Learner's Licence Application Guide for India

What is a Learner's Licence?

A learner's licence (LL) is a temporary permit that lets you legally drive on public roads while learning — provided a licensed driver sits with you at all times. In India, it's issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Without a valid learner's licence, any driving on a public road is illegal, even with supervision. It's the mandatory first step before your permanent driving licence.

Eligibility

Age requirements depend on the vehicle type:

Gearless two-wheelers (engine capacity ≤ 50cc): minimum age 16, with parental consent
All other vehicles — geared motorcycles, cars, light motor vehicles: minimum age 18
Commercial/heavy vehicles: minimum age 18 (20 in some states for heavy goods vehicles)

You must also be medically fit to drive. For most applicants this is self-declared on Form 1. Heavy vehicle licences require a medical certificate from a registered medical officer (Form 1A).

Documents Required

Bring originals and one set of self-attested copies of:

Age proof — Aadhaar card, birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport, or PAN card
Address proof — Aadhaar card, utility bill (within 3 months), bank passbook, or passport
3–4 recent passport-size photographs
Completed Form 1 (available at the RTO or on Sarathi Parivahan portal)
Application fee — varies by state and vehicle class, typically ₹200–₹500

Aadhaar card alone satisfies both age proof and address proof in most states. If your address on Aadhaar is outdated, bring a recent utility bill as a supplement.

How to Apply

Online (recommended)

Apply through the Sarathi Parivahan portal at parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice. Select your state, fill in the application form, upload documents, pay the fee online, and book a test slot at your local RTO.

On the booked date, visit the RTO with your original documents. If everything is in order, you proceed directly to the computerised test.

Offline (at the RTO)

Visit your local RTO, collect Form 1 at the counter, fill it in, attach documents, pay the fee at the cashier window, and apply for a test slot. Queues can be long — the online route avoids most of this.

The Test

The learner's licence test is a multiple-choice computer test. Most RTOs now use a touchscreen system. Expect:

15–20 questions covering traffic signs, road rules, and driving procedures
Questions based on the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicle Rules
A passing threshold of 60% (around 9/15 or 12/20 depending on RTO)
The test is in the official regional language with English as an option at most centres

The most common reason for failure is rushing through road sign questions. Read each question twice — “which sign is this?” and “what does this sign mean?” look similar but need different answers.

Results are immediate. If you pass, your learner's licence is issued on the spot or sent to your registered address within a few days depending on the state.

After You Pass

Your learner's licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue
Drive only with a valid licence holder (3+ years) seated beside you
Display an 'L' board at the front and rear of the vehicle while learning
Apply for your permanent driving licence at least 30 days (and no more than 180 days) after your LL date
The permanent licence test includes a practical driving test — not just theory

The 30-day wait between LL issue and permanent licence test is mandatory by law. Use that time to get proper supervised practice.