Driving School License Apply Online 2025, Cost & Requirements

A Driving School License is an official permission issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India. It allows a person or organisation to legally open and run a driving school that teaches learners how to drive motor vehicles such as two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, and heavy vehicles. Without this license, providing driving instruction for a fee can be illegal and can attract penalties. A driving school license helps ensure that the training offered is safe, standardised, and meets the requirements of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and related rules. The purpose of having licensed driving schools is to improve road safety, reduce accidents, ensure proper driver training, and create qualified drivers who understand traffic rules.

In India, it is mandatory to follow safety standards, hire qualified trainers, and have proper vehicles and infrastructure before a license is granted. The license is not only a legal requirement but also gives credibility to your business. Customers are more likely to trust and join a school that is authorised by the government rather than an unlicensed one. It also makes it easier to partner with local authorities for activities like mock tests, driving examinations, and special licensing programs.

To apply, you must submit the correct application forms, pay fees, and get approval from the local RTO. The process is done online through the Parivahan Sewa portal, which is part of the Government’s digital services for transport and driving licenses.

Eligibility Requirements for a Driving School License

Before you apply for a Driving School License, you must meet several basic eligibility criteria. These criteria are in place to ensure that the school will provide quality training and comply with safety norms. First, the applicant must be of good moral character and should not have any criminal history related to traffic violations or dangerous driving. Secondly, the applicant must be physically and mentally fit to run a driving school. Some states may ask for proof of educational qualification or experience in driver training.

Next, the driving school site must have a proper address and enough space for classrooms and practical training zones. For example, training facilities for two-wheelers might require open practice space, whereas training for heavy vehicles may require larger yards and tracks. According to some draft guidelines, basic training centres need at least 1 acre of land for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, and 2 acres for heavy vehicle training (this is an example from draft norms and may vary by state).

You also must have the required staff, including licensed instructors with valid driver training certifications. Instructors are usually expected to have years of driving experience and a calm, patient attitude for teaching new learners. Most states require instructors to hold a valid driving license of the vehicle type they teach. The school must have appropriate vehicles that meet government safety norms and are insured. Regular safety checks, valid insurance, and vehicle fitness certificates are an essential part of maintaining the driving school license over time.

Meeting these eligibility requirements helps ensure that students learn in a safe, professional, and structured environment.

Documents Required for Driving School License Application

When you apply for a Driving School License online through the Parivahan Sewa portal, you will need to prepare and upload several documents. Having all documents ready before applying saves time and prevents delays. The core documents typically required are:

• Identity Proof of Applicant such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
• Address Proof of the school location (electricity bill, rental agreement, or property tax receipt).
• Educational Qualification Certificates of the applicant and trainers.
• Proof of Land or Facility showing that the school location meets space requirements and training standards.
• Vehicle Documents like registration certificates and valid insurance papers of the training vehicles to be used by the school.
• Instructor Licenses for all qualified trainers employed at the school.
• Passport-size photographs of the applicant and instructors.

These documents must be scanned clearly and be legible. You will upload them on the Parivahan portal during the application process. It is important to check that documents like the vehicle registration and insurance are valid and not expired, because officials will verify them later. Incomplete or incorrect documents often lead to application rejection.

In addition to these, some RTOs may ask for additional affidavits or certificates, such as proof of no pending legal cases or no traffic fines, depending on local rules. All documents will be checked during the RTO inspection, so the originals must be available for verification when asked.

How to Apply Online via Parivahan Sewa Step by Step

Step 1: Open the Official Website

First, open the website. On the homepage, click on Online Services. Then click on Driving Licence Related Services. Select your state and click on Apply for Learner Licence.

Step 2: Start Learner Licence Application

You will see different stages. Click on Continue. Under category, select General. If you are applying for the first time, select Applicant does not hold any Driving or Learner Licence issued in India and click Submit.

Step 3: Aadhaar Verification

Select Aadhaar Number option. Your mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar. Enter your Aadhaar number and click Generate OTP. Enter the OTP received on your mobile, tick all three checkboxes, and click Authenticate.

Step 4: Verify Personal Details

Your photo and personal details will appear. Verify all details carefully. Click Proceed and then click OK. Select Relation as Father and enter your father’s name. Enter place of birth, qualification, mobile number, and all required details marked with a star (*).

Step 5: Address Details

If your present address is the same as Aadhaar, tick Same as Aadhaar. The address will be filled automatically. If permanent address is also the same, tick Same as Present Address. Enter how many years you have stayed at your present address.

