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.
172,890
Road deaths in India (2023)
20 deaths every hour — MoRTH Report
12.0
Deaths per 100,000 population
Comparable to USA (14.2), 5x worse than UK (2.4)
68.1%
Fatal crashes caused by overspeeding
National highways (5% of roads) account for 59% of deaths
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
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.
Approximately ₹700–₹800: Learner’s Licence ₹150, Driving Competency Test ₹300, Smart Card DL ₹200. International Driving Permit ₹1,000.
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.
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).
2019 Amendment increased fines 5–10x. No licence: ₹5,000 (was ₹500). Drunk driving: ₹10,000. Juvenile driving: ₹25,000 + 3 years imprisonment.
India’s road death rate (~12–15 per 100K) is comparable to USA but 5x higher than UK (2.4) and Germany (3.3). India has the highest absolute road deaths globally.
India 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.
2019→2020
-12.8%
2020→2021
+16.9%
2021→2022
+9.4%
2022→2023
+2.6%
Deaths per 100,000 Population (WHO Estimates)
Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety (2021 estimates). India's police-reported rate is 12.0/100K; WHO applies correction factors for underreporting. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Top 5 Deadliest States (2023)
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
15–20 MCQs
4 options each (varies by state)
Duration
20–30 Min
~30 sec per question
Pass Mark
60%
9/15 or 12/20 to pass
Test Fee
₹300
Driving competency test
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
Apply Online
Register on Sarathi Parivahan portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in)
Fill Form 2, upload documents, pay ₹150
Learner’s Licence Test
Take the computerized RTO test at your nearest RTO office
15–20 MCQs (varies by state), 60% to pass
Practice Driving
Drive with your Learner’s Licence for minimum 30 days
LL valid for 6 months, must display "L" plate
Permanent Licence Test
Book your driving test slot on the Parivahan portal
Practical driving test at RTO, ₹300 fee
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 — total cost approximately ₹700–₹800
Fees as per Parivahan portal. Some states may charge additional convenience fees for online services.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
Gearless two-wheeler (≤50cc)
Parental consent required
16
years
Two-wheeler with gears
18
years
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) — Cars
Most common category
18
years
Transport / Commercial
20
years
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV)
Must hold LMV licence first
20
years
Licence Validity Periods
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)
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
120
Cars
100
Buses
80*
Bikes
4+ Lane Divided Highway
100
Cars
90
Buses
80
Bikes
Urban Areas
70
Cars
60
Buses
60
Bikes
Other Roads
70
Cars
60
Buses
60
Bikes
School / Hospital Zone
25
Cars
25
Buses
25
Bikes
* 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.
| 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 |
Driving without valid licence
S. 181Drunk driving (1st offence)
S. 185Drunk driving (repeat)
S. 185Overspeeding (LMV)
S. 183Overspeeding (HMV)
S. 183Dangerous / rash driving
S. 184Riding without helmet
S. 194DDriving without seatbelt
S. 194BMobile phone while driving
S. 184Driving without insurance
S. 196Driving without PUC
S. 190(2)Red light jumping
S. 177Not yielding to emergency vehicles
S. 194EJuvenile driving offence
S. 199AEnforcement 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.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in India
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.
PUC Certificate
Pollution Under Control certificate mandatory for all vehicles. Valid 1 year (new BS-VI) or 6 months (renewal). Must carry while driving.
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.
