Parivahan PortalRoad Deaths
172,890 fatalities from 480,583 accidents in 2023 (+2.6% from 2022). That’s 20 deaths every hour. Two-wheelers account for 44.8% of all fatalities.
MoRTH 2023 ReportBAC Limit
0.03% (30 mg/100 ml blood) — one of the world’s strictest, tied with Japan. First offence: ₹10,000 fine + up to 6 months imprisonment (S. 185).
Motor Vehicles ActFines Overhauled
2019 Amendment increased fines 5–10x. No licence: ₹5,000 (was ₹500). Drunk driving: ₹10,000. Juvenile driving: ₹25,000 + 3 years imprisonment.
MVA Amendment 2019Global Context
India’s road death rate (12.5 per 100K police-reported, MoRTH 2023; WHO modelled estimate 15.4 for 2021) is comparable to USA but 5x higher than UK (2.4) and Germany (3.3). India has the highest absolute road deaths globally.
WHO / MoRTHIndia Road Safety: 5-Year Trend (2019–2023)
According to the MoRTH Road Accidents in India reports, road fatalities dropped 12.8% in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns but have risen every year since — reaching a record 172,890 deaths in 2023, averaging 20 deaths and 55 accidents every hour.
Road deaths per year
Deaths per 100,000 Population (WHO Estimates)
- India15.4
USA14.2
Germany3.3
Japan2.7
UK2.4
Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety (2021 estimates). India's police-reported rate is 12.5/100K (MoRTH, Road Accidents in India 2023); WHO applies correction factors for underreporting. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Top 5 Deadliest States (2023)
| # | State | Road deaths | Share of all deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 23,652 | 13.7% |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu | 18,347 | 10.6% |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 15,366 | 8.9% |
| 4 | Madhya Pradesh | 13,831 | 8.0% |
| 5 | Karnataka | 12,102 | 7.0% |
These 5 states account for 48.2% of all road fatalities in India. Two-wheelers represent 44.8% of all fatalities. Ages 18–45 account for 66.4% of deaths.
Source: MoRTH Road Accidents in India 2023. Note: 2019–2020 figures are from the original MoRTH annual reports; later PIB compilations may show slightly revised figures due to state-level data corrections.
RTO Driving Licence Test Format
The computerized learner licence test is conducted at Regional Transport Offices across India
The RTO driving licence test in India is a computerized multiple-choice examination administered at Regional Transport Offices under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Applicants must score at least 60% (typically 9/15 or 12/20 questions, depending on the state) within 20–30 minutes. The test covers traffic signs, road rules, speed limits, the MVA, and road safety. The driving competency test fee is ₹300 as listed on the official Parivahan Sarathi portal.
Questions
Duration
Pass Mark
Test Fee
What the RTO Test Covers
- Traffic signs (regulatory, warning, informational)
- Road markings & signals
- Right of way rules
- Speed limits & parking rules
- Seatbelt & helmet requirements
- Overtaking rules
- Night driving safety
- Highway & expressway rules
- Monsoon driving precautions
- Vehicle maintenance basics
- Licence categories & rules
- Motor Vehicles Act penalties
- First aid basics
- Insurance & FASTag requirements
- Hazard perception
How to Get Your Driving Licence
From Learner's Licence to permanent DL — the complete Parivahan process
- 1
Apply Online
Register on Sarathi Parivahan portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in)
Fill Form 2, upload documents, pay ₹150
- 2
Learner’s Licence Test
Take the computerized RTO test at your nearest RTO office
15–20 MCQs (varies by state), 60% to pass
- 3
Practice Driving
Drive with your Learner’s Licence for minimum 30 days
LL valid for 6 months, must display "L" plate
- 4
Permanent Licence Test
Book your driving test slot on the Parivahan portal
Practical driving test at RTO, ₹300 fee
- 5
Get Your DL
Receive your Smart Card Driving Licence
Up to 3 attempts within LL validity period
RTO Driving Licence Fees
Official Parivahan portal fee structure: statutory total ₹700, plus any state service charges
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence Application | ₹150 |
| Learner’s Licence Test / Retest | ₹50 |
| Driving Competency Test | ₹300 |
| Permanent Licence (Smart Card) | ₹200 |
| International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 |
| Licence Renewal | ₹200 |
| Duplicate Licence | ₹200 |
| Total (Four-Wheeler) | ₹700 |
Fees as per Parivahan portal. Some states may charge additional convenience fees for online services.
