A Learner Licence is a provisional driving permit given to individuals who want to learn to drive but are not yet qualified for a full (permanent) licence. It allows them to legally begin practising driving under certain conditions and prepares them for the final driving test. The licence does not confer full driving rights; instead, it grants permission to learn and practice driving with supervision, under the laws of the land.
In India, driving any motor vehicle on public roads without a valid licence (learner or full) is not permitted under law.
Legal Framework & Rules
The issuance and regulation of licences in India including learner licences comes under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (and rules framed under it).
Under this law, no person may drive a motor vehicle in a public place unless they hold a valid driving licence. However, there is an exception: someone undergoing instruction in driving may be permitted, provided certain conditions (e.g. supervision) are met. (
Hence, a learner licence is effectively the legal instrument that grants that “instruction phase” permission.
Eligibility and Age Criteria
Eligibility for a learner licence depends on the type of vehicle the applicant wishes to learn driving for. According to the law:
- For a motorbike with no gear (engine capacity up to 50 cc), a learner licence may be granted from the age of 16 years, but usually only if a parent or guardian gives consent.
- For other motor vehicles (cars / light motor vehicles / motorcycles with gear), the minimum age is 18 years.
- For a “transport vehicle” (i.e. vehicles used for commercial or public transport), the age requirement is 20 years or more.
These rules ensure that only individuals who meet age & maturity requirements can legally begin learning driving for different categories of vehicles.
Documents & Application Forms Required
To apply for a learner licence, one must submit certain standard documents and forms. Typical requirements include:
- Proof of age (e.g. birth certificate, school certificate, passport, Aadhaar card, etc.)
- Proof of address (e.g. Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, utility bill, ration card, etc.)
- Application form (usually “Form 2” for new learner licence).
- Self-declaration of physical fitness (often “Form 1”).
- Where applicable (especially for transport licences or people above certain age), a medical certificate (“Form 1A”).
- Recent passport-size photographs, as required by the State / RTO.
- Prescribed fee (varies by state and licence class).
Depending on the State / Union Territory, there might be minor variations, but these are the commonly accepted essentials across India.
How to Apply: Online vs Offline Paths
There are two main routes to obtaining a learner licence:
Online Application (via portal):
- Visit the official national portal (usually Parivahan / Sarathi the portal used nationwide for transport & licence services).
- Select your state, then choose “Application for New Learner Licence.”
- Fill out the form, upload scanned copies of required documents, pay fee online (if supported), and book a slot for the Learner Licence test.
- Visit the RTO / licensing authority on the scheduled date with original documents & payment slip.
Offline Application (Direct at RTO):
- Obtain physical application form (Form 2) from the local RTO office.
- Fill out the form, attach required documents (proof of age, address, photos), physical fitness declaration / medical certificate (if applicable), and pay fee at office.
- Submit the set and then book the test slot as per RTO schedule. In many states this involves a written or computer-based test on traffic rules and road signs.
The online process via Parivahan portal has made it more convenient, especially in busy regions — though applicants still need to visit RTO for document verification and test.
The Learner Licence Test (Knowledge / Theory)
A key step before issuing a learner licence is clearing a test — evaluating your basic understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- In many states, this is now a computer-based test (online or at RTO) under the licensing authority.
- The test typically covers traffic signs, rules of the road, driver’s responsibilities, safety norms like handling unmanned railway crossings, accident procedures, documents to carry, etc.
- If the applicant fails the test, they may re-appear (in many states) after a gap (often another week or as per RTO rules).
Passing this test is essential — only then will the licensing authority grant the learner licence allowing you to legally practice driving.
Validity, Conditions & Restrictions of Learner Licence
Once issued, a learner licence comes with specific conditions and a set validity period:
- Validity: Typically, a learner licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
- After 30 days from issue you become eligible to apply for a permanent licence (provided you’re ready) but application must be done before the 6-month expiry.
- During the learner phase you cannot drive alone you must be accompanied by a licensed driver (whose licence is valid, for relevant vehicle class) acting as “instructor/supervisor.”
- The vehicle (when being driven by learner) often must display a prominent “L” sign or plate (red “L” on white background) so others know the driver is a learner (this rule applies in many states).
- For certain classes (especially transport / commercial vehicles), additional restrictions may apply e.g. medical fitness certificate, prior valid licence for simpler vehicle class, etc.
These measures ensure that while you gain driving practice, you do so under safe supervision, minimising risks on public roads.
Why Learner Licence Matters: Importance & Benefits
A learner licence plays a crucial role in ensuring road safety and legal compliance. Some of the main reasons it matters:
- It legalizes learning phase: Without at least a learner licence, driving on public roads even for practice is illegal. This can lead to penalties or legal trouble. Since driving licences are mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act
- It ensures the learner learns rules, signs and road discipline before gaining full privileges. The compulsory test educates about traffic rules, signs, safety norms, accident procedures, documents, etc. This reduces chances of accidents once they start driving independently.
- It provides structured progression: The learner licence acts as the first step. Once comfortable and ready, you can apply for permanent licence after 30 days (but before 6 months) — a clear path to becoming a full, licensed driver.
- For authorities, it ensures only people who meet minimum age, fitness, and knowledge criteria can learn driving — protecting public safety.
From Learner Licence to Permanent Licence: Next Steps
When you feel confident behind the wheel and meet conditions, you can move from learner stage to a full driving licence. Here’s how it works:
- After 30 days from the date your learner licence was issued, you become eligible to apply for a permanent driving licence (for the same vehicle class).
- The application must be done before the 6-month validity of the learner licence ends.
- To get the permanent licence, you must appear for a practical driving test on an actual vehicle of the relevant category, in front of the licensing authority (RTO).
- For commercial / transport-vehicle licences, there may be additional requirements — e.g. medical certificate, driving school certificate, or minimum prior licence for simpler vehicle classes.
- Once you pass the test, you are issued a full driving licence, granting you legal, independent driving rights for that class of vehicles.
This two-step approach helps ensure that new drivers are gradually introduced to road responsibilities — first through learning, then through tested competence.
Common Questions, Tips & Best Practices for Learner Drivers
Here are some common frequently-asked questions, along with tips and recommended practices for those holding a learner licence:
Q. Do I need a medical certificate always?
- For non-commercial / non-transport vehicle licences (e.g. private car or motorbike), a medical certificate is generally not required if the applicant is under a certain age (often under 40 years).
- For commercial / transport licences, or older applicants, a medical certificate (Form 1A) is typically mandatory.
Q. Can a learner licence be renewed if I don’t apply for permanent licence within 6 months?
- In many states, a learner licence is valid for 6 months, and if you haven’t applied for a permanent licence within that period, you may need to renew or re-apply.
Q. Should I always practise with a licensed driver supervising me?
- Yes. Learning driving without supervision is against the law. The supervisor must hold a valid driving licence for that vehicle class.
Tips for Learner Drivers:
- Familiarize yourself with traffic signs, road signals, and driving rules before you begin. This helps for both safety and for passing tests.
- Practice in low-traffic areas initially; avoid busy highways or peak traffic until you’re more comfortable.
- Always carry your learner licence when practising; keep age/proof documents handy.
- Follow road safety norms strictly use helmet (for two-wheelers), seatbelt (for cars), obey speed limits, and respect traffic signals.
- If possible, learn under supervised conditions (family member or licensed driver), and get comfortable before attempting the permanent licence test.