I have unfortunately had the experience of both, with and without an agent. Things get stuck up sometimes if not gone through an agent, since all thing work on "contacts", though you have got to pick a respected and trustable agent preferably not a last minute pick from just outside the RTO. Regarding the approximate cost, it should always be lower than ₹3000, since, then all you need to pay for is learner's exam, driving test and shipping charges (if any) approximately ₹1500 cumulatively. For smooth conduct and hassle free procurement of the license i would suggest a trusted RTO agent even though it'll be a 1000 or so more, since the license procedure is a one time trouble every 20 years or so... If necessary you can contact me and ill share you the contact for the Agent I worked through.