See how ready you are — practice with real exam questions
Try Free QuestionsLicence Categories & Minimum Age
- Gearless two-wheeler (≤50cc)Parental consent required16years
- Two-wheeler with gears18years
- Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) — CarsMost common category18years
- Transport / Commercial20years
- Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV)Must hold LMV licence first20years
Licence Validity Periods
| Age / licence type | Validity |
|---|---|
| Issued before age 30(Non-transport licence, MV Act s.14(2)(b)) | Until age 40 |
| Age 30–49 | 10 years |
| Age 50–54 | Until age 60 |
| Age 55 and over | 5 years |
| Transport / Commercial(3 years for hazardous goods, s.14(2)(a)) | 5 years |
Documents Required
- Age proof (Aadhaar, passport, or birth certificate)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill)
- Passport-size photographs (4–6)
- Medical Certificate Form 1A (for commercial / age 40+)
- Learner’s Licence (held for 30+ days)
Speed Limits in India
As per MoRTH notification S.O. 1522(E) — all speeds in km/h
According to the MoRTH notification S.O. 1522(E), India's maximum speed limit for cars is 120 km/h on expressways, 100 km/h on 4+ lane divided highways, and 70 km/h in urban areas. School and hospital zones are limited to 25 km/h for all vehicles. Buses are capped at 100 km/h on expressways and 60 km/h in cities. Three-wheelers may not exceed 50 km/h. Individual states may enforce lower limits — for example, many cities enforce 50–60 km/h despite the national urban maximum of 70 km/h.
| Road Type | Cars | Buses | Commercial | Motorcycles | 3-Wheelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expressway | 120 | 100 | 80 | 80* | — |
| 4+ Lane Divided Highway | 100 | 90 | 80 | 80 | 50 |
| Urban Areas | 70 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| Other Roads | 70 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| School / Hospital Zone | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Expressway
Cars: 120Buses: 100Commercial: 80Motorcycles: 80*3-Wheelers: —4+ Lane Divided Highway
Cars: 100Buses: 90Commercial: 80Motorcycles: 803-Wheelers: 50Urban Areas
Cars: 70Buses: 60Commercial: 60Motorcycles: 603-Wheelers: 50Other Roads
Cars: 70Buses: 60Commercial: 60Motorcycles: 603-Wheelers: 50School / Hospital Zone
Cars: 25Buses: 25Commercial: 25Motorcycles: 253-Wheelers: 25
* Motorcycles are permitted on expressways only when specifically authorized. Individual states may enforce lower limits.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
As per Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 — commonly known as “challan” rates
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 significantly increased traffic penalties across India. Key challan rates: driving without a valid licence is now ₹5,000 (up from ₹500 under the old law), drunk driving ₹10,000 for first offence with up to 6 months imprisonment, riding without helmet ₹1,000 with 3-month licence suspension, driving without insurance ₹2,000, and not carrying a PUC certificate ₹10,000. The harshest penalty is for juvenile driving — ₹25,000 fine, 3 years imprisonment, and cancellation of vehicle registration under Section 199A. Exact fine amounts may vary by state as some states have adopted modified schedules.
Up to ₹2,000Up to ₹5,000₹10,000 or moreFine for a first offence
| Violation | Section | Fine | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving without valid licence | S. 181 | ₹5,000 | 3 months imprisonment |
| Drunk driving (1st offence) | S. 185 | ₹10,000 | 6 months imprisonment |
| Drunk driving (repeat) | S. 185 | ₹15,000 | 2 years imprisonment |
| Overspeeding (LMV) | S. 183 | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | — |
| Overspeeding (HMV) | S. 183 | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | — |
| Dangerous / rash driving | S. 184 | ₹1,000–₹5,000 | 6 months–1 year |
| Riding without helmet | S. 194D | ₹1,000 | 3-month licence suspension |
| Driving without seatbelt | S. 194B | ₹1,000 | — |
| Mobile phone while driving | S. 184 | ₹5,000 (1st) / ₹10,000 (repeat) | — |
| Driving without insurance | S. 196 | ₹2,000 | 3 months imprisonment |
| Driving without PUC | S. 190(2) | ₹10,000 | 6 months imprisonment (repeat) |
| Red light jumping | S. 177 | ₹1,000 (1st) / ₹2,000 (repeat) | — |
| Not yielding to emergency vehicles | S. 194E | ₹10,000 | — |
| Juvenile driving offence | S. 199A | ₹25,000 | 3 years; registration cancelled |
- ₹5,0003 months imprisonment
Driving without valid licence
S. 181 - ₹10,0006 months imprisonment
Drunk driving (1st offence)
S. 185 - ₹15,0002 years imprisonment
Drunk driving (repeat)
S. 185 - ₹1,000–₹2,000
Overspeeding (LMV)
S. 183 - ₹2,000–₹4,000
Overspeeding (HMV)
S. 183 - ₹1,000–₹5,0006 months–1 year
Dangerous / rash driving
S. 184 - ₹1,0003-month licence suspension
Riding without helmet
S. 194D - ₹1,000
Driving without seatbelt
S. 194B - ₹5,000 (1st) / ₹10,000 (repeat)
Mobile phone while driving
S. 184 - ₹2,0003 months imprisonment
Driving without insurance
S. 196 - ₹10,0006 months imprisonment (repeat)
Driving without PUC
S. 190(2) - ₹1,000 (1st) / ₹2,000 (repeat)
Red light jumping
S. 177 - ₹10,000
Not yielding to emergency vehicles
S. 194E - ₹25,0003 years; registration cancelled
Juvenile driving offence
S. 199A
Enforcement and exact fine amounts vary by state. Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu may have different schedules.
