Driving Licence Guide

How to Book Driving Test Slot Online

Complete step-by-step guide to book your LL and DL driving test appointment online via Sarathi Parivahan — no RTO queue needed.

📅 Updated: April 2026 📱 Works on Mobile & Desktop 🌐 sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
🔸 Quick Answer: Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in → Select your state → Click "Appointments" → Select service type (LL test or DL test) → Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth → Choose an available date and time → Confirm and download your appointment slip.

Why You Need to Book a Slot

Slot booking is a mandatory step in the driving licence process in India. Without a confirmed appointment, you cannot appear for either the Learner's Licence test or the Permanent Driving Licence practical test at the RTO. Simply submitting your application and paying the fee is not enough — you must also book a specific date and time slot.

The Sarathi Parivahan portal allows you to do this entirely online, avoiding the need to physically visit the RTO just to book a date. Each RTO releases a limited number of slots per day — typically 50 to 100 — and they fill up very quickly, often within minutes of being released.

🕒 Two types of slot booking are available on Sarathi: (1) LL Test Slot — for the online or in-person Learner's Licence knowledge test, and (2) DL Test Slot — for the practical driving skills test at the RTO to obtain your Permanent Driving Licence.

What You Need Before Booking

Keep the following details ready before you start the slot booking process:

📄 Application Number

Generated after submitting your LL or DL application on the Sarathi portal. It is printed on your fee receipt or sent via SMS.

🎊 Date of Birth

Your date of birth as registered during the application. Used to verify your identity before slot selection.

🌎 State and RTO

The state and specific RTO where you submitted your application. Slots are available only at the RTO linked to your application.

📱 Registered Mobile Number

Your mobile number linked to the Sarathi account. An OTP or confirmation SMS will be sent to this number after booking.

💡 Important: You must have completed your DL application and paid the fees before booking a test slot. Slot booking is only available after a valid application has been submitted on the Sarathi portal.

Book Learner's Licence (LL) Test Slot

If you have applied for a Learner's Licence and your state requires an in-person LL test at the RTO (rather than an online test), you need to book a slot for the knowledge test. Follow these steps:

1

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown list.

2

Click on "Appointments" in the top navigation menu on the Sarathi dashboard. A dropdown will appear with service options.

3

Select "LL Slot Booking" or "Learner Licence Test Slot Booking" from the dropdown options.

4

Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth. Type in your LL application number exactly as shown on your receipt. Enter your date of birth and the captcha code, then click Submit.

5

Select your RTO. Choose the Regional Transport Office associated with your application from the list shown on screen.

6

Select an available date. A calendar will show available dates for your RTO. Green dates have open slots. Click on a date to view available time slots for that day.

7

Choose a time slot. Select a convenient time from the list of available morning or afternoon slots shown for your chosen date.

8

Confirm and submit your booking. Review all your details carefully — application number, RTO, date, and time. Click "Book Slot" or "Confirm" to finalise the appointment.

9

Download your appointment slip. After successful booking, an appointment confirmation slip will be generated. Download and save it as a PDF, or print it. You must carry this slip on the day of your test.

💡 Tips for LL Slot Booking
  • In most states, the LL test is now conducted online during the application itself — check if your state requires a separate RTO visit for the LL test before booking a slot
  • If slots show as unavailable, try early morning (7–10 AM) when RTOs typically release fresh slots
  • After booking, note your appointment slip number — you will need it if you need to reschedule

Book Permanent DL Driving Test Slot

After holding your Learner's Licence for at least 30 days and submitting your Permanent DL application, you must book a slot for the practical driving skills test at the RTO. This is mandatory — without a booked slot, you cannot appear for the test.

1

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state where your DL application was submitted.

2

Click on "Appointments" in the top navigation and select "DL Slot Booking" or "Driving Licence Test Slot Booking" from the dropdown.

3

Enter your DL Application Number and Date of Birth. Type in your permanent DL application number, date of birth, and the captcha code, then click Submit.

4

Verify your Learner's Licence details. The portal will display your LL number, validity, and the vehicle class you are applying for. Confirm these are correct before proceeding.

5

Select your RTO. Choose the Regional Transport Office where you want to take the driving test. It should be the same RTO linked to your application.

