How to Apply for a Learning Licence in India - Eligibility, Requirements and Fees

In today’s time, driving vehicles is an essential part of our lives. To commute from one place to another, driving is very important. According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, a person needs a driving license to drive a vehicle safely and legally on the road. But some people don't know how to drive a vehicle and they want to learn. In that case, the government is giving the option of learning a license to intermediate drivers. This license is used for taking driving lessons on Indian roads. The validity of the learning licence exceeds a maximum of 6 months. After completion of these 6 months, people

Understanding Driving licence

A driving licence plays a very important part in getting a permanent driving licence. It allows the new untrained drivers to gain some driving experience while following all the government rules and regulations. These drivers are regularly assisted by experienced drivers along with them.

This driving licence is issued by the regional transport authority (RTO) and regional transport office (RTO). A person gets a learning licence in India after passing a written exam which consists of questions about the traffic rules in India. People have to apply on the official government website for a driving licence. 

Basic Requirements for Getting a Driving Licence

To obtain a learning licence in India, a person must have to meet these requirements:

  1. Age - A person must be of a legal driving age which is set by the government authorities according to the vehicle they want to drive.
  2. Driving Knowledge - Before driving a vehicle, a person must have a basic knowledge of driving and traffic rules and regulations. A person must know about the signboards, traffic lights, and basic instructions given on the road.
  3. Documents - People must have all the required documents regarding their identity proof, age, and address with the application form. Without these completed documents, the driving licence making process will not be done.

Types of Driving Licence in India

Learning a driving licence is very much critical if you want your vehicle on the road. There are different categories of driving licence based on which the licence is issued to the people. These different categories are:

  1. Personal Driving Licence - It is a type of diving licence that is used by people for their personal use. These licence are generally used by the common people in India who want to take driving lessons within there area. The personal driving licence is generally used for two-wheelers vehicles. bikes, scooters, and four wheelers vehicles such as cars.  
  2. Commercial Driving Licence - Apart from personal vehicles, there are commercial vehicles that are running on the Indian roads. These are the vehicles that are used for carrying goods and materials across the country. This type of learning licence allows individuals to practice driving commercial vehicles under the guidance of licenced driver

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence in India

Before going on a journey to obtain a driving licence, it is very important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria or not. The eligibility criteria for a learner licence in India are:

Driving License Form

Learning License form is document which is filled by the candidates who are looking to obtain a driving license. In this form, all the personal details of candidates are to filled by them.

There are two sections present in the application to be filled out by the candidate:

1. Information to be filled by the candidate: The candidate is required to enter the following details before applying for a learner’s license - 

- Name, address, place of birth, date of birth, and all the personal details.
- Blood group
- Education qualification
- Type of Indian citizenship(by birth, naturalization) with documentation
- Previous driving licences held with details (if any)
- Driving school certificate (if required)
- Exemption from medical test (if applicable)
2. Declaration that the information given above are true, with the signature of guadian/parent of the candidate.

Required Documents for a Learning License in India

To apply for a driving licence in India, you need to submit certain documents as a part of the application process. To apply for a learner’s licence in India , candidate must be bring following paperwork to RTO. The following paperwork is needed in order apply for a learner’s licence in India.

  1. Proof of Age: Any documents that verifies your date of birth, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • PAN card
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter ID card
  1. Address Proof: Documents confirming your current residential address:
  • Aadhar Card
  • Passport
  • Rental agreement
  • Bank Statement
  1. Passport-sized Photographs: Latest passport-sized photographs of the applicant. The candidate must have these photos with him while getting the learners license.
  2. Medical certificate: Form 1A and 1 which is to be signed by a certified government doctor
  3. Filled application form: You need to fill out the application form for a learner’s license completely and correctly. This form can be obtained from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Driving License Fees

Fees for learning license in India can change depending upon the state from where you are applying and the type of vehicle for which you are looking for a license. Usually, for one class of vehicles, there is a charge of Rs 200 to apply for a learner’s license. After submitting the required papers, the applicant must pay the fees.

