Citizen Service · Official Guide
Applying Online for a Driving Licence in West Bengal (Learner's to DL) — Complete Process
Citizen Services
A complete guide to applying online for a Learner's Licence and Permanent Driving Licence in West Bengal on the Sarathi portal, covering fees, test slot booking, status checks, and duplicate downloads.
Application & Verification Process
Select the state and register on the Sarathi portal
Open sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select 'West Bengal'. Click 'Apply for Learner Licence', complete e-KYC with your Aadhaar number, and start a new application.
Learner's Licence (LL) application and test
After filling in the form, paying the fee online, and booking a slot, take the traffic-signals LL test from the portal itself (online at some RTOs). If you pass, download the e-learner licence — valid for 6 months.
Permanent DL application and driving test
30 days after the LL is issued and within 6 months, apply under the 'Apply for Driving Licence' option and book a slot for the RTO's driving track test. Passing the test approves the permanent licence.
DL download and status check
After approval, add the digital DL to the mParivahan app or DigiLocker — it is as valid as the plastic card. Check the status under the 'Application Status' menu using the application number.
Required Documents
Ensure you have self-attested copies of the following documents ready before applying:
Official Portal & Helpdesk
Visit the official government portal for direct application, tracking status, and departmental updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long after getting a Learner's Licence can I apply for a permanent DL?
You can apply after 30 days of the LL being issued, and the driving test must be taken before the LL's 6-month validity expires.
What is the driving licence fee?
The government fees for the LL and DL are separate — the fee details are shown on screen while applying on the portal, and payment is made online there itself. There is no need to pay any agent a 'package fee'.
What should I do if the plastic card does not arrive at home?
Check the status on the portal. Printing and mailing are done by the RTO — if delayed, contact the RTO office with the application number. In the meantime, the digital DL on mParivahan works for all purposes.
In detail
Introduction
The entire driving licence process in West Bengal — application, fees, test slots, results — now takes place on the central Sarathi Parivahan portal. Getting a licence for the first time takes two steps: first the Learner’s Licence (LL), then the permanent Driving Licence (DL).
Step 1 — Learner’s Licence
Once you turn 18 (for geared two-wheelers or four-wheelers), apply for the LL on the Sarathi portal with Aadhaar e-KYC. After paying the fee online and booking a slot, you take the traffic-signals test — at most RTOs this can now be done online. On passing, download the e-learner licence PDF, which is valid for 6 months.
Step 2 — Permanent Driving Licence
The DL application opens 30 days after the LL is issued. After enough practice at a driving school, book a slot for the RTO’s track test — the test usually involves driving on an H, 8, or Z-shaped track, parking, and a gradient (uphill-downhill) test. On passing, the DL is approved and the plastic card arrives by post.
Digital DL — mParivahan and DigiLocker
Add the approved licence to the mParivahan app or DigiLocker — under the Motor Vehicles law, this digital document is as valid as the original card, so your phone is enough for police checks.
Renewal, Address Change, and Duplicate
On the Sarathi portal itself you can renew a DL (no penalty if done within 30 days of expiry), change the address, and apply for a duplicate for a damaged/lost card. In all cases, the previous DL number and Aadhaar e-KYC are required.
Further Reading
- Checking and paying traffic fine e-challans: e-Challan West Bengal guide
- Government services hub: Government Services
Related topics
- driving licence west bengal
- sarathi parivahan
- DL apply online
- learner licence WB
- driving licence
- DL status check