How to Apply for a Learner's Licence
Get a Learner's Licence (LL) for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, or commercial vehicles through Parivahan Sarathi — fully online including the LL test, no RTO visit needed in most states.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- parivahan.gov.in ↗
- Application Mode
- Online & Offline
- Validity
- 6 months from date of issue
- Issuing Authority
- RTO
- Online
- Available
- Offline
- Available
A Learner's Licence (LL) is your first step to driving legally in India. It's issued by your state RTO under the Motor Vehicles Act and is mandatory before you can take the permanent Driving Licence (DL) test.
The whole process now runs through Parivahan Sarathi — the national transport portal. With Aadhaar e-KYC, you can complete the application, upload documents, take the LL test, and download the signed LL without visiting the RTO at all. Without Aadhaar, you'll need to visit the RTO for the test.
The LL is valid for 6 months. You must apply for the permanent DL between 30 days (cool-off period) and 180 days (LL expiry) after issue.
Eligibility
- Age 16+ for a non-geared two-wheeler (under 50cc), 18+ for a geared two-wheeler or non-transport four-wheeler, 20+ for a transport vehicle.
- You can read and write at least one Indian language.
- You are medically fit (Form 1A self-declaration; Form 1 from a registered doctor for commercial).
- You have not been disqualified from holding a licence.
Required documents
Age proof
RequiredVerifies that the applicant meets the minimum age requirement for the vehicle class.
Aadhaar, birth certificate, school leaving / 10th certificate, passport, or PAN.
PDFJPGAddress proof
RequiredDetermines the RTO jurisdiction under which the LL will be issued.
Aadhaar with current address, voter ID, electricity / water bill, passport, ration card.
PDFJPGIdentity proof
RequiredConfirms the applicant's legal identity for government records.
Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, or passport.
PDFJPGPassport-size photograph
RequiredUsed on the Learner's Licence document for visual identification.
Soft copy for online upload.
JPGPNGForm 1 / 1A medical declaration
RequiredCertifies that the applicant is medically fit to operate a motor vehicle.
Form 1A self-declaration for LMV; Form 1 by a registered doctor for commercial vehicles.
PDF
Step-by-step process
- 1
Open Parivahan Sarathi
Go to parivahan.gov.in and choose 'Driving Licence Related Services'. Select your state.
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in ↗ - 2
Click 'Apply for Learner Licence'
Read the instructions and click Continue.
- 3
Choose Aadhaar-based or document-based application
Aadhaar-based: fastest — eKYC fetches your details and you do a fully online LL test. Document-based: upload each proof separately and visit the RTO for the test.
- 4
Fill the application form
Enter your details, choose the vehicle class(es) you want (MCWG / LMV / MCWOG / etc.), and the RTO under whose jurisdiction you reside.
- 5
Upload documents
Upload scanned copies of age, address, identity proofs, photo, signature, and Form 1A.
- 6
Pay the fee
Pay the LL application fee + test fee online via card / UPI / net banking.
- 7
Schedule the LL test slot
Book an LL test slot — online for Aadhaar-based, at the RTO for document-based.
- 8
Take the LL test
10–20 multiple-choice questions on road signs, traffic rules, and basic driving knowledge. You need 60% to pass.
- 9
Download your LL
Pass the test → download the digitally signed LL PDF immediately. Carry it (digital or printed) until your DL is issued.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
parivahan.gov.in
Who issues this?
- Issuing Office
- Regional Transport Office (RTO)
- Approving Officer
- Licensing Authority
- For Offline Applications
- The RTO under whose jurisdiction your residential address falls
What happens after applying
- 1
Application submitted online
Form filled, documents uploaded, and fee paid via Sarathi portal.
- 2
LL test taken
Online test from home (Aadhaar e-KYC) or at the RTO terminal (document-based). 10–20 MCQs on traffic rules; 60% required to pass.
- 3
LL issued immediately on pass
Digitally signed LL PDF available for download on Sarathi right after passing the test.
Common mistakes & rejection reasons
Choosing the wrong RTO jurisdiction
Why: If you select an RTO that doesn't cover your residential address, the application is rejected during verification.
Fix: Enter your full residential address and use the jurisdiction tool on Sarathi to identify the correct RTO before submitting.
Uploading low-resolution or blurry documents
Why: Sarathi's document verification system rejects unclear scans, causing application delays.
Fix: Scan documents at 200 DPI minimum, or photograph them in bright natural light ensuring all text is legible.
