Learner's Licence in India

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, all individuals who wish to ride a motorcycle need to have a valid driving license as driving without a valid license is considered illegal. It is important that all individuals who drive vehicles obtain a license to avoid legal consequences or penalties.

Updated On - 06 Sep 2025

A person who has not reached the legal age to obtain the driving license can apply for a learning license, which allows them legally to drive motorcycle in India. Learner's license is also issued to applicants who are at the learning stage of driving.

On this page you will find all the details regarding the learner’s license in India, its eligibility, and required documents among other information.

What is Learner's Licence in India?

You need to have a valid driving licence in order to drive a car on Indian roads. gaining a learner's licence is the prerequisite for gaining a driving licence in India. A learner's licence is a temporary and restricted licence that is issued by the regional transport authority (RTO) and regional transport office (RTO) of the relevant state. To obtain a learner's licence, one needs to be aware of traffic laws and common sense.

In India, a candidate receives a learner's licence upon passing an online or written exam that assesses his understanding of traffic laws. You can practise driving on public roads after receiving your learner's permit as long as you are with someone who has a permanent driving licence. Before you can gain a driving licence, you must first obtain a learner's licence for the relevant classes of vehicle.

Apply for Learner's Licence

Types of Learner's Licence in India

Driving Licence and Learner's Licence in India are awarded based on the class of motor vehicle. Depending on the class of the vehicle, the eligibility criteria also vary. Here are some of the most common class of vehicles.

Category of Use

License Class

Vehicle Type

Personal use

MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50 cc)

Motorcycles with engine capacity of 50 cc or less than 50 cc

LMV - NT

Light Motor Vehicle used for non-transport purposes

FVG

Motorcycles of any engine capacity but with no gears like scooters and mopeds

MC EX50CC

Motorcycles with a capacity of 50 CC or more, motorcycles with gear and Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) including cars

MCWG or M / CYCL.WG

All types of Motorcycles including Motorcycle with gear

Commercial Use

HGMV

Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle

LMV - TR

Light Motor Vehicle used for commercial purposes

HPMV

All India driving permit for trucks and cars or open licence / Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle

LMV - NT

Light Motor Vehicle for non-transport purposes

MGV

Medium Goods Vehicle

Eligibility for Learner's Licence in India

Depending on the class of motor vehicle and the type of learner's licence sought for, the eligibility criteria for Learning Licence differs. The eligibility conditions for various types of Learner's Licence offered in India is given below.

Type of Learner's Licence

Eligibility Criteria

Motorcycles with gear

The candidate must be aged at least 18 years.

Motorcycles without gear with up to 50 cc capacity

The candidate must be aged at least 16 years. For candidates less than 18 years of age, the consent from guardian or parent must be obtained.

General Requirement for obtaining a Learner's Licence

The Learner's Licence applicant should be at least 18 years of age and must be fluent with traffic rules & regulations. The applicant must have valid address proof and age proof documents.

Commercial Heavy Vehicles and Transport Vehicles

The applicant must have finished 8th standard of schooling. The applicant must be at least 18 years old. In some states, the minimum age requirement is 20 years.

Details Present in Learner’s License

The learner’s license contains important details regarding the individual who has applied for the same. The details mentioned in the license are as follows:

  1. Name and age of the learner’s license holder
  2. Photograph of the applicant
  3. Issuing authority of the learner’s license
  4. A label specifying that it is a learner’s license

Application Fees for Learner’s License

The application fee charge for a learner’s license for a particular vehicle class amounts to Rs.150. Additionally, the applicants are also required to pay Rs.50 as a test fee. All the payments must be made at the time of submitting the documents and application fee.

Learner's Licence Form

Individuals who are looking at obtaining a driving licence in India are required to fulfil certain conditions. One of the key conditions is having a learner's licence Form.

The application form for a learner's licence consists of two sections to be filled out, as follows:

  1. Particulars to be furnished by the applicant: The applicant is required to enter the following details when applying for a learner's licence -
    1. Personal details such as name, address, date of birth, place of birth.
    2. Educational qualification.
    3. Type of Indian citizenship (by birth, naturalization) along with documentation.
    4. Blood group.
    5. Previous driving licences held with details (if any).
    6. Driving school certificate (if required).
    7. Exemption from medical test (if applicable).
  2. Declaration that particulars entered in the previous section are true, along with the signature of the parent/guardian of the applicant.
Download -  Learners Licence Form  

Fees for Learning Licence

For one class of vehicles, there is a charge of Rs. 200 to apply for a learner's licence. When submitting the necessary paperwork and the Learning Licence DL application form, applicants must pay.

