All about learner’s licence in India

You must have a driving licence to drive legally in India. The first and most crucial step for obtaining a driving licence is getting a learner’s licence. A learner’s licence is a document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The Motor Vehicles Act (1988) states that citizens must hold a driving licence to drive on the roads. It also explains that an individual cannot drive a vehicle without obtaining a driving licence. The first step towards getting a driving licence is a learner’s licence. 

You must receive a learner’s licence for the concerned vehicle class before getting a driving licence. A learner’s licence is issued to the candidate once they pass the online or written test. The exam tests the knowledge of road rules and regulations. After passing the learner’s licence test, the candidate will be allowed to practise driving on public roads. 

 

Types of Learner’s Licence in India 

Personal Use	Vehicle Type
	MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50 cc) licence class for motor vehicles.   Engine Capacity – 50 cc or less than 50 cc.
	LMV – NT licence class for Light Motor Vehicle (used for non-transport purposes).
	FVG licence class – for Motorcycles of any engine capacity.   No gears, like scooters and mopeds.
	MC EX50CC licence class – for Motorcycles with a capacity of 50 CC.  Motorcycles with gear and Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), including cars.

 

Commercial Use	Vehicle Type
	HGMV – Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle
	LMV – Light Motor Vehicle (commercial purposes)
	HPMV – heavy passenger vehicles
	LMV –  light motor vehicles (non-transport purposes)
	MGV – medium goods vehicle

 

Types of Learner’s Licence	Eligibility Criteria
Motorcycle Gear	The applicant must be above 18 years of age.
Motorcycle without gear with capacity up to 50cc	The applicant must be 16 years of age.  For applicants less than 18 years, a parent or guardian must consent.
Commercial heavy vehicle and transport vehicle	The applicant must be 18 years of age.  They should have finished schooling till the 8th standard.  The minimum age requirement for a learner’s licence in a few states for this vehicle type is 20 years.
General requirements	The applicant must be aware of the traffic rules and regulations. The candidate must have a valid address and age proof.

Required documents 

Age Proof:

• Birth Certificate 
• PAN Card 
• 10th Marksheet
• Passport 
• Transfer Certificate from the school

 

Address Proof: 

• Ration Card 
• Aadhaar Card 
• Passport 
• LIC Policy Bond 
• Telephone Bill
• Electricity Bill
• Recent Utility Bills
• Registered House Rent Agreement 

 

Other Documents: 

• Six recent passport-size photographs.  
• Medical Certificate attested by a Certified Government Doctor. 
• Application fees for Learner’s Licence. 
• Filled form, which can be obtained from the nearest RTO office. 

 

Learner’s Licence Form 

• Personal details – Name, Address, Date of Birth, Place of Birth. 
• Educational Qualification 
• Type of Indian Citizenship 
• Blood Group 
• Previous Driving Licence (if any)
• Driving School Certificate 
• Exemption from Medical Test

 

Fee for Learner’s Licence 

• You need to pay Rs 200 to apply for one vehicle. The candidates must make the payment at the time of submitting their documents and application form. 

 

How to apply for a Learner’s Licence Online in India?

 

1. Visit the official website – https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en
2. Select the ‘Online Services’ tab present on the page. 
3. Click on the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ from the drop-down menu. 
4. Select your residing state from the list. 
5. Click the ‘Fee/Payments’ tab on the redirected page. 
6. Enter all the required details such as your name, father’s name, district, postal code, Aadhar Card number, etc. 
7. Submit all the scanned copies of proofs (age and address) required. 
8. Select ‘Click here to calculate fees. 
9. Choose the payment gateway from the options and make the pay the required amount. 

You must submit the receipt and present it during the test on successful payment. Before scheduling your examination, you can also offer the form in person at your nearest RTO centre. Note that some transport websites allow you to choose the particular time slot for the learning licence test. 

 

How to apply for a Learner’s Licence Offline in India?

• Visit the RTO office and submit the application form. Write your basic details on the application form. 
• Paste photographs in the necessary sections. 
• Attach all documents related to your age proof and address proof. 
• Please request the RTO officials to schedule your licence test at your preferred date and time. 
• Appear for the test on the given date and time. 
• Once qualified for the test, the RTO office will send your learner’s licence to your permanent address. 
• If you have enrolled in driving lessons from a professional driving school, the instructor will help you obtain a licence. 

 

Test Procedure to Secure a Learner’s Licence 

The applicants must undergo a test online or offline to check their knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. 

• The candidates must be present at the exam venue half an hour before the time of the examination. 
• If you attend an online examination, you must present the confirmation slip.  
• The candidate has to answer all the multiple-choice questions given (applies for both online and offline). 
• You can apply for a permanent driving licence if you have cleared the test. It must be applied 30 days after the issue of your learner’s licence. You must also pay the test fees before taking the test. 
• Note that the application for a permanent driving licence must be filed within 180 days from the learner’s licence date. 
• You could appear for a second attempt a week later if you did not qualify for the first test.

 

FAQs

How much do you need to pay for a Learner's Licence?

You need to pay Rs 150 at the time of submitting your application.

What is the validity of a learner's licence in India?

The learner's licence is valid for six months.

Is the learner's licence valid all over India?

Yes. It is valid across India but only for six months from the date of issue.

Can I obtain a duplicate driving licence?

Yes. You can get a duplicate driving licence by submitting your age and address proofs.

What is the cost to obtain a duplicate driving licence?

You must pay Rs 50 at the time of re-submitting your application.