Getting a driving licence in Gujarat is a two-step journey, and most of it now happens online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal. First you get a Learner's Licence, practise for at least a month, and then you take the driving test to convert it into a permanent licence. Knowing the steps, the timing rules and the exact fees in advance saves you wasted trips to the RTO. This guide walks you through the whole process from learner to permanent, with the documents, fees and common mistakes to avoid.
To get a driving licence in Gujarat, apply for a Learner's Licence on the Parivahan portal, pass the online tutorial and rules test, wait at least 30 days, then apply for the permanent licence and pass the driving test at your RTO. The learner's licence is valid for 6 months, and you must convert it within that window.
Quick summary
- Two stages: Learner's Licence first, then Permanent Driving Licence after at least 30 days.
- Apply online on the Sarathi Parivahan portal for your state, Gujarat.
- Timing rule: convert the learner's licence to permanent between 30 and 180 days of getting it.
- Documents: age proof, address proof, Aadhaar, photo and signature.
- Fees: roughly ₹1,000 in total for a single class (like LMV) including the smart card, plus a ₹300 driving-test fee.
- Age 40+ applicants also need a Form 1A medical certificate.
Age eligibility
- 16 years: for a motorcycle without gear (up to 50cc), with your parent or guardian's consent.
- 18 years: for a motorcycle with gear and for a light motor vehicle (car).
- 20 years: for transport/commercial vehicles.
Stage 1: Learner's Licence (LL)
The learner's licence is where everyone starts. It lets you practise driving under supervision and is valid for six months.
- Go to the Parivahan Sarathi portal and select Gujarat.
- Fill the Learner's Licence application (Form 2) with your details.
- Upload documents (Aadhaar for age and address) and your photo and signature. In many cases the photo is taken by webcam or pulled from Aadhaar e-KYC.
- Pay the fee online by UPI, card or net banking.
- Take the test: complete the short online tutorial and sit the rules-of-the-road test. Depending on the current process, you may be able to do this from home, or you book a slot and take the computer test at the RTO.
Pass the test and your learner's licence is issued. Now the clock starts for the permanent licence.
Stage 2: Permanent Driving Licence (DL)
Once you have held the learner's licence for at least 30 days (and within 180 days), you apply for the permanent licence.
- Apply online on the Parivahan portal, uploading your valid learner's licence copy and Form 1 (a self-declaration of physical fitness).
- Pay the skill-test fee.
- Book a driving-test slot at your nearest RTO or automated test centre.
- Take the driving test on the track/vehicle. Pass it, and your permanent driving licence is issued and sent as a smart card.
If you fail the driving test, you can book a re-test after a gap of about 7 days by paying the driving-test fee again (around ₹300). Practise properly before you go, since the track test checks real control of the vehicle.
The timing rule that catches people
Your learner's licence is valid for six months, and you must convert it to a permanent licence after 30 days but within 180 days. If you let it lapse, you have to start again with a fresh learner's licence. So do not delay: get your practice in during the first month and book the driving test in good time.
Documents you need
- Age proof (birth certificate, school certificate, or Aadhaar)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, electricity bill, passport, or rent agreement)
- Aadhaar card for e-KYC
- Passport-size photo and signature (often captured online)
- Form 1 (self-declaration of fitness); Form 1A medical certificate if you are over 40
Fees
| Item | Approximate fee |
|---|---|
| Learner's licence + permanent licence (single class, incl. smart card) | around ₹1,000 in total |
| Driving test / re-test fee | about ₹300 |
Fees can change and vary by vehicle class, so confirm the current amount on the Parivahan portal when you apply.
After you get your licence
- Carry it while driving, or keep the digital copy in DigiLocker.
- Follow traffic rules to avoid fines; you can check and pay a traffic e-challan online if you get one.
- Update your details if you change address, and remember to renew before it expires.
- If you buy or sell a vehicle, see our guide on vehicle ownership transfer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting the learner's licence lapse past 180 days and having to restart.
- Going for the driving test without enough practice and failing.
- Mismatched name or address between Aadhaar and the application.
- Applying for the wrong vehicle class.
- Forgetting the Form 1A medical certificate if you are over 40.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a driving licence in Gujarat?
Apply online on the Sarathi Parivahan portal: first get a Learner's Licence (Form 2, documents, fee and rules test), then after at least 30 days apply for the permanent licence and pass the driving test at your RTO.
How long is the learner's licence valid, and when can I convert it?
The learner's licence is valid for six months. You can convert it to a permanent licence after 30 days and must do so within 180 days, or you have to reapply.
What documents are needed for a driving licence?
Age proof, address proof, Aadhaar for e-KYC, a photo and signature, and Form 1 (fitness self-declaration). Applicants over 40 also need a Form 1A medical certificate.
What are the driving licence fees in Gujarat?
Roughly ₹1,000 in total for a single class including the smart card, plus about ₹300 for the driving test. Fees vary by vehicle class, so check the Parivahan portal.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can book a re-test after a gap of about 7 days by paying the driving-test fee again (around ₹300). Practise thoroughly before retaking it.
What is the minimum age for a driving licence?
16 for a gearless motorcycle up to 50cc with parental consent, 18 for a geared motorcycle and a car (LMV), and 20 for commercial vehicles.