Step 6: Select Vehicle Type

If you ride a scooter, select Motorcycle without Gear. If you ride a bike with gears, select Motorcycle with Gear. If you drive a car, select Light Motor Vehicle. Click the arrow symbol to move the selected vehicle to the right side.

Step 7: Self Declaration

Click on Self Declaration. Read all details carefully.

Select:

• First option: No
• Second option: Yes
• Remaining options: No

Tick the checkbox and click Submit, then click OK.

Self declaration will be completed successfully.

Step 8: Note Application Number

Click Yes on the next page. Your application details will be shown. Note down the Application Number carefully. Click Next.

Step 9: Upload Documents

Verify details and select Upload Documents, then click Proceed. Select Address Proof and choose Aadhaar Card.

Enter:

• Document Number: Aadhaar Number
• Issued By: UIDAI
• Issue Date: Aadhaar issue date
• Contact Number: Mobile number

Scan Aadhaar front and back and upload as PDF. Click Upload, then Confirm.

Step 10: Fee Payment

Click on Fee Payment and then Proceed. The fee amount will be displayed. Select CFMS AP State as payment option. Enter captcha and click Buy Now. Tick I Agree and click Proceed for Fee Payment.

Choose PayU for easier payment. You can pay using debit card, credit card, or UPI. After successful payment, click Print Receipt and save it.

Step 11: Book Learner Licence Slot

Go back to the home page and click Complete Your Pending Application. Enter application number, date of birth, and captcha. Click Submit. Click LL Slot Booking and then Proceed to Book. Select an available green date and choose a suitable time.

Click Book Slot. Enter OTP received on mobile and confirm slot booking. Download and print the Appointment Receipt.

Step 12: Learner Licence Test at RTO

On the appointment date, go to the RTO office. Carry these documents:

• Aadhaar original and photocopy
• Fee payment receipt
• Printed application
• Appointment receipt

After verification, you will receive a confirmation SMS. An online test will be conducted.

Step 13: Learner Licence Online Test Details

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. Each question has 30 seconds. You must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can reapply after 24 hours by paying the re-test fee.

Step 14: Download Learner Licence

After passing the test, your Learner Licence number will be sent to your mobile. Open the same website and click Learner Licence. Click Print Learner Licence.

Enter application number and date of birth. Enter OTP and submit. Learner Licence will be downloaded as a PDF.

Step 15: Apply for Driving Licence

After 30 days from Learner Licence issue date, apply for Driving Licence. Open the website and click Apply for Driving Licence.

Enter Learner Licence number and date of birth. Verify details, select all options, and submit. Note down the new Application Number.

Step 16: Driving Licence Fee and Slot Booking

Pay the Driving Licence fee in the same way as before. Print and save the payment receipt.

Click DL Test Slot Booking. Enter application number, date of birth, and captcha. Select a suitable date and time and book the slot. Download and print the appointment receipt.

Step 17: Driving Test at RTO

On the test date, carry:

• Aadhaar original and copy
• Fee receipt
• Learner Licence copy
• Appointment receipt
• Helmet
• Vehicle in good condition

Your documents will be verified and thumb impression taken.

Step 18: Driving Test Rules

Drive carefully on the test track. Use indicators while turning and turn them off after the turn.

Maintain speed between 20 to 30 kmph. If you fail, you can reapply after 7 days.

Step 19: Download Driving Licence

After passing, you will receive Driving Licence number by SMS within 24 hours. Open the website and click Driving Licence.

Click Print Driving Licence. Enter application number, date of birth, and OTP. Download the Driving License

Fees and Charges for Driving School License

When applying for a Driving School License, you are required to pay a fee. The exact fees can vary depending on your state and the specific category of driving school you want to set up (for example, two-wheeler only, light motor vehicle, heavy vehicles, etc.). As this is a government regulated license, the fee structure is set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and applied by the local RTO

In addition to the main application fee, you may also pay charges for the inspection and verification of your school facilities. Some states also charge a separate processing fee for document handling or certificate issuance. These fees must be paid online during or after submission of the application form. It is important to note that fees paid are generally non-refundable even if your application is rejected due to issues in documents or non-compliance with norms.

Fees and charges for transport services, including driving license related services, are published on the official Parivahan portal. The portal lists licensing fees, testing charges, and other related costs. For example, basic fees for learner licences start around ₹150, test fees around ₹50–₹300 depending on state, and permanent licence fees range from ₹200 to ₹716 in some states — though these are for individual driver licenses and not school licences specifically.

To ensure you pay the right amount, check the licensing fees section on Parivahan before applying. Overpaying or underpaying can lead to payment failures or rejections. Always save or print your payment receipt after successful payment, as officials may ask for proof during the inspection or approval process.

Inspection and Approval Process

After you submit your application and pay the necessary fees, the next major step is inspection. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) official will schedule an inspection visit to your proposed driving school premises. During this inspection, the official checks several things to ensure that your driving school meets government standards and safety requirements.

The inspection typically includes:

• Checking the premises to ensure there is adequate space for practical driving lessons, classrooms for theory, and safety features such as enough lighting and signage.
• Verification of vehicles that will be used for training. They must have valid registration, insurance, and must be in good working condition.
• Reviewing documents such as identity proof, instructor licenses, insurance papers, and proof of address or land ownership.
• Meeting instructors to confirm their training credentials and evaluate their readiness to train students.

If the inspectors find everything in order and compliant with the rules, they will recommend approval of your Driving School License. After this, the RTO processes the approval and issues the license officially. This means you are now legally allowed to conduct driving training and charge for services.

If there are issues or deficiencies noticed during inspection (for example, missing documents or inadequate safety measures), you will be informed of corrections needed. In that case, you must fix those problems and schedule a re-inspection. Compliance with all regulations is essential to get your license without delays.

Validity, Renewal, and Compliance Requirements

Once your Driving School License is granted, it will have a specific validity period — commonly one year or more depending on state rules and category. You must display the valid license at your school and ensure all training activities comply with government norms and safety standards. Regular compliance ensures that your license remains active without penalties.

Before the license expires, you must apply for renewal if you plan to continue operations. Renewal usually requires you to submit a renewal form, updated documents, proof of continued compliance (such as valid trainer licenses, updated insurance, and vehicle fitness certificates), and pay the renewal fee. Far from one-time paperwork, driving school owners must keep track of renewal dates to avoid expiries.

During the license period, you must also maintain compliance with safety standards and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and your state transport department. This includes periodic checks on training vehicles, instructor certifications, and maintaining records of student training. Non-compliance can lead to fines, warnings, or even cancellation of the license.

Keeping your license valid and compliant builds trust among students and local authorities. It also ensures your business operates legally and can continue to grow.

Benefits of Having a Government-Licensed Driving School

Operating a government-licensed driving school brings many advantages over running an unlicensed training business. First, it provides legal protection. A valid license shows that your school meets official standards; this reduces legal risks and builds credibility among customers.

Second, a licensed school can offer structured and recognised training. Students often prefer schools with government approval because it shows that training is legally recognised and meets the requirements for learners preparing for official driving tests (like those needed to get a learner’s license or permanent DL).

Third, a licensed school can partner with RTOs or participate in official government programs, such as mock tests or awareness campaigns on road safety. This visibility can increase student enrolments and help build a good reputation in the community.

Lastly, being licensed can allow you to charge structured fees and offer additional services like test preparation, driving confidence courses, or refresher classes. These services can become additional sources of revenue and make your business more profitable.

Being legitimate, compliant, and certified helps you grow your business steadily while also contributing to better road safety outcomes in your area.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Applying for and running a Driving School License is not without challenges. One common issue is documentation problems. Missing or incorrectly scanned documents often lead to rejections or delays. To avoid this, double-check each document and make sure they are clear and complete before submission.

Another challenge is inspection failures due to inadequate facilities or incomplete compliance with safety standards. You can prevent this by preparing well ahead of the inspection. Ensure your vehicles are insured and compliant, instructors have valid licences, and your training premises meet space and safety requirements.

Technical difficulties with the Parivahan portal — such as server errors or payment failures — can also cause delays. If this happens, wait a little and retry during off-peak hours, or try using a different browser. Saving screenshots and payment receipts helps in tracking and resolving issues if needed.

Lastly, maintaining compliance over time can be challenging, especially when rules change. Keep updated with notifications from the transport department and renew certificates on time. Regularly communicate with trainers, students, and local authorities to stay informed about any changes in procedures or regulations.

Tips for Success Running a Good Driving School

To run a successful driving school, focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. First, hire experienced and patient instructors who can teach learners effectively. A good trainer not only teaches driving skills but also builds confidence in learners.

Second, invest in good quality training vehicles and ensure they are regularly serviced. Safe vehicles not only reduce risks but also give learners a better experience.

Third, provide a structured curriculum that covers both theoretical aspects (like traffic rules and road signs) and practical lessons (like handling real-world traffic situations). Well-structured training helps learners pass their driving tests with confidence.

Also, market your services well through online platforms, local advertising, and partnerships with nearby schools and colleges. A strong marketing plan helps attract more students and grow your business.

Finally, keep track of updates on rules and technology, and be ready to adopt improvements such as online appointment systems for tests, mobile apps for class scheduling, and student feedback systems to improve your training quality.