Know These Rules Before Your RTO Test
Traffic fines and penalties are frequently tested in the RTO driving licence exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Important Driving Rules in India
How the road worksMandatory, with a penaltyProtects you
Left-Hand Traffic
India drives on the left side of the road (British colonial legacy). Overtake from the right only. Right-hand drive vehicles.
Strictest BAC Limit
0.03% BAC (30 mg/100 ml) — tied with Japan for the world’s strictest. Applies to ALL drivers, no novice exemption.
HSRP Mandatory
High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) with chromium hologram and laser-etched code are now mandatory nationwide. States like Karnataka, UP, and Delhi enforce heavy fines (up to ₹10,000) for non-compliance. Book online at bookmyhsrp.com or via your state transport portal.
FASTag Mandatory
RFID-based electronic toll collection required on all national highways since April 2021. Cashless, linked to bank account.
Third-Party Insurance
Mandatory by law. New cars: 3-year third-party cover. New two-wheelers: 5-year cover. Regulated by IRDAI.
No Handheld Phone
Holding a phone while driving is punishable under S. 184. Hands-free use is not explicitly prohibited but not guaranteed legal.
Good Samaritan Law
Section 134A (MVA 2019) protects bystanders who help accident victims from civil and criminal liability. Hospitals must provide immediate care.
ISI-Marked Helmets Only
BIS-certified (ISI IS 4151) helmets mandatory for rider AND pillion. Non-standard helmets attract fine + 3-month licence suspension.
Digital Documents Valid
DL, RC, insurance, and PUC on DigiLocker or mParivahan app are legally valid per MoRTH notification (Aug 2018) under IT Act 2000.
Common Road Hazards in India
172,890 road fatalities in 2023 — know these hazards to stay safe on Indian roads
Stray Animals
Cattle, dogs, camels, and elephants on roads — drive vigilantly
Monsoon Flooding
Waterlogged roads, hidden potholes, reduced visibility (Jun–Sep)
Overloaded Trucks
Affects handling, braking, and rollover risk on highways
Wrong-way Driving
Vehicles driving against traffic on divided highways
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, unmarked speed breakers, missing signage
Dense Fog
Severe in North India (Nov–Feb), causes highway pile-ups
State & UT-wise RTO Information
Each state and Union Territory has its own Regional Transport Office (RTO) network. Find yours below.
- ANAndaman and Nicobar Islands (UT)Sri Vijaya Puram · AN-transport.and.nic.in
- APAndhra PradeshAmaravati · AP-aptransport.org
- ARArunachal PradeshItanagar · AR-arunachalpradesh.gov.in/transport
- ASAssamDispur · AS-transport.assam.gov.in
- BRBiharPatna · BR-transport.bih.nic.in
- CHChandigarh (UT)Chandigarh · CH-chdtransport.gov.in
- CGChhattisgarhRaipur · CG-cgtransport.gov.in
- DDDadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (UT)Daman · DD-ddd.gov.in/transport-department
- DLDelhi (NCT)New Delhi · DL-transport.delhi.gov.in
- GAGoaPanaji · GA-goatransport.gov.in
- GJGujaratGandhinagar · GJ-rtogujarat.gov.in
- HRHaryanaChandigarh · HR-hartrans.gov.in
- HPHimachal PradeshShimla · HP-himachal.nic.in/transport
- JKJammu and Kashmir (UT)Srinagar (summer) / Jammu (winter) · JK-jktransport.nic.in
- JHJharkhandRanchi · JH-jhtransport.gov.in
- KAKarnatakaBengaluru · KA-transport.karnataka.gov.in
- KLKeralaThiruvananthapuram · KL-mvd.kerala.gov.in
- LALadakh (UT)Leh · LA-ladakh.gov.in/transport-department
- LDLakshadweep (UT)Kavaratti · LD-lakshadweep.gov.in/department-of-road-transport
- MPMadhya PradeshBhopal · MP-transport.mp.gov.in
- MHMaharashtraMumbai · MH-transport.maharashtra.gov.in
- MNManipurImphal · MN-transport.manipur.gov.in
- MLMeghalayaShillong · ML-megtransport.gov.in
- MZMizoramAizawl · MZ-transport.mizoram.gov.in
- NLNagalandKohima · NL-nagalandtransport.gov.in
- ODOdishaBhubaneswar · OD-odishatransport.gov.in
- PYPuducherry (UT)Puducherry · PY-transport.py.gov.in
- PBPunjabChandigarh · PB-punjabtransport.org
- RJRajasthanJaipur · RJ-transport.rajasthan.gov.in
- SKSikkimGangtok · SK-sikkimtransport.gov.in
- TNTamil NaduChennai · TN-tnsta.gov.in
- TGTelanganaHyderabad · TG-transport.telangana.gov.in
- TRTripuraAgartala · TR-transport.tripura.gov.in
- UPUttar PradeshLucknow · UP-uptransport.upsdc.gov.in
- UKUttarakhandDehradun · UK-transport.uk.gov.in
- WBWest BengalKolkata · WB-transport.wb.gov.in
All states use the unified Parivahan/Sarathi portal for online licence services. Union Territories (Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, etc.) have separate RTO offices.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. Save 112 for the unified national emergency line.
Myth: You need a driving school certificate to get a licence
Fact: No driving school certificate is legally required. You can learn from any licensed driver (family, friend) and directly apply for your Learner's Licence through the Parivahan Sarathi portal. However, some states may accept driving school certificates in lieu of the practical test.
Myth: A Learner's Licence is valid for 1 year
Fact: A Learner's Licence is valid for only 6 months from the date of issuance. You must apply for your permanent Driving Licence within this period. If it expires, you must re-apply and retake the LL test.
Myth: An International Driving Permit lets you drive in India permanently
Fact: An IDP issued by another country is valid in India for only 1 year. After that, you must obtain an Indian Driving Licence. Conversely, an Indian IDP (₹1,000) is valid for 1 year abroad and is recognized in countries that are signatories to the Geneva/Vienna conventions.
Myth: Traffic fines are the same across all states
Fact: While the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 sets national minimum fines, individual states can adopt modified schedules. Gujarat, for example, reduced several fines. Delhi and Karnataka largely follow the central rates. Always check your state's specific challan rates.
Myth: You can drive any vehicle with an LMV licence
Fact: An LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) licence only authorizes you to drive cars and light vehicles. For motorcycles, you need a separate MCWG (Motorcycle With Gear) or MC50CC endorsement. For commercial or heavy vehicles, you need Transport or HMV categories respectively.
Myth: Digital copies of documents are not accepted by traffic police
Fact: Since a MoRTH notification in August 2018, digital copies of your Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, Insurance, and PUC on the DigiLocker app or mParivahan app are legally valid and must be accepted by traffic police across India, under the IT Act 2000.
ISI-marked helmets mandatory
From January 2026, only BIS-certified (ISI-marked) helmets are accepted. Non-standard helmets attract ₹1,000 fine and 3-month licence suspension.
Demerit points system under development
MoRTH is developing a 12-point demerit system under the 2019 Amendment framework. Points would accumulate per violation; reaching 12 points within 3 years would trigger 1-year licence suspension. Not yet implemented nationwide.
Accredited Driver Training Centres expanded
MoRTH expanded implementation of Accredited Driver Training Centres (ADTCs), allowing approved private driving schools to conduct driving tests and reduce RTO backlog.
BH-series (Bharat Series) registration
Nationwide vehicle registration series (BH) notified in August 2021 (G.S.R. 594(E), in force 15 September 2021), allowing vehicles to be used across states without re-registration. Format: YY BH XXXX XX.
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act
Landmark amendment overhauling traffic fines — penalties increased 5x to 10x across the board. Introduced Good Samaritan protection (S. 134A), mandatory electronic monitoring, and stricter penalties for juvenile driving.
Expressway speed limit raised to 120 km/h
MoRTH notification S.O. 1522(E) raised maximum speed on designated expressways to 120 km/h for cars. Buses capped at 100 km/h, commercial vehicles at 80 km/h.
How India Compares Globally
India's driving regulations compared to other major countries — data compiled from official government sources
StrictestIn betweenMost lenientBAC limit and minimum age
| Parameter | India | USA | UK | Germany | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.03% | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Left | Right | Left | Right | Left |
| Highway Speed | 120 km/h | 120 km/h | 112 km/h | No limit* | 120 km/h |
| Test Questions | 15–20 | 20–50 | 50 | 30 | 50 |
| Licence Cost | ₹700+ | $30–90 | £34–62 | €2,000+ | ¥300K+ |
| Road Deaths/yr | 172,890 | 40,901 | 1,695 | 2,839 | 2,678 |
BAC Limit
India: 0.03%USA: 0.08%UK: 0.08%Germany: 0.05%Japan: 0.03%Min. Age (Car)
India: 18USA: 16UK: 17Germany: 18Japan: 18Driving Side
India: LeftUSA: RightUK: LeftGermany: RightJapan: LeftHighway Speed
India: 120 km/hUSA: 120 km/hUK: 112 km/hGermany: No limit*Japan: 120 km/hTest Questions
India: 15–20USA: 20–50UK: 50Germany: 30Japan: 50Licence Cost
India: ₹700+USA: $30–90UK: £34–62Germany: €2,000+Japan: ¥300K+Road Deaths/yr
India: 172,890USA: 40,901UK: 1,695Germany: 2,839Japan: 2,678
India
One of the strictest globally (tied with Japan). Most countries allow 0.05–0.08%.
Same as Germany and Japan. USA allows from 16, UK from 17.
Comparable to most countries. Germany has no general limit on Autobahn.
Among the cheapest globally. Germany costs €2,000+, Japan ¥300,000+.
Highest in the world. 4x more than USA despite fewer cars per capita.
* Germany: no general Autobahn speed limit; 130 km/h recommended. Road deaths: India 172,890 (MoRTH 2023), USA 40,901 (NHTSA final 2023), UK 1,695 (DfT 2023 inc. N. Ireland), Germany 2,839 (Destatis 2023), Japan 2,678 (NPA 2023). Japan test changed from 95 to 50 questions in Oct 2025. UK BAC is 0.08% for England/Wales; Scotland is 0.05%.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- 1Primary data collected from official government portals and legislation
- 2Cross-verified against MoRTH publications and the India Code repository
- 3State-specific variations noted where applicable
- 4Page reviewed and fact-checked on
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a driving licence in India?
Apply online through the Parivahan Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in). First get a Learner’s Licence (LL) by paying ₹150 and passing a 15–20 question computerized test (varies by state, 60% to pass) at your nearest RTO. Wait at least 30 days, then take the practical driving test (₹300) to get your permanent Driving Licence. Statutory total: ₹700 (states may add service charges).
What is the RTO driving test format?
The computerized RTO test has 15–20 multiple-choice questions (varies by state) with 4 options each. You need to score at least 60% (typically 9/15 or 12/20) within 20–30 minutes. Topics include traffic signs, road rules, speed limits, Motor Vehicles Act, overtaking, monsoon driving, and vehicle safety.
How much does a driving licence cost in India?
Official Parivahan fees: Learner’s Licence ₹150, LL Test/Retest ₹50, Driving Competency Test ₹300, Smart Card DL ₹200. Statutory total for one vehicle class: ₹700. International Driving Permit: ₹1,000. Some states charge additional online convenience fees.
What are the speed limits in India?
Per MoRTH notification S.O. 1522(E): Expressways — Cars 120 km/h, Buses 100, Commercial 80. 4+ Lane Highways — Cars 100, Buses 90. Urban Areas — Cars 70, Buses 60. School/Hospital Zones — 25 km/h for all vehicles. Individual states may enforce lower limits.
What is the blood alcohol limit for driving in India?