6

Browse available dates on the calendar. Select a date that works for you. Available dates are marked in green. Grey dates are either fully booked or not yet open for booking.

7

Select a time slot. Choose a morning or afternoon slot from the available options. Note that the vehicle you bring for the test must match the vehicle class on your application.

8

Confirm and book your slot. Review all details and click "Book Slot" or "Confirm". A confirmation message will appear on screen.

9

Download and save your appointment slip. Print or save the confirmation slip as a PDF. Carry this along with all original documents on your test day.

Once your slot is booked, your DL application status on the Sarathi portal will update to "Test Slot Booked." You can verify this by checking your application status at any time.

How to Reschedule Your Slot

If you are unable to attend your booked test on the scheduled date, you can reschedule the slot online — but you must do so before the scheduled test date. Note that most states allow a maximum of 2 reschedules, after which you may need to reapply.

1

Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.

2

Click on "Appointments" and select the same service type as your original booking (LL slot or DL slot).

3

Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth and click Submit. Your current appointment details will appear on screen.

4

Click on "Reschedule" or "Change Slot." The calendar will show available dates for rescheduling.

5

Select your new preferred date and time slot from the available options shown on the calendar.

6

Confirm the reschedule. Review the new date and time, then click Confirm. Download and save the updated appointment slip.

⚠️ Rescheduling limit: Most states allow a maximum of 2 cancellations or reschedules per application. After reaching this limit, you may need to submit a fresh application. Check your state's specific policy on the Sarathi portal.

How to Cancel Your Slot

If you need to cancel your appointment entirely, follow these steps. Note that in most cases, the slot booking fee is non-refundable after cancellation.

1

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.

2

Click on "Appointments" and select your service type. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth to access your current appointment.

3

Click "Cancel Appointment" from the options shown alongside your current booking details.

4

Confirm the cancellation. A confirmation screen will appear. Click Confirm to complete the cancellation. A cancellation confirmation will be displayed and sent to your registered mobile number.

📄 After cancellation, you can rebook a new slot through the same Appointments section. Cancellation counts towards your maximum allowed reschedule/cancellation limit (usually 2 per application per state).

How to Print Your Appointment Slip

If you missed downloading your appointment slip at the time of booking, you can print it again at any time by following these steps:

1

Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.

2

Click on "Application Status" in the top menu.

3

Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth and click Submit.

4

Look for your Appointment/Acknowledgement Slip on the right side of the application status page. Click on it to open and download the slip as a PDF.

📄 You must carry a printed or digital copy of your appointment slip on the day of the test. RTOs require this to confirm your booking before allowing you to proceed with the test.

Best Time to Find Available Slots

Driving test slots are limited and fill up very quickly — often within minutes of being released by the RTO. Knowing the right time to check increases your chances of getting your preferred date.

🌟 When RTOs Release Slots

  • Morning release: Many RTOs release fresh slots between 7 AM and 10 AM on weekdays
  • Evening release: Some states release additional slots at 7 PM or 10 PM
  • Sunday night trick: Check Sunday nights — many people cancel their Monday appointments, and those slots become available
  • Slots open 30 days ahead: Most RTOs only open slots for the next 30 days. You cannot book 2–3 months in advance

✅ Tips to Get a Slot Faster

  • Keep your application number and date of birth saved and ready to enter quickly
  • Use Google Chrome on a desktop for the fastest experience on the Sarathi portal
  • Try refreshing the calendar page repeatedly during slot release timings
  • If no slots appear, the RTO may not have defined slots for that period — contact the RTO directly
  • Weekday slots (Monday–Friday) generally have more availability than weekend slots
⚠️ Driving school agents often bulk-book slots as soon as they are released, leaving few spots for individual applicants. This is why slots disappear so quickly. Book as early as possible during the release window.

What to Carry on Test Day

On the day of your driving test, make sure you carry all of the following. Missing any document may result in being turned away from the test.

