Table of Contents
• Introduction
• How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Online
• Eligibility and Documents Required
• Step-by-Step Application Process
• Learner’s Licence Test
• Fees and Validity
A learner’s license is a temporary driving permit issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It allows new drivers to practice on public roads under supervision before taking the test for a permanent driving license. It is valid for 6 months and is mandatory.
Introduction
A Learner’s Licence is a provisional permit issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, that allows you to practice driving on public roads — but only when accompanied by someone who holds a valid permanent licence for that vehicle class. You cannot drive alone on an LL, and doing so can attract a fine. – **Validity:** 6 months from the date of issue (non-extendable) – **Issued by:** The RTO of the district where you currently reside – **Portal:** [sarathi.parivahan.gov.in](https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in)
How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Online
Step 1: Go to the Parivahan Website Open your browser and search for **”driving licence”** or directly visit **parivahan.gov.in**. On the homepage, click on **”Drivers/Learners License”**. ## Step 2: Select Your State
You’ll be redirected to the **Sarathi Parivahan** portal. Here: – Choose your preferred **language** – From the dropdown, **select the State** from which you want to avail the service (e.g., Punjab) This will take you to your State Transport Department’s page.
Step 3: Choose “Apply for Learner Licence” On your state’s Transport Department page, click the **Licence Menu**, then select **”Apply for Learner Licence”** (as opposed to “Apply for Driving Licence,” which is for a permanent DL after you already hold an LL). You’ll see a summary of the application stages:
1. Fill Application Details (LL)
2. Upload Photo and Signature *(if applying via Aadhaar eKYC, only signature is needed)*
3. Upload Documents
4. Fee Payment
5. Verify Payment Status
6. Print the Receipt
7. LL Slot Booking (for the test) **Note:** The portal reminds you to go through the **Road Safety Tutorial** before attempting the online Learner’s Licence test. Click **Continue**.
Step 4: Fill in the Application Details On the “Application for Learner’s Licence” page:
1. **Select Category** (if required) — e.g., General
2. Choose your current licence status: – Applicant does **not** hold any Driving/Learner licence issued in India – Applicant holds a Driving Licence – Applicant holds a Learner Licence
3. **Select your RTO Office** from the dropdown — this determines your nearest RTO/Sewa Kendra for the application
4. Click **Submit** ##
Step 5: Choose Your Authentication Method
The system will ask you to pick how you want to submit your application: – **Submit via Aadhaar Authentication** — Recommended. This lets you complete eKYC using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, take the LL test from home (or any location of your choice), and skip a physical visit to the RTO. The password/OTP for the online LL test is sent as an SMS to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. – **Submit without Aadhaar Authentication** — You’ll need to visit the RTO office in person for document verification, though the LL test itself can still be taken remotely. Choose the option that suits you and click **Submit**. ## Step 6: Fill Personal & Application Details Once authenticated, complete the online form with details such as: – Full name, date of birth, gender – Address details – Blood group – Identity and address proof document details (e.g., Aadhaar number) – Declaration regarding any existing licences Step 7: Upload Photo, Signature, and Documents – Upload a passport-size **photograph** and **signature** (only signature is needed if you completed Aadhaar eKYC, since your photo is fetched automatically) – Upload supporting **documents** such as proof of age and proof of address ## Step 8: Pay the Application Fee Proceed to the **fee payment** section and pay online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Fees vary slightly by state, so check the amount shown on your state’s portal.
Step 9: Verify Payment and Download Receipt
After payment, verify the payment status on the portal and **print/download your receipt** for your records — you may need to carry this to the RTO or produce it later.
Step 10: Book Your LL Test Slot Finally, book a slot for the **Learner’s Licence test** (a basic online test on traffic rules and road signs). Once you clear the test, your Learner’s Licence is generated and can be downloaded online.