Documents Required to get a Learner's Licence in India

Having all the required paperwork in order will guarantee a quick and easy application procedure for a learner's licence. In order to apply for a learner's licence, a candidate must bring the following paperwork to the RTO. Applicants who intend to apply online must have a scanned copy of the files listed below ready to upload. The following paperwork is needed in order to apply for a learner's licence in India.

  1. Proof of Address (any one document from the list given below)
    1. Recent electricity or telephone bill
    2. LIC Bond
    3. Aadhaar Card
    4. Passport
    5. House agreement
    6. Ration Card
  2. Age Proof (any one document of the below given list of documents)
    1. PAN Card
    2. Birth Certificate
    3. Transfer certificate from any school for any class with date of birth printed on it.
    4. 10th Class mark sheet
    5. Passport
  3. Application Fee for Learner's Licence
  4. If you are residing in other cities, you can submit the rental agreement with a copy of a recent utility bill like electricity bill or gas bill as current address proof.
  5. At least six copies of passport size photographs
  6. Medical Certificate - Form 1A and 1 which is to be signed by a certified Government doctor (if applicable).
  7. Completely filled application form. (You can download the form from the state RTO portal or you can procure the form from the nearest RTO office)

How to Apply for a Learning Licence Online in India?

The state RTO websites in India allow you to file online applications for Learner's licence in India. Though the steps for filing a Learner's licence application vary from state to state, read the general procedure given below to get an overall idea of how to file a learner's licence application online.

  1. Step 1: Google to find the transport department's website for your state or the RTO website. See if the website has the online Learner's licence application facility.
  2. Step 2: If the state transportation department allows you to submit an online application for a learner's licence, make sure you carefully follow the guidelines. Typically, you must provide details such as your father's name, the district, the postal code, the Aadhaar card number, and the region. Before submitting the form, you will also need to provide papers online, such as proof of address and proof of age.
  3. Step 3: Additionally, some state RTOs include a facility where you can choose the time for the learner's licence exam while applying for a licence. Additionally, you will have the option to pay for the learner's licence application and test online. You will also receive a receipt in the mail that you must show at the test location.
  4. Step 4: On some websites, you will be able to download the application which you will have to later present at the RTO before taking the test. Remember, you must also submit other original documents at the RTO before taking the test.
  5. Step 5: Be present at the RTO / Learner's licence test facility to take the Learner's licence test as per the slot that you have selected

How to Apply for a Learner's Licence through Parivahan website

  1. Step 1: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan
  2. Step 2: Click on the 'Online Services' tab present at top.
  3. Step 3: Select the 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the drop-down menu.
  4. Step 4: Choose the concerned state.
  5. Step 5: On the redirected page, click on the 'Fee/Payments' tab.
  6. Step 6: Enter the required details.
  7. Step 7: Click on 'Click here to calculate fees'.
  8. Step 8: Choose the payment gateway.
  9. Step 9: Complete the payment.

How to Apply for a Learner's Licence Offline in India

You can easily apply for a learner's licence straight at the RTO office if you are unfamiliar with the online application process or if your state's transport department does not offer the online application capability. To find out how to apply for a learner's licence at the RTO, follow the instructions listed below.

  1. Step 1: Either Form 2 (application for learner's licence with passport photos) or Form 3 (application for learner's licence with photographs) must be obtained. These forms are available for direct pickup from the RTO office or download from the internet. 
  2. Step 2: Complete the application form thoroughly, and if needed, attach photos. Attach documentation proving your age and address. Proceed to the local RTO and turn in the application. Additionally, pick a time to schedule a Learner's Licence exam.
  3. Step 3: Be present at the Learner's licence test facility on the date and time that you have chosen. Once you pass the test, the Learner's licence will be sent to the registered address or will be directly offered on the spot depending on the RTO.
  4. Step 4: If you are taking driving lessons under the guidance of a driving school, they will assist you in getting a Learner's licence.

Test Procedure for LL in India

All applicants for learner's licences must pass a written or online exam that assesses their understanding of traffic laws and safety signals. To obtain your learner's licence, you must successfully complete the test. The following are some crucial details about the Learner's Licence exam.