India has one of the strictest limits globally: 0.03% BAC (30 mg per 100 ml blood) under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. This applies to ALL drivers. First offence: ₹10,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Repeat offence within 3 years: ₹15,000 and/or 2 years.
What is the minimum age for a driving licence in India?
Gearless two-wheeler (≤50cc): 16 years with parental consent. Two-wheeler with gears: 18 years. Light Motor Vehicle (LMV/Cars): 18 years. Transport/Commercial: 20 years. Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV): 20 years (must already hold LMV licence).
How long is a driving licence valid in India?
Under the Motor Vehicles Act s.14(2), as amended in 2019: a non-transport licence issued before age 30 is valid until age 40; issued at 30–49, for 10 years; at 50–54, until age 60; at 55 or over, for 5 years. Transport/Commercial licences are valid for 5 years (3 years for hazardous goods).
What is the emergency number in India?
The unified emergency number is 112 (24/7, toll-free, available via 112 India app). Also: Police 100, Fire 101, Patient-transport ambulance 102, Medical 104, Emergency Ambulance 108, Road Accident 1073, Women in Distress 1091, Child Helpline 1098, Tourist Helpline 1363.
Is PUC certificate mandatory in India?
Yes, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for all motor vehicles. Valid for 6 months. Fine for driving without PUC: ₹10,000 under Section 190(2). Repeat offences can result in up to 6 months imprisonment.
Are digital driving licences valid in India?
Yes. Since a MoRTH notification in August 2018, digital copies on DigiLocker or mParivahan app are legally valid and must be accepted by traffic police across India under the IT Act 2000. You can carry either physical or digital documents.
What is the BH-series vehicle registration?
The Bharat (BH) series is a nationwide vehicle registration scheme launched in 2021 (MoRTH notification G.S.R. 594(E) of 26 August 2021, in force 15 September 2021; amended December 2022), allowing vehicles to be used across all states without re-registration. Format: YY BH XXXX XX. Available to government employees, defence personnel, and private sector employees posted across states.
Which side of the road do you drive on in India?
India drives on the left side of the road (a legacy of British colonial rule). The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle. Overtaking must be done from the right side only.
What are the traffic fines in India under the Motor Vehicles Act 2019?
Key fines: No licence ₹5,000 + 3 months (S.181). Drunk driving ₹10,000 first / ₹15,000 repeat (S.185). Overspeeding ₹1,000–₹4,000 (S.183). No helmet ₹1,000 + 3-month suspension (S.194D). Mobile phone ₹5,000 first / ₹10,000 repeat (S.184). No insurance ₹2,000 (S.196). No PUC ₹10,000 (S.190). Red light ₹1,000 / ₹2,000 (S.177). Juvenile driving ₹25,000 + 3 years + registration cancelled (S.199A). Exact amounts vary by state.
What documents are needed for a driving licence in India?
Required: Age proof (Aadhaar, passport, or birth certificate), address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill), passport-size photographs (4–6), Medical Certificate Form 1A (required for commercial/transport applicants and age 40+), and Learner’s Licence held for minimum 30 days. Digital copies on DigiLocker or mParivahan app are accepted while driving.
Do I need a driving school certificate to get a licence in India?
No driving school certificate is legally required. You can learn from any licensed driver and directly apply for your Learner’s Licence through the Parivahan Sarathi portal. However, some states accept accredited driving school certificates in lieu of the practical test.
Cite This Page
Use the following citations when referencing this article in academic papers, journalism, or reports.
APA 7th Edition
AutoviaTest. (2026, March 23). India driving licence facts 2026 — RTO test, states, fees & rules. https://autoviatest.com/en/driving-test/india/facts
MLA 9th Edition
AutoviaTest. “India Driving Licence Facts 2026 — RTO Test, States, Fees & Rules.” AutoviaTest, 23 Mar. 2026, autoviatest.com/en/driving-test/india/facts.
Chicago 17th Edition
AutoviaTest. “India Driving Licence Facts 2026 — RTO Test, States, Fees & Rules.” Last modified March 23, 2026. https://autoviatest.com/en/driving-test/india/facts.
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German Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete GuideFührerschein test format, Fahrschule costs, Autobahn rules, Bußgeldkatalog fines, and Flensburg points system.India Practice Tests500+ RTO exam questions with detailed explanations and an AI driving coach.
French Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete GuideCode de la route, auto-école costs, speed limits, and the permis à points system.
Spanish Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete GuideDGT test format, autoescuela costs, speed limits, traffic fines, and the points system.