Overview of Learner’s Licence in India

Want to start driving? Then, you need a valid driving licence, which begins with obtaining a learning licence. This temporary permit, issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), lets you practise driving under supervision. To get it, you must pass a test on traffic laws. With a learning licence, you can drive on public roads with a licenced driver. It's the first step to getting your permanent licence.

So, learn the rules, get your learning licence, and start your driving journey! Keep reading to learn how to get a learning licence, including eligibility, application steps, required documents, and tips for passing the test.

What is a Learning Licence?

A learner's driving licence is issued when the applicant is at the learning stage of driving. Driving without a licence is illegal, so people apply for a learner's licence while learning to drive.

Key Points Details
Purpose Legal approval to drive while learning.
Eligibility A learner's licence can be issued to individuals aged 16-18 for non-geared vehicles and to anyone aged 18 or older for other types of vehicles.
Validity Valid for 6 months.
Application Can apply for a permanent licence 30 days after obtaining the learner’s licence.
Contents Personal details, a photograph, a rubber stamp, and the authority’s signature are included. It is labelled as a Learner’s Licence.
Key Points Details
Purpose Legal approval to drive while learning.
Eligibility A learner's licence can be issued to individuals aged 16-18 for non-geared vehicles and to anyone aged 18 or older for other types of vehicles.
Validity Valid for 6 months.
Application Can apply for a permanent licence 30 days after obtaining the learner’s licence.
Contents Personal details, a photograph, a rubber stamp, and the authority’s signature are included. It is labelled as a Learner’s Licence.

Types of Learning Licences in India

In India, learning licences are issued based on the type of vehicle you intend to drive. Each category has specific eligibility criteria. Here are the various types of learning licences available:

For Personal Use

  1. MC 50CC: For motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less.

  2. LMV - NT: For light motor vehicles used for non-transport purposes, like personal cars.

  3. FVG: For motorcycles of any engine capacity with no gears, such as scooters and mopeds.

  4. MC EX50CC: For motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or more, including those with gears and light motor vehicles.

  5. MCWG or M/CYCL.WG: For all types of motorcycles, including those with gears.

For Commercial Use

  1. HGMV: For heavy goods motor vehicles.

  2. LMV - TR: For light motor vehicles used for commercial purposes.

  3. HPMV: For heavy passenger motor vehicles, including an all-India driving permit for trucks and cars.

  4. MGV: For medium goods vehicles.

Eligibility for Learner's Licence in India

The eligibility for obtaining a learner's licence depends on the vehicle you'll drive. Here are the details:

Type of Learner's Licence Eligibility Criteria
MC 50CC - For Motorcycles Without Gear (Up to 50 cc) The applicant must be at least 16 years old.
Consent from a parent or guardian is required if the applicant is under 18.
LMV - NT, FVG, MC EX50CC & MCWG or M / CYCL.WG (Learner's Licence for Non-Transport Motor Vehicles) The applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application.
Type of Learner's Licence Eligibility Criteria
MC 50CC - For Motorcycles Without Gear (Up to 50 cc) The applicant must be at least 16 years old.
Consent from a parent or guardian is required if the applicant is under 18.
LMV - NT, FVG, MC EX50CC & MCWG or M / CYCL.WG (Learner's Licence for Non-Transport Motor Vehicles) The applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application.

Documents Required to Apply for a Learning Licence

To obtain a learning licence, you need to submit the following documents along with the Learning Licence Form:

  1. Application-cum-declaration as to physical fitness (Form-1)

  2. Two recent passport size photographs

  3. Valid Form-1A (for transport vehicle licence and applicants above 40 years of age for other categories)

  4. Application for grant of learner's licence (Form-2)

  5. Self-attested copy of residence proof

  6. Self-attested copy of age proof

  7. Self-attested copy of educational qualification proof (minimum 8th standard pass for transport vehicle licence)

  8. Copy of an effective light motor vehicle driving licence (held for at least one year for a transport vehicle learning licence) and proof of being at least 20 years old on the date of application.

  9. Prescribed fee

Fee for Learning Licence

The fees for a learning licence, as specified in Rule 32 of CMVR, 1989, are:

Type of DL Description (₹) Revised Fee (₹)
Learner's Licence for one category For one category (150+50+300) 500
Learner's Licence for two categories For two categories (300+50+600) 950
Learner's Licence for three categories For three categories (450+50+900) 1400
Learner's Licence Retest 50
Type of DL Description (₹) Revised Fee (₹)
Learner's Licence for one category For one category (150+50+300) 500
Learner's Licence for two categories For two categories (300+50+600) 950
Learner's Licence for three categories For three categories (450+50+900) 1400
Learner's Licence Retest 50

Criteria/Procedure to Issue a Learning Licence

Applying for a learning licence online in India is convenient and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website.

  2. Select Your State: Select from the menu to proceed to the state-specific page.

  3. Navigate to Learning Licence Services: Look for the "Driving Licence" section on the state-specific page and select "Apply Online".

  4. Fill out the Application Form: Choose "New Learner's Licence" and fill out the application with the required details, such as address and educational qualifications.

  5. Upload Required Documents: Upload a scanned version of your identity proof, age proof, address proof, and other necessary documents.

  6. Pay the Application Fee: You can pay the required fee online through any payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or net banking.

  7. Verification of Documents: Applicant's documents are verified.

  8. Colour Blindness and Limb Movements Inspection: Pre-test inspections are carried out.

  9. Learner Test: This is a computer-based multiple-choice objective test. To pass, applicants must correctly answer at least 60% of the questions.

  10. Issuance of Learning Licence: Upon passing the test, the learning licence is issued on the same day. It is valid for six months from the date of issue.

Note: The department's website offers a question bank covering road signs, traffic rules, and regulations to help applicants prepare for the test.

Get Ready to Hit the Road!

Now that you know the ins and outs of obtaining and using a learning licence in India, it's time to take the first step towards your driving journey. Remember, every great driver started as a learner.

So, get your documents ready, follow the rules, and you'll drive confidently soon enough. Stay safe, follow traffic regulations, and enjoy the freedom of driving. Ready, set, go!

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FAQ

Yes, you can get a learning licence at 17. The minimum age is 16, but you need a parent/guardian confirmation if you are under 18.

As a learning licence holder, you must always be accompanied by a person with a valid driving licence who has at least 20 years of driving experience. You must display an L sign at the front and back of your vehicle.

You can buy a bike without a driving licence, but to ride it, you must have a valid motorcycle driving licence and bike insurance.

No, once you receive your permanent driving licence, you no longer need to display the L board. However, there are no penalties for displaying it if you have a permanent licence.

The L board should be displayed on your car's front and rear. You should always carry your learner's permit and be accompanied by a person holding a permanent licence.

A learner licence is a permit issued to individuals allowing them to practise driving under supervision before obtaining a full driving licence. It is typically required for new drivers to gain experience and demonstrate their ability to drive safely.