Parivahan Kerala is the route most people take to a learners licence or driving licence in Kerala: the application is made on Sarathi after choosing Kerala, and the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), Government of Kerala, runs the tests. Kerala does a few things its own way, especially the learner test and the H test, and the rules have changed several times since 2020.
We are an independent guide, not the MVD. Below we separate what the MVD itself publishes from what has only been reported in the news, and give dates for each.
Kerala MVD and Sarathi
As of 16 October 2026, Sarathi lists Kerala among the states with online licence services. The MVD's own website is mvd.kerala.gov.in, and its FAQ page explains the tests.
On Sarathi you can apply for a new LL or DL, renewal, duplicate, change of address, IDP and DL extract, book slots, pay fees and check application status. The Sarathi state page warns that DL services should be used only through parivahan.gov.in or the NextGen mParivahan app.
Learners licence Kerala: how the test works now
The MVD FAQ says the learner's test is computer based. If you fail, you can sit it again on any upcoming working day for ₹30, as published on the FAQ; the central schedule lists ₹50 for an LL retest, so go by the amount on the payment page.
Manorama News reported on 27 July 2026 that candidates can write the LL test on their own phone through the "MVD Leads" app, but only at an MVD centre under supervision, not from home.
Central rules still apply: Form 2 online, the safe-driving tutorial and the test within seven days of applying, and at least 60 per cent correct to pass. Prepare with our LL mock test and learning licence test guide.
Driving test Kerala: the 8 test, the H test and the road test
According to the MVD FAQ, the driving test has two parts:
- Part I, ground test. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers ride an "8" track; four-wheelers drive an "H" track.
- Part II, road test. A driving test on the road, taken after Part I.
After you pass, the FAQ says the DL card is sent within a week. Manorama News (27 July 2026) also reported that driving test capacity was raised from 30 to 50 per centre per day, five days a week.
Your LL is valid for 6 months and you cannot apply for a DL on an expired LL, so book your slot in time. See driving test for general tips.
What has changed in Kerala's licence tests
| Date | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2020 | LL test moved online from home during COVID (Onmanorama) | Historical; superseded by the 2026 report |
| 9 May 2024 | Revised driving test format ordered (Onmanorama) | Reported; details not verified by us |
| 17 June 2026 | Use of reverse camera in the H test expected after a CMVR amendment (Kerala Kaumudi) | Not confirmed in force |
| 27 July 2026 | LL test on own phone via MVD Leads app at MVD centres; test capacity 50 per day (Manorama News) | Reported |
Do not rely on old videos that show the Kerala LL test being taken from home. As reported in 2026, the test is supervised at an MVD centre.
Kerala driving licence download and the card
For a digital DL, use DigiLocker or mParivahan. A 2018 MoRTH advisory asks states to accept DL copies shown through these apps as valid, and since 1 October 2020 an officer who checks documents electronically cannot demand the physical copy.
Many people search for a smart or PVC licence in Kerala. We could not verify the current card type the MVD issues, so we do not describe it. Our driving licence download and duplicate driving licence guides cover the digital copy and a lost card.
Driving licence renewal Kerala and DL status
Renewal on Sarathi starts with your DL number and date of birth. Apply from one year before expiry to one year after expiry; beyond that a driving test and a late fee of ₹300 plus ₹1,000 per year or part apply. The normal renewal fee is ₹200 under the central schedule. Form 1A medical certificate is needed at 40 or above and for transport licences.
For an RTO application status in Kerala, open Sarathi, select Kerala, then Apply Online and Application Status. See driving licence renewal and DL status.
Kerala DL number and particulars
Sarathi's DL extract service and the DL number plus date of birth lookup show the particulars on your licence. We have not published an official Kerala DL number format, old or new, because no official page confirming it could be read. Use online DL check for the official ways to view your details.
Traffic fines in Kerala
National penalties come from the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, but each state notifies its own compounding amounts under Section 200. News reports in January 2026 said new central rules allow licence suspension after five or more challans in a year; Onmanorama reported that Kerala's transport minister said these rules would not be implemented as they are in Kerala. See traffic fines for the national table.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the Kerala learners licence test from home?
Not as of the latest report. Manorama News reported in July 2026 that the test can be taken on your own phone through the MVD Leads app, but only at an MVD centre under supervision.
What is the H test in Kerala?
It is Part I of the driving test for four-wheelers, driven on an H-shaped track. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers do an 8 track instead, and Part II is a road test.
How much is the learners test retest fee in Kerala?
The MVD FAQ lists ₹30 for a retest on any upcoming working day, while the central schedule lists ₹50. Pay the amount shown on the payment page.
When will I get my Kerala driving licence card?
The MVD FAQ says the DL card is sent within a week after passing the test.
How do I download my driving licence in Kerala?
Use DigiLocker or the mParivahan app. These digital copies are treated as valid under MoRTH advisories.