Learner’s Licence

A learner’s licence (LL) is the first legal step for anyone aspiring to drive on Indian roads. It grants the individual permission to learn to drive under the supervision of a permanent licence holder. The learner's licence ensures that new drivers understand road rules, signs, and safe driving practices before handling a vehicle independently. Whether you are applying for a 2-wheeler learning license or a 4-wheeler learner license, it is a mandatory requirement by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). You can apply for LL through both online and offline methods, depending on your preference and convenience.

Table of Contents:

• ⇾ Learner’s Licence & Its Importance
• ⇾ Types of Learner's Licence in India
• ⇾ Eligibility for Learner’s Licence in India
• ⇾ Learner’s Licence Application Process
• ⇾ Learner’s Licence Fee
• ⇾ Documents Needed for Learning License
• ⇾ LL Test Process in India
• ⇾ Learner's Licence Rules
• ⇾ Validity & Renewal of Learning License
• ⇾ Frequently Asked Questions

Learner’s Licence & Its Importance

A learner’s licence is a provisional licence issued by the transport department of India. It allows an individual to practice driving with certain restrictions and in the presence of a qualified driver.

The importance of a learner's licence includes:

• Legal Eligibility: It legally permits an individual to drive while learning.
• Safety and Awareness: Encourages understanding of traffic rules and safe driving behavior.
• Mandatory Prerequisite: A learner's licence is essential before applying for a permanent driving licence.
• Prevents Accidents: By ensuring only supervised drivers are on the road, it reduces risk and enhances public safety.
• Valid Identity Proof: Acts as a valid government-issued identity proof during the learning phase.

Types of Learner's Licence in India

When applying for a learner's licence in India, it's essential to select the correct vehicle category. Licences are issued based on whether the vehicle is intended for personal use or commercial use. This classification determines the eligibility criteria, type of test, and legal permissions granted during the learning phase. Below are the details:

1. Personal Use Learner’s Licence

This category is suitable for individuals learning to drive private vehicles such as motorcycles or cars.

These options are commonly selected when applying for a 2-wheeler learning license or a 4-wheeler learner license for private driving.

2. Commercial Use Learner’s Licence

This category is for those who intend to drive commercial or transport vehicles for professional purposes.

Applicants for transport learner licences, such as a learning license for commercial vehicles, should select from this list while filling out the application form on the Sarathi Parivahan portal.

Eligibility for Learner’s Licence in India

To be eligible for a learner’s licence, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

• Age:
• Minimum 16 years for gearless two-wheelers (with parental/guardian consent).
• Minimum 18 years for light motor vehicles (LMV).
• Minimum 20 years for commercial/transport vehicles.
• Educational Qualification: Not mandatory, but should be able to understand traffic rules.
• Residency: Must be a resident of the state from which he/she is applying.
• Health Conditions: Must be physically and mentally fit to drive.

Learner’s Licence Application Process

The process to apply for a learner's licence can be completed either online or offline, depending on what suits you best.

1. Learner’s Licence Application Process Online:

1. Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal and select the State. (For Example: Karnataka)


2. Click on “Apply for Learner Licence”.


3. Read the instructions given and click on ‘Continue’.


4. Choose the category among the 3 options given and click on ‘Submit’


5. Authenticate Identity
1. With Aadhaar: Enter Aadhaar/Virtual ID, verify with OTP.


2. Without Aadhaar: Enter mobile number and captcha, verify with OTP.


6. Fill Application Form by entering personal, contact, and vehicle class details (e.g., LMV-NT, MCWG).
7. Upload the Required Documents of age proof, address proof, photo, and signature.
8. Pay the Learning Licence Fee, which is usually ₹150–₹200, depending on the state.
9. Select a date and time and book an LL Test Slot for the online RTO test or offline test.
10. Save or print your application receipt and test details.

Suggested Read: mParivahan App

2. Learner’s Licence Application Process Offline

If you prefer the traditional method, you can also apply for a learner’s licence offline by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). This method involves filling out forms manually and completing the process at the RTO in person.

1. Locate and visit the RTO office in your area.
2. Request and fill out Form 2 for a learner’s licence application.
3. Submit the required documents such as age proof, address proof, and a photograph.
4. Submit the completed form along with documents at the learner’s licence counter.
5. Pay the applicable learning licence fee (around ₹150–₹200).
6. Choose a date for the learner's licence test.
7. Visit the RTO on the scheduled date and take the test on traffic rules and signs.
8. On passing the test, your learner’s licence will be issued, either printed on the spot or delivered later.

Learner’s Licence Fee

The learning licence fee can vary slightly by state but typically includes the following charges:

Documents Needed for Learning License

While applying for a learner’s licence, you need to submit valid documentation. Below are the mandatory documents needed for a learning license:

• Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Passport, or Aadhaar card.
• Proof of Address: Voter ID, Utility Bills, Rent Agreement.
• Passport-sized Photographs (usually 2–3 copies).
• Form 1 (Self-declaration for medical fitness).
• Form 1A (Medical Certificate – for applicants over 40 years).

These documents must be submitted online or carried in person during the learner's license test.

LL Test Process in India

To get a learner’s licence in India, all applicants must pass a theoretical test, conducted either online or at the RTO. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices.

Before the Test:

• Arrive at the RTO 30 minutes early (if offline)
• Carry your confirmation slip as proof of application and fee payment

After the Test:

• Instant results are provided
• On passing, your learner's licence is issued
• If you fail, you can reappear after 7 days

Preparation Tip: Use the LL mock tests available on the Parivahan portal to get familiar with the format and questions.

Learner's Licence Rules

Once you receive your learner's licence, it’s important to follow specific rules to ensure safety and legal compliance while practicing driving. These learner permit rules are mandatory across India.

Key Rules for Learner Drivers:

• Supervised Driving Only: You must be accompanied by a permanent driving licence holder when driving.
• Display 'L' Symbol: A red ‘L’ should be visible on the front and rear of the vehicle.
• No Highway Driving: Learners are not allowed to drive on highways or busy roads unsupervised.
• Carry Licence at All Times: Always carry your learner's licence when driving.
• Follow Traffic Rules: Obey all road signs, speed limits, and traffic laws.
• No Commercial Driving: You are not permitted to use a learner’s licence for driving commercial or transport vehicles.
• One Person Supervision: Only one qualified person (not a fellow learner) should accompany you while driving.

Suggested Read: Driving Licence

Validity & Renewal of Learning License

A learner’s licence in India is valid for a limited period and must be renewed if the applicant does not take or pass the permanent driving licence test within that time. Understanding the validity and renewal process is essential to staying compliant.

Validity of Learner’s Licence:

Renewal of Learner’s Licence:

It is advisable to complete your driving test and obtain a permanent licence within the validity period to avoid repeating the process.