In 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced significant upgrades to the driving licence (DL) slot booking process on the Parivahan portal. These changes are aimed at making the booking experience smoother, more transparent, and fairer for applicants across India.
The new system addresses long-standing issues such as slot hoarding, booking delays, fake agents, and regional unavailability by introducing Aadhaar OTP login, booking limits per user, and real-time slot updates. If you’re planning to apply for a learning or permanent DL this year, understanding these changes is crucial.
Key Features of the Updated Slot Booking System
The 2025 changes focus on both security and equal access. Here are the most important updates:
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Aadhaar-based OTP Login: Applicants must now verify their identity via Aadhaar OTP before slot booking.
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One Slot Per User Limit: To prevent spam, users can book only one slot per licence type per Aadhaar.
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24-Hour Lock-In Window: Once a slot is booked, users must wait 24 hours to modify or cancel it.
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Real-Time Availability: The portal now updates available slots every 10 minutes instead of once per day.
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Statewide Booking View: Users can now see availability in neighboring RTOs for more flexible options.
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Priority for Rural Applicants: Some states are reserving 15% of daily slots for rural Aadhaar-linked applicants.
These reforms aim to eliminate black market bookings and reduce delays, especially in high-demand urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
How to Book a DL Slot in 2025
Booking a driving licence slot on the Parivahan portal has become more straightforward with improved UI and authentication. Here’s the process:
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Visit the official Parivahan Sarthi portal
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Choose your state and RTO
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Select “Apply for Learner/Driving Licence Slot Booking”
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Login using your Aadhaar number and OTP
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Choose the slot type (learner, permanent, retest)
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Pick from available dates and time slots
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Confirm with e-signature or OTP again
Make sure your Aadhaar is mobile-linked to avoid booking issues.
Problems the New System Solves
These changes weren’t just cosmetic—they address many practical problems citizens have faced for years:
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Fake bookings and middlemen: Reduced with Aadhaar OTP-based limits.
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Uneven slot distribution: Rural applicants get dedicated access windows.
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Sudden portal crashes: Optimized server load management and real-time slot syncing.
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Multiple bookings by same users: Controlled with single Aadhaar booking policy.
This creates a more level playing field, especially for first-time applicants.
Tips to Get Your Preferred Slot
Booking early and staying prepared helps avoid delays:
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Log in during non-peak hours (between 6 AM–8 AM)
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Have Aadhaar-linked mobile number handy
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Keep soft copies of address and age proof ready for upload
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Avoid using cyber cafés that may overbook using multiple IDs
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Try multiple nearby RTOs if your first choice is full
These tips are especially useful during exam season or holidays when demand spikes.
FAQs
Is Aadhaar OTP now mandatory for DL slot booking?
Yes, Aadhaar-based OTP verification is now required to ensure identity and avoid fraud.
Can I book two slots at once for LL and DL?
No. You can book one learning licence and one permanent licence slot per Aadhaar only.
What if I miss my booked slot?
You can rebook after 24 hours, but repeated no-shows may flag your account.
Are there extra charges for slot booking?
No, slot booking remains free. You only pay for the application and test fees.
Can I reschedule my slot?
Yes, but only once per booking, and only after 24 hours of the original booking.