  1. Be present at the test venue at least half an hour before the designated time.
  2. Ask about the Learner's Licence exam at the RTO. The majority of RTOs include a written notice with key information, including as laws and traffic signals, that will be examined.
  3. Before you could take the test, if you applied for the Learner's Licence test online, you must turn in the confirmation slip at the appropriate counter and pay.
  4. Usually, you'll have to respond to multiple-choice questions on paper or online. To obtain your learner's licence, you must properly answer a predetermined number of questions.
  5. If you could not pass the test, you can take a retest after a week
  6. You can also apply for a permanent driving license 30 days after the issuance of the learner’s license.

Why do you need a LL in India?

Here are some of the reasons as to why you need a Learner's Licence in India.

  1. To learn to drive a motor vehicle, you must first get a Learner's Licence for that class of vehicle. A Learner's Licence legally allows you to learn driving with an experienced instructor or driver on Indian roads.
  2. If you hold a valid Learner's License, you can practice driving with a permanent Driving Licence holder. This will help you polish your driving skills before you take your vehicle out.
  3. Getting a Driving Licence is a precursor to getting a Driving Licence. It is easy to apply for and get a permanent Driving License if you hold a valid Learner's Licence.
  4. Holding a Learner's Licence and practicing on roads will help you get familiarized with road rules which will in turn help you when you are driving.
  5. It is important to have an LL as most insurance policies in India requires the driver to possess a valid Driving License, which includes a Learner’s License as well

FAQs on Learners Licence

  • Is my Learner's Licence valid throughout India?

    Yes, your Learner's Licence is valid throughout the country for six months from the date of issue.

  • Are there any rules that must be followed while learning to drive with a Learner's Licence?

    Yes, having a Learner’s License comes with certain rules and restrictions. Individuals having a Learner’s License are required to be always accompanied by a person holding a driver’s license for the respective vehicle category. They must also put up an ‘L’ sign on their vehicle indicating that they hold a learner’s license. Additionally, learners are not allowed to drive over a certain speed.

  • What is the validity period of a LL issued in India?

    In India, a Learner's License is valid for a period of six months. Once the LL has expired, you must either renew your Learner's License or apply for a fresh one depending on the RTO rules.

  • Will I be asked to drive a motor vehicle to get my Learner's Licence?

    No, driving a car won't be a requirement for obtaining your learner's licence. However, you will need to take a multiple-choice test either online or in person to gauge your knowledge of traffic signs and road regulations.

  • I need to apply for a LL for a non-gear vehicle and car. Do I have to apply separately?

    No, you may submit separate applications for a learner's licence for a car and a non-gear vehicle. It is also possible to take one test to cover both. Nevertheless, the application price applies to both cars and vehicles without gear.

  • Can I renew my learner's licence after it expires?

    An expired learner's licence cannot be renewed, but you can apply for a new licence.

  • Can an illiterate individual apply for a learner’s licence?

    Yes, illiterate individuals can apply for a learner’s licence.

  • What happens if I do not attend the learner’s licence test?

    If you are absent for the learner’s licence test, you will have to book a fresh appointment and pay the retest fee.

  • How can I check the status of my learner’s licence application?

    You can check the status of your learner’s licence application on the official Parivahan Sewa website.

  • Is my learner's licence also valid for commercial vehicles?

    No, your learner's licence is not valid for a commercial vehicle because it is issued based on the class of vehicle. 

  • Can I upgrade my LL to a permanent Driving License?

    Yes, after holding a learner’s license for a specific duration (usually 30 days), you are eligible to apply for a permanent driving license. To upgrade from your license from LL to a permanent driving license, you need to pass a driving test conducted by the RTO. The permanent driving license, unlike the LL, allows you to drive without any restrictions within the vehicle category for which they have qualified.

  • Can a 17-year-old apply for a Learner’s License in India?

    Yes, any individual above 16 years of age can apply for a learner’s license in India.

  • Is it mandatory to put an ‘L’ sign board on the card if you have a Learner’s License?

    Yes, it is compulsory to put an ‘L’ sign on your car if you have a Learner’s License. It is an indication to other drivers on the road to understand that you are at the learning stage of driving. 

  • Is a learning license issued for a bike?

    Yes, a Learner’s License is issued for individuals for riding a two-wheeler.

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