For Learner's Licence (LL) Test

  • Appointment slip (printed or digital copy on your phone)
  • Original Aadhaar Card or any government-issued photo ID
  • Application fee payment receipt
  • Passport-sized photographs (2 copies)
  • Proof of address (if not using Aadhaar)

For Permanent DL Driving Test

  • Appointment slip (printed or digital copy)
  • Original Learner's Licence (physical card or digital copy from mParivahan/DigiLocker)
  • Original Aadhaar Card or government-issued photo ID
  • Application fee payment receipt
  • Form 1 (Self-declaration of physical fitness) — duly signed
  • Form 1A (Medical certificate from a registered doctor) — only for applicants above 40 or commercial DL
  • The vehicle you will use for the test — it must match the vehicle class on your application (e.g., motorcycle for MCWG, car for LMV)
  • Valid insurance and PUC certificate for the test vehicle
🚘 Vehicle for the test: You must arrange your own vehicle for the driving test. The RTO does not provide a test vehicle. Ensure the vehicle is in good condition with working brakes, indicators, lights, and mirrors.

Common Errors and Solutions

Error "Due to Technical Issue Slot Booking Not Allowed"

This appears when the Sarathi portal server is temporarily down or overloaded. It is most common during peak booking times. Solution: Wait 15–30 minutes and try again, preferably during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).

Error "Slots Are Not Defined — Please Contact RTO"

This means the RTO has not yet opened any slots for the upcoming days. Contact your RTO directly by phone to ask when slots will be made available. Sometimes slots are delayed due to public holidays or RTO schedule changes.

Error "No Record Found" for Application Number

This usually means you have selected the wrong state, or your application number has a typo. Double-check your application number on your original fee receipt. Make sure you have selected the exact state where you originally submitted your application.

Error "Your Application Is Not Eligible for Slot Booking"

This appears if your Learner's Licence has expired, or you have not completed the mandatory 30-day waiting period after obtaining your LL. Check your LL validity on the Sarathi portal. If your LL has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before booking a DL test slot.

Error "Quota Full" or Calendar Shows No Available Dates

The daily slot limit for your RTO has been reached. Check again during the next slot release window — early morning (7–10 AM) or Sunday nights. You can also try checking alternative nearby RTOs if your state policy allows cross-RTO testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is slot booking mandatory for the driving test?

Yes. Slot booking is mandatory for both the Learner's Licence test and the Permanent Driving Licence practical test. Without a confirmed appointment, you cannot appear for the driving test at the RTO.

Q2. Can I book a slot at any RTO in my state?

Generally, you must book a slot at the same RTO where your application was submitted. In some states, you may be allowed to transfer your application to a different RTO, but this requires a separate process. Check with your state's transport department for specific rules.

Q3. What is the fee for booking a driving test slot?

The slot booking fee is typically included in the DL application fee you pay during the application process. Separately, the fee ranges from ₹200 for a Learner's Licence test to ₹300 for a Permanent DL test, varying slightly by state. Check the Sarathi portal for your state's exact fee.

Q4. What happens if I miss my booked driving test slot?

If you miss your booked test without cancelling in advance, the slot is forfeited. You will need to book a new slot, and in most states this counts towards your maximum reschedule limit. Fees are generally non-refundable for missed appointments.

Q5. How many times can I reschedule my driving test slot?

Most states allow a maximum of 2 cancellations or reschedules per application. After reaching this limit, you may need to submit a fresh DL application. The exact limit varies by state — check your state's policy on the Sarathi portal.

Q6. What happens if I fail the driving test?

If you fail the driving test, you can rebook a new test slot after a mandatory waiting period (usually 7 days, varying by state). Your application remains active. Simply go back to the Appointments section on Sarathi and book a new slot when you are ready.

Q7. Can I book a driving test slot if my Learner's Licence is about to expire?

Yes, but you must book the slot and appear for the test before your Learner's Licence expires. Your LL must be valid on the actual test date. If your LL expires before your test date, you will not be eligible to appear for the test and must apply for a new LL.

Q8. I can see the calendar but all dates are greyed out. What should I do?

All greyed-out dates mean either the RTO has not defined slots for those dates yet, or the daily quota is already full. Try logging in during early morning slot release hours (7–10 AM), or contact your RTO to ask when new slots will be available.

ⓘ This article is for informational purposes only. ParivahanSewan.net is independent and not affiliated with MoRTH or the Government of India. For official services, use sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. Contact us at deskforhelp@gmail.com.