How to Apply for a driving License Online in India

To legally apply for a driving license online in India, you will need to follow the required steps taken by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Transport Department of your respective state:

  • Step 1: Search on Google to find the transport department website for your state or RTO website. See if the website has an online Learner’s license application facility.
  • Step 2: Make sure you carefully follow the guidelines if the state department allows you to submit an online application for learner license. You must provide details such as your father’s name, district, the Aadhar card number and the region. You will also need to provide paper online , such as address proof, age proof.
  • Step 3: Some RTOs have the facility where you can choose the time for the learner’s license exam while applying for a license. You can also have the option to pay for the learner’s license application and test online. You will also receive a mail regarding your availability at the test location.
  • Step 4: You can also download the application which you will have to later present at RTO before taking the test. You have to submit other original documents at the RTO before taking the test.
  • Step 5: Be present at RTO office to give the driving license test according to your time slot.

How to Apply for a Learner’s License at Parivahan website

Step 1: Visit  https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan 

Step 2: Keep the cursor on the 'Online Services’ tab at the top.

Step 3: Select the ‘Driving License Related Services’.

Step 4: Choose your state

Step 5: On the redirected page, click on ‘Fee/Payment’ tab

Step 6: Enter the other required details

Step 7: Click on ‘Click here to calculate fees’

Step 8: Choose the payment gateway

Step 9: Payment Completion

How to Apply for a Learner’s License Offline in India

If you are not aware of the online process of getting the learner’s license, there is a simple offline way of getting a learner’s license. Here is the process: 

  • Get the application form: Visit the nearest RTO office in your area and request the application form for a learner’s license. 
  • Fill out the form: Carefully fill out the form thoroughly. Provide accurate information regarding personal details, contact information, address and other details.
  • Attach Documents: Along with the already filled form, attach copies of the required documents such as Aadhar card, passport, Voter ID. Address proof and Age proof.
  • Visit RTO office: After attaching the documents, visit your nearest RTO office and pick a time according to you to give the learning license exam.
  • Be present on exam day: Be present on the driving license exam day which you have chosen according to your time slot. After passing the test, the Learner’s license would be sent to the address which you have registered.

Test Procedure for Learner’s License in India

The test procedure for Learner’s License in India involves a written knowledge test taken by RTO or the state transport department. Here is the general test procedure:

  1. Present at test venue: The first step in the test procedure is the availability of the candidate the right time at the test venue. The candidate should be there at the test venue before time
  2. Verification of documents: Present your documents to the authorities for verification.
  3. Knowledge test: Written knowledge test consists of multiple choice questions(MCQs) designed to assess your knowledge about traffic rules, and road signs signals.
  4. Retest:  If the first test you have given is unsuccessful, then the authority will give you an option of retesting after one week.
  5. Apply for the main license: You can also apply for a Driving license 30 days after the issue date of learner’s License. The application of a permanent driving license must be filled within 180 days of the issue date of the Learner’s license.

Need for Learner’s License in India

Here are some reasons why there is a need for a driver's license in India.

  • You must get the Learner’s License of the vehicle, before you learn driving a bike or scooter. It allows you to learn driving on the road with an experienced driver.
  • Lots of people have a query that, after getting learner licence what to do. If you have the learner license, you can learn driving very quickly with the help of a driving instructor. It will help to make your driving skills better.
  • Getting a learner’s license is the first step before getting a permanent license. If you already have a learner’s license, it will be easy for you to get a permanent driving license.
  • Having a learner’s license with you while driving makes you feel confident on the road. It is an official document and if the police stop you on the road, you can show the learner’s license. 

FAQs on Learners License in India

Q.1 Is my Learner’s Licence valid throughout India?

Ans.1 Yes, your Learner’s licence is valid throughout the country for six months from the date of issue.

Q.2 I am turning 18 in 3 months. Can i apply for a driving driving licence?

Ans.2 The candidate must be aged at least 16 years. For candidate less then 18 years of age, the consent of a guardian or parent must be obtained.

Q.3 For how long is a learner licence is valid in India?    

Ans.3 In India, a Learning licence is valid for six months. After the completion of six months, you must apply for the new licence of you can renew your Learner’s licence.

Q.4 Is there any driving test in Learner’s Licence?

Ans.4 No, there won’t be any driving test in driving the driving licence making process. However, you have to give a multiple choice test online or offline about your knowledge of traffic rules.

Q.5 What will happen i won’t attend the driving licence test? 

Ans.5 You will have to book a new appointment and pay the retest fee if you are absent on the test date.

Q.6 Where can I apply for my learner’s license online?

Ans.6 You can apply learner’s licence at the official parivahan seva website.https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan