Overview
A learner's licence (LL) is the provisional permit a person needs before driving a motor vehicle on Indian roads and before applying for a permanent driving licence. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the applicant's state, and applications are made through the central Sarathi Parivahan portal.
Who can apply
The minimum age depends on the vehicle class: 16 years for a gearless (under 50cc) motorcycle, and 18 years for other motorcycles, cars and most other vehicle classes. Applicants need proof of age and address, such as Aadhaar, and can use Aadhaar-based authentication to skip an in-person RTO visit for parts of the process.
Exam pattern
The learner's licence test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test on road signs and traffic rules. It can be taken at the RTO or, in states that support it, online from home with facial verification against the applicant's Aadhaar photo. A minimum score is required to pass; if a candidate fails, they can reapply after a short waiting period set by the RTO.
Fees
Learner's licence fees are set centrally under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and combine a licence-issue fee with a test fee per vehicle class; applying for more than one class in the same application costs proportionally more. Check the current fee shown on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in when you apply, since states may add minor service charges on top of the central fee.
How to apply
Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.
Choose "Apply for Learner Licence" and confirm you don't already hold a learner's or driving licence.
Complete the form with personal details and the vehicle class(es) you want, using Aadhaar authentication where available.
Upload age and address proof, pay the fee online, and book or take the test.
On passing, the learner's licence is issued electronically.
After the exam
A learner's licence is valid for six months from the date of issue. Within this period, the holder must practise driving under supervision (displaying an "L" sign) and can then apply for a driving licence test at the RTO to convert it into a permanent licence.
Preparation tips
Go through your state's official traffic-rules and road-sign study material on the Sarathi portal before booking the test.
Keep scanned copies of your age and address proof ready in the required format before starting the online application, since uploads are mandatory.
What is the minimum age for a learner's licence in India?
16 years for a gearless motorcycle under 50cc, and 18 years for other motorcycles, cars and most other vehicle classes.
Can I take the learner's licence test online?
In many states, yes — a contactless test from home using facial verification against your Aadhaar photo is available; otherwise the test is taken at the RTO.
How long is a learner's licence valid?
Six months from the date of issue.
Where do I apply for a learner's licence?
Online, through the official Sarathi Parivahan portal, sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, after selecting your state.