| State | Code | Capital | RTO Prefix | Transport Portal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | AP | Amaravati | AP- | aptransport.org |
| Arunachal Pradesh | AR | Itanagar | AR- | arunachalpradesh.gov.in/transport |
| Assam | AS | Dispur | AS- | transport.assam.gov.in |
| Bihar | BR | Patna | BR- | transport.bih.nic.in |
| Chhattisgarh | CG | Raipur | CG- | cgtransport.gov.in |
| Delhi (NCT) | DL | New Delhi | DL- | transport.delhi.gov.in |
| Goa | GA | Panaji | GA- | goatransport.gov.in |
| Gujarat | GJ | Gandhinagar | GJ- | rtogujarat.gov.in |
| Haryana | HR | Chandigarh | HR- | hartrans.gov.in |
| Himachal Pradesh | HP | Shimla | HP- | himachal.nic.in/transport |
| Jharkhand | JH | Ranchi | JH- | jhtransport.gov.in |
| Karnataka | KA | Bengaluru | KA- | transport.karnataka.gov.in |
| Kerala | KL | Thiruvananthapuram | KL- | mvd.kerala.gov.in |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP | Bhopal | MP- | transport.mp.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | MH | Mumbai | MH- | transport.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Manipur | MN | Imphal | MN- | transport.manipur.gov.in |
| Meghalaya | ML | Shillong | ML- | megtransport.gov.in |
| Mizoram | MZ | Aizawl | MZ- | transport.mizoram.gov.in |
| Nagaland | NL | Kohima | NL- | nagalandtransport.gov.in |
| Odisha | OD | Bhubaneswar | OD- | odishatransport.gov.in |
| Punjab | PB | Chandigarh | PB- | punjabtransport.org |
| Rajasthan | RJ | Jaipur | RJ- | transport.rajasthan.gov.in |
| Sikkim | SK | Gangtok | SK- | sikkimtransport.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | TN | Chennai | TN- | tnsta.gov.in |
| Telangana | TS | Hyderabad | TS- | transport.telangana.gov.in |
| Tripura | TR | Agartala | TR- | transport.tripura.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP | Lucknow | UP- | uptransport.upsdc.gov.in |
| Uttarakhand | UK | Dehradun | UK- | transport.uk.gov.in |
| West Bengal | WB | Kolkata | WB- | transport.wb.gov.in |
Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati · AP-
Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar · AR-
Assam
Dispur · AS-
Bihar
Patna · BR-
Chhattisgarh
Raipur · CG-
Delhi (NCT)
New Delhi · DL-
Goa
Panaji · GA-
Gujarat
Gandhinagar · GJ-
Haryana
Chandigarh · HR-
Himachal Pradesh
Shimla · HP-
Jharkhand
Ranchi · JH-
Karnataka
Bengaluru · KA-
Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram · KL-
Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal · MP-
Maharashtra
Mumbai · MH-
Manipur
Imphal · MN-
Meghalaya
Shillong · ML-
Mizoram
Aizawl · MZ-
Nagaland
Kohima · NL-
Odisha
Bhubaneswar · OD-
Punjab
Chandigarh · PB-
Rajasthan
Jaipur · RJ-
Sikkim
Gangtok · SK-
Tamil Nadu
Chennai · TN-
Telangana
Hyderabad · TS-
Tripura
Agartala · TR-
Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow · UP-
Uttarakhand
Dehradun · UK-
West Bengal
Kolkata · WB-
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.
112
National Emergency (unified)
100
Police
101
Fire
102
Ambulance
104
Medical Helpline
108
Disaster Management / Ambulance
1073
Road Accident Emergency
1091
Women in Distress
1098
Child Helpline
1363
Tourist Helpline
Common Misconceptions About Driving in India#
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) launched in August 2021, allowing vehicles to be used across states without re-registration. Format: YY BH XXXX XX.
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.
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.
How India Compares Globally#
India's driving regulations compared to other major countries — data compiled from official government sources
| 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 | ₹800 | $30–90 | £34–62 | €2,000+ | ¥300K+ |
| Road Deaths/yr | 172,890 | 40,901 | 1,695 | 2,839 | 2,678 |
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
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended 2019) — Government of India
- Road Accidents in India 2023 Report — Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
- Parivahan Sewa Portal — MoRTH
- Sarathi Driving Licence Portal — MoRTH
- Speed Limit Notification S.O. 1522(E) — MoRTH
- Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 — Government of India
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from official government portals and legislation
- Cross-verified against MoRTH publications and the India Code repository
- State-specific variations noted where applicable
- Page 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?
What is the RTO driving test format?
How much does a driving licence cost in India?
What are the speed limits in India?
What is the blood alcohol limit for driving in India?
What is the minimum age for a driving licence in India?
How long is a driving licence valid in India?
What is the emergency number in India?
Is PUC certificate mandatory in India?
Are digital driving licences valid in India?
What is the BH-series vehicle registration?
Which side of the road do you drive on in India?
What are the traffic fines in India under the Motor Vehicles Act 2019?
What documents are needed for a driving licence in India?
Do I need a driving school certificate to get a licence in India?
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Data sourced from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Parivahan, and official government sources. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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