RTO Learner's Licence Fee 2026: ₹200 Cost & Sarathi Booking
2026-07-27
How much the Learner's Licence actually costs
The official cost is ₹200 in total — ₹150 for the licence issue fee plus ₹50 for the test fee. That's the government fee only; if you go through an agent or a driving school to handle the paperwork for you, expect to pay extra on top for their service, which is separate from the official RTO fee.
Because the fee is so low, there's little financial reason to skip preparation and hope for the best — a retest only costs another ₹50, but it still means another trip to the RTO and another slot booking on Sarathi, which can take longer to arrange than the money itself.
Booking your slot on Sarathi
Sarathi (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in) is the official Parivahan portal most states use for Learner's Licence applications — you fill in your details, upload the required documents, pay the ₹200 fee online, and book a test slot at your local RTO. A few states run their own separate portal instead of Sarathi, so check which one your state RTO points you to before you start.
Slots are usually available within days rather than weeks, since the LL test is short and RTOs run many candidates through it in a single session. Book a slot only once you can consistently clear mock tests above 60% — there's no benefit in rushing to the earliest available slot if you're not ready yet.
If you don't clear it the first time
There is no fixed mandatory wait before you can retake the LL test — you pay the ₹50 retest fee and rebook through Sarathi. In practice, how soon you get a new slot depends on availability at your RTO, not on any cooling-off period.
Use the gap between attempts to go through the specific categories you got wrong rather than restarting your prep from scratch — sign categories and right-of-way questions are usually where the marks are lost, so that's where a second round of practice pays off most.
What to carry on test day
Bring your application receipt or reference number from Sarathi, along with the original documents you uploaded when applying — typically proof of age and address. Requirements vary slightly by state, so it's worth checking your RTO's specific list on the portal before you travel there.
The test itself is usually on a computer terminal at the RTO, with the result displayed immediately after you submit. If you pass, your Learner's Licence is typically issued the same day, and you can start driving with 'L' plates while accompanied by a full licence holder.
Agents, touts and why they cost more than they save
At most RTO offices you'll find agents offering to 'handle everything' for a fee well above the official ₹200 — filling your form, booking your slot, sometimes claiming they can get you through the test itself. None of that changes what the test actually checks, and paying someone else doesn't lower the 60% pass mark for you.
The one genuine time-saver an agent offers is document handling if you're unsure what your state RTO wants uploaded on Sarathi. If that's the only friction point, it's usually cheaper and just as fast to check your specific RTO's document checklist on the portal yourself before you apply, rather than paying an ongoing service fee for something that's a one-time form-filling task.
FAQ
How much does the RTO Learner's Licence test cost?
₹200 total — ₹150 for the licence issue fee and ₹50 for the test fee, paid through Sarathi.
Do I have to use an agent to apply?
No — you can apply yourself directly on the Sarathi portal. An agent only adds a service charge on top of the official ₹200 fee.
How do I book my LL test slot?
Through sarathi.parivahan.gov.in — fill in your details, upload documents, pay the fee, and pick an available slot at your local RTO.
What happens if I fail the LL test?
You pay a ₹50 retest fee and rebook — there's no fixed mandatory waiting period before trying again.
Do all states use the Sarathi portal?
Most do, but a few states run their own separate portal — check what your local RTO links to before applying.
Sources: Parivahan (Sarathi)