Learner’s Licence

A learning driving licence (also known as a learner’s licence) is a provisional driving permit issued before obtaining a permanent driver’s licence in India. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to hold a valid licence to drive on Indian roads.

The learner's licence indicates that the applicant is in the process of learning to drive and is aware of the basic traffic rules. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for both personal and commercial vehicle categories.

The learning licence in India is given based on the type of motor vehicle. There are two primary categories:

• Personal Learner’s Licence

• Commercial Learner’s Licence

Each category is further divided based on vehicle type. The following table summarises the different types of Learner's Licence:

The learning licence age in India and eligibility depend on the vehicle category:

• Age 16+: For two-wheelers up to 50cc (with parental consent if under 18)
  

• Age 18+: For light motor vehicles (cars, bikes above 50cc)
  

• Age 20+: For commercial/transport vehicles (with at least 1 year of LMV driving experience and Class 8 qualification)
  

After receiving your learning driving licence, you can apply for a permanent licence after 30 days.

To apply for a learner’s licence (online or offline), you must submit:

• Proof of Age: PAN card, Birth Certificate, 10th class marksheet, Passport

• Proof of Address: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Rental agreement, Utility bill (if rented)

• Medical Certificate: Form 1 & 1A signed by a government doctor (if required)

• Photographs: 6 passport-sized

• Duly filled application form

Wondering how to get learner license online? The process is simple via the official RTO learning license portal or Parivahan Sewa: (order of steps may differ from state to state)

Step 1: Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/

Step 2: Select concerned state

Step 3: Click on "Application for New Learner’s Licence" from Learner's Licence menu

Step 4: Fill up Learner's Licence application form

Step 5: Click on ‘Next’ button to proceed

Step 6: Choose a date for your learner’s test at the RTO

Step 7: Visit RTO on scheduled date with required original documents & fee slip. 

You need to be present at the Learner's Licence test centre/RTO to take the test on the allotted/selected slot.

If you are not comfortable applying online, you can choose the offline mode of application. The following steps highlight the method to apply offline for a Learning Licence:

Step 1: Get Form 2 or Form 3 from your RTO or website.

Step 2: Next, you have to fill in all the required details and attach photographs and other required documents. Submit the application form at the RTO and pay the fees.

Step 3: After the form submission is completed and there are no issues with the form, the authorized officer gives you the date for the online test.

Step 4: You need to be present as per the allotted slot for the test. 

Once you pass the test and all the due process is completed, the Learning Licence is issued, or it will be sent to your registered address.

Before applying for a learner’s licence, it's important to understand the standard fees you’ll need to pay during the process. These charges may vary slightly by state, but the general structure remains consistent across most RTOs in India.

Common Fees and Charges:

• ₹150 – Learner’s licence application fee per vehicle class
  

• ₹50 – Test fee for the learner’s licence
  

• ₹200 – Fee for issuing the learner’s licence
  

• Additional service charges may apply for online form submission or smart card issuance (varies by RTO)
  

Before applying, always confirm the exact fees on your state RTO website or the Parivahan portal for the most accurate and updated amounts.

In some states, the state RTOs offer some additional features with the online application, like selecting the test slot for the Learner's Licence online test. In such cases, you need to complete the online application and make the required payment for both the learner’s licence and the test.

After submitting the application, you will receive an email confirming the test slot along with details of the venue and documents to carry on the test day.

In states where online test slot booking is not available, you must visit the RTO office to inquire and book the slot manually.

Before receiving your learning driving licence, you must pass a test that assesses your knowledge of Indian traffic rules. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:

• The RTO learning license test is typically computer-based and includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• Questions cover road signs, traffic signals, rules of learning licence, penalties, and safe driving practices.

• The test lasts 10–15 minutes, with about 10–20 questions, depending on your state RTO.

• A passing score of 60–70% is required in most states.

• Many states offer online mock tests to help you understand the learner's license rules in India.

• Refer to the official learning licence in India handbook or RTO material to prepare.

• If you fail, you can reappear after a short waiting period, usually 7 days.

A learning licence in India is valid only for a limited period, but renewal is simple if done on time. Here's what you need to know:

• The standard validity of a learner's licence is 6 months (180 days) from the date of issue.

• You can apply for a permanent driving licence only after 30 days but within this 6-month window.

• If your learning driving licence expires, you must reapply and may need to retake the test.

• Renewal requires you to upload documents again and pay the prescribed learning license registration fee.

• Some RTOs may allow only one renewal, so always check with your state's rules.

While holding a learning driving licence, it's essential to follow safety and legal protocols to avoid penalties:

Dos:

• Display a clear ‘L’ mark on the vehicle’s front and rear, as per learners licence rules.

• Always drive with a licensed supervisor, especially if you’re under 18 or still practising.

• Keep your learner’s licence and ID proof with you while driving.

• Follow the rules of learning licence, including speed limits and road safety norms.

Don’ts:

• Never drive alone; this violates learners licence rules and can lead to disqualification.

• Do not use your licence to drive on highways or in commercial zones.

• Avoid carrying passengers or driving commercial vehicles unless licenced under that class.

• Don’t misuse your learning driving licence for delivery or ride-share services.

Once you have completed your mandatory practice period, here’s how to move from a learner’s licence to a permanent one:

• Apply for a permanent licence 30 days after the issue of your RTO learning licence.

• The application must be submitted before your learning licence expires (within 180 days).

• Book your driving test slot via the learning licence registration portal or RTO.

• Appear for the practical test with your own vehicle or a driving school’s car.

• If you pass, you’ll receive your permanent driving licence within a few working days.

Here are frequent problems applicants face when applying for a learner’s licence in India, and how to resolve them quickly:

1. Documents rejected or mismatched

   Fix: Upload correct scanned copies of age and address proof. Check eligibility based on learning licence age in India (16+ for 2-wheelers, 18+ for 4-wheelers).

2. Test slot not visible on the portal

   Fix: Confirm learning licence registration is complete and try accessing the site during off hours.

3. Not receiving the learner’s licence after passing

   Fix: Track delivery status or download the e-copy from your state transport portal.

Once you have a Learner's Licence, you can practise on the road under the supervision of someone with a Permanent Driving Licence or a certified driving school. This will help you get familiarised with traffic and road safety rules which will surely help you when you drive your vehicle. You should have a valid vehicle insurance policy to enhance your road safety cover. You can choose from different insurance policies on Bajaj Markets, which offers a range of motor insurance options for added road safety and legal compliance.