*Disclaimer: Steps and fees may vary slightly by state. Always refer to your state’s official Sarathi Parivahan portal for the most accurate and up-to-date information.*
Eligibility and Documents Required
Eligibility
- Age:
- 16 years — for gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc (MCWOG), with parental/guardian consent required until you turn 18
- 18 years — for gear vehicles, cars, and most other categories (LMV, MCWG)
- 20 years — for transport/commercial vehicle categories
- You must know and understand traffic rules and road signs (tested via an online/computer-based test at the RTO)
- Every person who wants to drive on public roads in India must first obtain a Learner’s Licence from the Regional Transport Office, under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 LegalClarity
Documents Required
1. Proof of Age (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- 10th standard marksheet/certificate
- Birth certificate
- Passport
2. Proof of Address (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Utility bill (electricity/water/gas)
- Ration card
- Rental agreement (if applicable)
3. Forms
- Form 2 — Application form for a new Learner’s Licence
- Form 1 — Self-declaration of physical fitness (filled online during the Sarathi application)
- Form 1A — Medical certificate, only required for transport licences or applicants above a certain age (typically 40+ or 50+, varies by state). At most RTOs, this medical certificate has moved to a digitally verified system — the doctor signing it needs to be registered on the Parivahan portal and must upload the certificate digitally using their official MCI registration number CARS24
4. Other
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Prescribed application fee (varies by state, typically ₹150–200 per class of vehicle)
- If you’re under 18, a consent letter from a parent/guardian for the gearless two-wheeler category
Learner’s Licence Test
Test Format
• Type: Computer-based multiple-choice test (also called the STALL test), taken online via the Sarathi Parivahan portal
• Number of questions: Typically 15 questions, though this varies by state — some states use 20, and Kerala uses a 50-question format
• Time: Around 30 seconds per question, so roughly 8–15 minutes total
• Mode: Many states now let you take it entirely online from home, without visiting the RTO in person — check your state’s Sarathi portal to confirm
• Some states require watching a mandatory road safety video before the test begins
Passing Marks
This varies significantly by state — sources report both 60% and 80% thresholds:
• Common formats: 9 out of 15 (60%) or 12 out of 15 (80%)
• Kerala: 30 out of 50
• There’s generally no negative marking — unanswered or wrong answers just score zero, they don’t deduct points
Since the exact cutoff differs by state, it’s worth checking your state’s Sarathi portal before the test, but aiming for 80%+ in practice gives you a safe buffer either way.
Topics Covered
• Traffic signs (roughly 40–50% of the test) — mandatory signs (red circles), warning signs (red triangles), and informatory signs (blue rectangles)
• Traffic rules — right of way, overtaking rules, lane discipline, signal compliance, pedestrian rules
• Road safety practices
• Basic provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Tips to Prepare
• The Sarathi portal has a free mock test (“Learner Test” section) with 50+ practice questions drawn from the same question bank as the real test — practice this a few times beforehand
• Focus heavily on sign shapes and colors — recognizing the category of a sign (mandatory vs. warning vs. informatory) helps even with signs you haven’t specifically memorized
• If you fail, most RTOs allow you to retake the test after a short waiting period (often a few days), sometimes with a re-attempt fee
After the Test
Results are usually shown instantly, and if you pass, your e-Learner’s Licence can be downloaded right away or accessed via DigiLocker.
Want me to walk you through common traffic sign categories or share sample practice questions?
Fees and Validity
Fees
Under Rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, the central fee structure is:
Component Amount
Learner’s Licence fee ₹150
LL test fee ₹50
Total (per vehicle class) ~₹200
Important notes:
This ₹200 is charged per vehicle class, not per application. So if you want both a two-wheeler (MCWG/MCWOG) and a car (LMV) licence, you pay ₹200 for each — around ₹350–400 combined, since you save on the RTO visit but not the fee itself
States may add small extra charges for portal processing, courier, or administrative fees, so your final Sarathi/Parivahan receipt might show a slightly higher amount (commonly cited combined range: ₹300–500 depending on state)
If you fail the test, a retest fee applies before you can book another slot
Payment is made online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking through the Sarathi Parivahan portal
Validity
A Learner’s Licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue
You must hold it for a minimum of 30 days before you’re eligible to book the test for a permanent Driving Licence
You need to apply for and pass your permanent DL test within those 6 months — if it expires before you do, you’ll need to apply for a fresh LL (and pay the fee again)
So effectively, your window to complete the permanent DL process is: 30–180 days after getting your LL
Quick Summary
Apply → Pay ~₹200 (per vehicle class) → Pass the test → LL issued digitally, valid 6 months
Wait at least 30 days → Book permanent DL test → Must complete before the 6-month LL expiry
Want details on the permanent Driving Licence fees and process next, since that naturally follows the LL