How to apply for Driving licence in Maharashtra: Online and Offline Guide

Want to acquire a valid driving licence in Maharashtra? It can be done both online and offline, and the processes are quite straightforward, thanks to the Parivahan platform. 

Explore all the details related to procuring an active Maharashtra driving licence, covering the application process, documents and fees required and, most importantly, learn about the most important factor, the driving test. Whether you are getting a new driving licence or renewing an expired one, you can find all the information you need below.

The different types of driving licences in Maharashtra

The driving licences (DLs) in Maharashtra are issued by the Transport Department of the state based on the type of vehicles. The following table gives a list of DLs and their corresponding vehicle-types. 
 

Qualification criteria to apply for a driving licence in Maharashtra

To apply for a DL in Maharashtra, the applicant must:
- Be At least 16 years of age, if applying for a gearless two-wheeler DL

- Be at least 18 years of age, if applying for a geared light motor vehicle (LMV) DL

- Be at least 20 years of age, if applying for a commercial or transport vehicle DL. For commercial vehicles, other criteria also need to be met, like educational and medical qualifications

- Have a valid Learner’s Licence (LL)

- Be thorough with all the road and traffic rules, regulations and signs

- Clear the necessary examination

Apply for a driving licence in Maharashtra: Online process  

The first step towards getting a driving licence is to get a learner’s licence. You can apply for your driving licence after a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 180 days from receiving your learner’s licence. The task of getting a DL has been made less daunting now through a smooth online process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1 : Head to the Sarathi Parivahan website. 
 

Step 2 : Select the state as Maharashtra. 
 

Step 3: Next, you will see several service options on the screen, like Apply for Learner’s Licence, Apply for Driving Licence, Apply for Renewal and several others. Select “Apply for Driving Licence”. 
 

Step 4: Click “Continue” and fill in the required information.
 

Step 5: Complete the application form and upload your documents on the platform. 
 

Step 6: Next, select “DL Test Slot Booking” to book a slot for your driving test at the RTO.
 

Step 7: Select a date and time for your driving test appointment at the RTO.

Step 8: Verify your details using the OTP you receive on your registered phone number. Click on “Confirm to Slot Book.”

Step 9: Once you have booked your slot, you need to complete the final step, i.e., payment. Go back to the Main Menu and click on “Fee Payments”.

Step 10: Enter the required details and click “Pay Now”. You will be directed to the payment page, where you can pay through different modes. 
 

Step 11: Once the payment is done from your end, you can check the payment status from the portal itself. Go back to the Main Menu and click “Check Payment Status”. Enter the details on the form and click “Verify”. A payment receipt will be generated. Print and save this for future use. 

Upon the completion of the above steps, your chosen date and time slot is confirmed. Visit the RTO on the scheduled date of appointment and take the driving test. If you clear the test, the driving licence is issued and delivered to your address within a week. 

Getting a learner’s licence 

A valid learner’s licence (LL), issued at least 30 days prior, is mandatory to get a driving licence. To get your LL, you will have to appear for an online test. It is a 10-minute test consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions related to traffic rules, regulations and road signs. 
You need to get a minimum of six answers correct to pass the test. In case you do not pass the test, you can retake it after seven days. Once you have procured your LL, you can apply for your permanent driving licence after a period of 30 days from the date of its issue, using the steps mentioned above. 

Apply for a driving licence in Maharashtra: Offline process  

If you are not fully confident about the online process, you can always opt for the offline one, which is also very simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Visit your local RTO office and collect Form 2 to get your learner’s licence (LL) first. You can also get a print out of this form directly from the Sarathi Parivahan website.
• Fill in the details required in the form, attach the required documents and submit it at the RTO. 
• Make the payment and collect your application acknowledgement slip. 
• You will be allotted a slot for the LL test. Clear the online test to get your LL. 
• Once you get your LL, apply for your driving licence (DL). To apply for your driving licence, you’ll have to collect Form 4 from the RTO or get a print out directly from the Sarathi Parivahan website. 
• Fill in the details required in the form, attach all the required documents and submit it at the RTO.
• Book a slot with a suitable date and time for your driving test.
• Take the driving test on the scheduled day. Upon completion of the test, provide your biometric information and follow any other instruction given by the RTO officer. 
  If you pass the driving test, your driving licence will be sent to your residing address within a week.  

Documents required for driving licence in Maharashtra

You will need the following documents to apply for a permanent driving licence for a private four-wheeler in Maharashtra:

• Application Form (Form 4)
• Valid learner’s licence (LL)
• Proof of age document, such as birth certificate, passport or Aadhar
• Proof of address document, such as passport, voter ID or Aadhar 
• 3 copies of recent passport sized photographs 

Note: When applying for a DL for commercial or transport vehicles, additional documents like medical fitness and driving school certificate are required.

Fees and charges associated with getting a driving licence in Maharashtra

The following table lists the fees and charges for services related to driving licences, learner’s licences and more, in Maharashtra:

Process for driving licence test in Maharashtra

On the day of the scheduled appointment, visit your RTO with all the required documents. An RTO inspector will be present to conduct and supervise the driving test. The test requires applicants to drive along a designated driving route. They are judged on their general driving skills, their knowledge of rules and regulations and their ability to follow them correctly. If you clear the test, your new driving licence is sent to your residence within a week.  

List of RTOs in Maharashtra

The following is a list of RTOs in Maharashtra for your handy reference:

To sum up, both the online and offline processes for applying for a driving licence have been made simple and uniform across all states through the centralised Parivahan website. The regional transport offices of each state ensure a seamless process for applicants as directed by the central authority.  We hope the information provided in this blog helps you navigate the processes smoothly and obtain your driving licence. 

FAQ

Q. How many days does it take to get a driving licence in Maharashtra?
After you pass the driving test, it takes about a month to get your driving licence. It is often delivered within a week at your home address. 

Q. What is the cost of driving licence in Maharashtra?

Getting a driving licence involves several charges like application fees, smart card fees and driving test fees and it can cost you up to a total of ₹500. However, these charges are often updated and it is advisable to check the Parivahan website for the current amounts.  
 Q. Can I drive with a learner's licence in Maharashtra?
Yes you can drive with a learner’s licence in Maharashtra as long as you follow the rules given below:
- Always be accompanied by a permanent driving licence holder
- Display the “L” at the front and rear ends of the vehicle
- Avoid driving on highways

Q. How can I download the soft copy of my Maharashtra driving Licence?
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the Parivahan Sewa website

- Under ‘Online Services’ select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’
- Enter your state 

- On the new page, under the ‘Driving Licence’ tab, select ‘Print Driving Licence’

- Enter the required details and save the copy on your system

Q. What is the maximum age limit for getting a driving licence in Maharashtra?
There is no maximum age limit for applying for a driving licence anywhere in India.