Applying for a commercial LL without Form 1 from a doctor
Why: Form 1A self-declaration is not sufficient for commercial vehicle classes. A doctor's certificate (Form 1) is mandatory and the application will be rejected without it.
Fix: Visit a registered medical practitioner and get Form 1 completed and signed before applying for commercial vehicle classes.
Not meeting the minimum age for the vehicle class
Why: Sarathi blocks applications if the age proof shows the applicant is below the minimum age for the chosen class.
Fix: Select only vehicle classes you are age-eligible for. You can upgrade classes on a separate application once you meet the age requirement.
Failing to download the LL immediately after the test
Why: Some applicants assume the LL is automatically sent by post or email. It is not — you must download it from Sarathi.
Fix: After test completion, stay on the Sarathi portal, go to 'Print Learner Licence', and download the signed PDF. Save and print it.
Special situations
Aadhaar not linked to mobile number▾
The Aadhaar e-KYC path requires an OTP to the Aadhaar-linked mobile. If your mobile is not linked, you must take the document-based path and visit the RTO for the test.
Applying for LL at age 16 for a non-geared two-wheeler▾
A 16-year-old can get an LL only for non-geared motorcycles under 50cc. The parent or guardian must provide consent. At 18, a fresh LL (or upgraded DL application) is needed for geared vehicles.
LL test failed in the online session▾
The system locks the current session. You must rebook a new test slot and re-pay the test fee. There is no fixed limit on attempts.
Applying for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler classes on the same LL▾
This is allowed. Select all desired vehicle classes in the application. The test will include questions relevant to all classes selected.
Name or date of birth mismatch between documents▾
Sarathi cross-checks uploaded documents against the declared details. Mismatches cause the application to be put on hold. Resolve by providing a gazette notification or affidavit for name discrepancies.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Learner's Licence valid?▾
6 months from the date of issue. You must apply for a permanent DL within this window (after at least 30 days).
Is the LL test online?▾
In most states with Aadhaar e-KYC enabled, the LL test can be taken fully online from home. Document-based applications take the test at the RTO.
What if I fail the LL test?▾
You can re-attempt after paying the test fee again. There's no fixed limit on attempts.
Can I drive on a Learner's Licence?▾
Only with a person holding a permanent DL for the same vehicle class accompanying you. The vehicle must display 'L' on front and back.
What is the minimum age to apply for a Learner's Licence?▾
16 years for non-geared two-wheelers under 50cc; 18 years for geared two-wheelers and LMV (cars); 20 years for transport/commercial vehicles.
Can I get an LL for multiple vehicle classes at once?▾
Yes. You can select multiple classes (e.g. MCWG and LMV) in the same application, subject to age eligibility for each class.
How many questions are in the LL test and what is the passing score?▾
The test has 10–20 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving practices. A score of 60% or above is required to pass.
Is the LL available on DigiLocker?▾
Yes. After download from Sarathi, the digitally signed LL is also available on DigiLocker and is legally valid under the IT Act.
Do I need to carry the LL while practising driving?▾
Yes. Always carry the LL (physical print or DigiLocker) while practising. You must also be accompanied by a person with a valid permanent DL for the same vehicle class.
What does 'L' board mean and where do I affix it?▾
The 'L' (Learner) board is a red L on a white background. It must be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle while the LL holder is driving.
What vehicle classes are covered under LMV?▾
LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) covers non-transport vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans not used for hire. It does not cover motorcycles — those need MCWG (motorcycle with gear) or MCWOG (without gear) class.
My Aadhaar address is different from my current residence. Can I still apply?▾
You can apply using a different address proof (utility bill, rental agreement) for the current address. Alternatively, update your Aadhaar address first to simplify the process.
Can I apply for an LL if I am not an Indian citizen?▾
Foreign nationals residing in India generally need a valid residential permit and Indian address proof. The standard Sarathi process applies but some states may have additional requirements — check with your local RTO.
What happens if I don't apply for the DL within 6 months of getting the LL?▾
The LL expires after 6 months. You must apply for a fresh Learner's Licence and restart the entire process, including the 30-day cool-off period, before taking the DL test.
Is there a limit on how many times I can apply for an LL?▾
No legal limit. However, repeated applications incur fresh fees each time.
Official sources
- Parivahan Sarathi Portal ↗
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
National portal for Learner's Licence and Driving Licence applications — apply, test, download.
- Parivahan Sewa (MoRTH) ↗
parivahan.gov.in
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways portal with state-wise RTO information.
- DigiLocker ↗
digilocker.gov.in
Digitally signed LL is available on DigiLocker after issuance.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.