A driving licence in AP is issued through the Sarathi portal and the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) of Andhra Pradesh. This Driving Licence in AP guide covers the full journey: applying for a learner licence online, passing the learner test, taking the driving test for a permanent licence, and renewing a licence that is about to expire — with the documents you need and the official portals to use at each step.

Driving Licence in AP: Key Facts

Driving Licence in AP: The Learner Licence First

Every new driver in Andhra Pradesh starts with a learner licence. The learner licence allows you to practise driving on public roads while accompanied by a person who holds a valid driving licence, and it is valid for a limited period. You cannot apply for a permanent driving licence without first holding a learner licence, so the learner stage is not optional — it is the first step of the process.

A Driving Licence in AP is issued for a specific class of vehicle, such as a two-wheeler with or without gear, or a light motor vehicle (car). Choose the class carefully when you apply, because the learner licence and the driving test both relate to that class. If you want to drive both a two-wheeler and a car, apply for both classes.

How to Apply for a Learner Licence Online in AP

Apply on the Sarathi portal at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. Select Andhra Pradesh, choose the learner licence service, and fill in the application form with your personal details, address and the class of vehicle. Upload the documents asked for, such as age proof and address proof, and a recent photograph.

After filling the form, book a slot for the learner licence test where the portal asks for one. In Andhra Pradesh, the learner test can be taken online from home in many cases, through the portal’s online test route, or at the RTO. Check the options the portal shows for your district and choose the one that suits you. Pay the fee shown on the portal — the exact amount is displayed at the time of application, so use that figure rather than one quoted elsewhere.

The Learner Licence Test: What to Expect

The learner test checks your knowledge of road signs, traffic rules and safe driving. It is a multiple-choice test, and the questions are drawn from the standard set published for learner drivers. Study the road signs and the rules of the road before the test — the material is available on the Parivahan portal and in the driving manuals used by driving schools.

If you pass, the learner licence is issued and you can download it from the portal. If you do not pass, you can reappear after the waiting period the portal shows. Do not rush the test: a failed attempt costs time, while a short period of preparation usually makes the difference.

From Learner Licence to Permanent DL: The Driving Test

After holding the learner licence for the required period, apply for a permanent driving licence on the Sarathi portal and book a slot for the driving test at your RTO. The test is conducted by the RTO’s motor vehicle inspector, who checks your control of the vehicle, your observation of traffic and your ability to follow signals and road markings.

On the day of the test, carry your learner licence, the application acknowledgement and the vehicle in good working order, with valid insurance and registration. If you pass, the permanent driving licence is issued and sent to your address, and a digital copy is available on the portal and in DigiLocker. If you do not pass, the inspector will tell you what went wrong, and you can rebook the test after the waiting period.

How to Renew a Driving Licence in AP

Renewal is also done online through the Sarathi portal. Choose the renewal service, enter your licence details, upload the documents asked for — including a medical certificate where the rules require one for your age or licence class — and pay the fee shown on the portal. In many cases the renewal is completed without a visit to the RTO, but the portal will tell you if a visit or a test is needed.

Renew before the expiry date. Driving with an expired licence is an offence, and a licence that has been expired for a long time may need a fresh test. Set a reminder a month before expiry, and keep a digital copy of the renewed licence in DigiLocker at digilocker.gov.in so that you always have it on your phone.

Driving Licence in AP: Documents You Need

For a learner licence, keep these ready: an age proof such as a birth certificate in AP or school certificate; an address proof such as Aadhaar card; and a recent passport-size photograph. For a permanent licence, you need the learner licence, the application form and the documents the portal lists for the driving test.

For renewal, the existing driving licence is the main document, along with address proof if your address has changed and a medical certificate where required. Carry originals when you visit the RTO, because the officers verify them before the test or the renewal is processed.

Driving Licence in AP: Fees

Fees for learner licences, driving tests and renewals are charged as shown on the Sarathi portal at the time of application. Do not print or rely on fee figures from memory or from old posts — the portal displays the current fee for each service, and that is the amount that applies. Driving schools charge separately for training, and their fees are not part of the government fee.

If a payment fails but the money is debited, do not pay again immediately. Check the application status on the portal first; a failed payment is usually reconciled, and the portal shows whether the fee was received. Keep the payment receipt and the acknowledgement number until the licence is issued.

Common Problems and What to Do

The most common problem is a delay in receiving the licence after passing the test. Check the application status on the Sarathi portal with your application number. If the status shows that the licence has been despatched, wait for the post; if it shows pending for more than a few weeks, visit the RTO with the acknowledgement number.

Another common problem is a mistake in the name, date of birth or address on the licence. Apply for a correction on the Sarathi portal with the document that shows the correct detail. For vehicle-related services such as registration and ownership transfer, our guide to Vahana Mitra in AP explains the RTO services available online, and MeeSeva services in AP covers the certificates you may need as supporting documents.

Driving Licence in AP — Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for a learner licence in AP?

Apply online on the Sarathi portal at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, selecting Andhra Pradesh. Fill in the form, upload age and address proof and a photograph, and book the learner test.

2. Can I take the learner licence test online?

Yes, in many cases the learner test can be taken online from home through the portal’s online test route, or at the RTO. The portal shows the options available for your district.

3. How do I get a permanent driving licence after the learner licence?

After the required learner period, apply on the Sarathi portal and book a driving test at your RTO. Pass the test, and the permanent licence is issued.

4. How do I renew my driving licence in AP?

Renew online through the Sarathi portal with your licence details and the documents asked for, including a medical certificate where required. Pay the fee shown on the portal.

5. What documents are needed for a driving licence?

Age proof and address proof, a photograph, and for a permanent licence, the learner licence. For renewal, the existing licence and a medical certificate where required.

A Driving Licence in AP is a straightforward process when it is done on the Sarathi portal step by step — learner licence first, then the driving test, then renewal before expiry. Keep your documents ready, use the fee shown on the portal, and keep a digital copy of the licence in DigiLocker.

Last updated: November 2026