Learners Licence in India : Everything You Need to Know

Obtaining a Learner’s License (LL) is the first step towards becoming a licensed driver in India. This provisional permit allows individuals to learn driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of applying for a learner’s license online in India.

What is a learner’s licence in India?

A Learner’s License is a provisional permit issued to individuals who wish to learn driving motor vehicles. It serves as a precursor to obtaining a permanent driving license and allows learners to practice driving under supervision.

Why is a learner’s licence important in India?

Obtaining a Learner's License (LL) is a crucial step for individuals aspiring to drive legally in India. Here's why it's essential:

• Legal requirement: Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving a motor vehicle without a valid license is illegal. A Learner's License serves as a legal document allowing individuals to practice driving under supervision before obtaining a full driving licence.
• Learning to drive safely: Driving on Indian roads requires familiarity with traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. A Learner's License allows individuals to undergo structured training and gain practical experience under the guidance of a licensed driver, thereby promoting safer driving habits.
• Preparation for the driving test: To obtain a permanent Driving Licence, applicants must pass a driving test conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Holding a Learner's License enables individuals to practice driving skills and gain confidence before appearing for the driving test.
• Legal protection: In the event of a traffic violation or accident, possessing a valid Learner's License provides legal protection by demonstrating that the individual was authorized to drive under supervision during the learning phase.
• Preparation for real-world driving: Driving on Indian roads can be challenging, requiring awareness, skill, and confidence. A Learner's License allows individuals to gradually acclimate to different driving conditions, traffic scenarios, and road environments, preparing them for safe and responsible driving in real-world situations.

Types of learners license in India

The different types of license categories in India are:

• Motorcycle without gear (MCWG)
• Motorcycle with gear (MCWOG)
• Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
• Commercial Vehicle

The table below specifies the different license categories and the class of vehicles those license holders are eligible to drive.

Eligibility criteria for a learner’s license in India

To be eligible for a driving license in India, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Learner’s license form

To get learner’s licence, you will need to fill out the learner’s license form. Applicants can obtain the Learner’s License application form either online through the Parivahan Sewa website or in person at the RTO office.

Documents required to get a learner’s license in India

Applicants need to submit certain documents as proof of identity, address, and age, including:

• Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, passport, voter’s ID card, PAN card, etc.
• Proof of address: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills, rent agreement, voter’s ID card, etc.
• Proof of age: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card, passport, etc.
• Passport size photographs: 6 copies of passport size photographs.
• Medical certificate: Form 1A and 1 signed by a certified Government doctor (if applicable).
• Duly filled application form: You can download the form from Parivahan portal or from the nearest RTO.

How to apply for a Learner’s Licence  in India

To apply for a learner’s licence in India, visit your state’s RTO or apply online through the Parivahan portal. Complete Form 2 and upload age, address, and identity proofs, along with passport-size photographs. Pay the fee online or at the RTO. Book a slot for the computerised test on road safety and traffic rules. Upon passing the test, the RTO issues the learner’s licence, valid for six months, allowing you to legally practice driving under supervision.

Steps to apply for a Learners Licence online via the Parivahan website

The application process for a driving license involves either visiting the nearest RTO or applying online through the state's transport department website. Applicants need to fill out the application form, submit required documents, schedule a driving test, and pass the examination.

• Go to the official Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or your state's transport department website.
• Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ menu and select 'Driving License Related Services'.
• Select the concerned state.
• Under ‘Learner Licence’ menu, click on ‘Application for new learner licence’.
• Fill out the application form.
• Upload the required documents.
• Upload a photo and signature if required (applicable for only some states).
• Pay the required fee.
• Visit the RTO as per the scheduled date with original documents and fee receipt.

Offline application process for Learners License

• Visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).
• Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
• Your application is verified and processed.
• Once verified, schedule a slot for the learner’s license test online.
• Pass the test to obtain the learner’s licence. The license will be delivered to your registered address.

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Test procedure for Learners Licence in India

When applying for a learner's license in India, all applicants are required to pass a written or online exam assessing their understanding of traffic laws and safety signals. Here are some important details about the learner's license exam:

• Arrive at the test venue at least thirty minutes before the scheduled time to ensure you have ample time for pre-exam formalities.
• Inquire about the learner's license exam procedures at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Most RTOs provide written notices containing essential information such as traffic laws and signals that will be covered in the exam.
• If you have applied for the learner's license test online, you must submit the confirmation slip at the designated counter and make the necessary payment before taking the test.
• The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions, either on paper or online. To pass and obtain your learner's licence, you must correctly answer a predetermined number of questions. In case of failure, you will be allowed one week to retake the test.
• Additionally, it's important to note that you can apply for a permanent driving license 30 days after the issue date of your learner's licence. The application for a permanent driving license must be submitted within 180 days of receiving the learner's licence.

Validity and renewal guide for Learners Licence in India

A learner's licence in India is typically valid for six months from the date of issuance. During this period, the licence holder is expected to practice driving under supervision to gain confidence on the road. If you are unable to pass the driving test within this validity period, you can renew your learner’s licence by applying for a renewal at your respective Regional Transport Office (RTO). The renewal process is straightforward and involves filling out the required forms, paying the fee, and re-submitting the necessary documents.

Fees for learner’s licence

The fees for obtaining a learner's license (LL) vary based on the category of vehicles and the state or union territory. The fee structure is determined by the respective Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and may include application fees, test fees, and other charges.

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