Full guide
Get a Learner's Licence: the complete guide
A learner’s licence is the first step to driving legally in India. It lets you practise on public roads under supervision for six months, after which you can sit the test for a permanent driving licence. This guide is for anyone applying for the first time, whether for a scooter, a motorcycle, a car or a commercial vehicle.
Who needs this
You need a learner’s licence before you can apply for any permanent driving licence. The minimum ages are set by the Motor Vehicles Act:
| Vehicle | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Gearless two-wheeler up to 50cc | 16, with parent or guardian consent |
| Motorcycle with gear, car (LMV) | 18 |
| Transport (commercial) vehicle | 20 |
Applications go through the Sarathi portal run by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, but they are processed by your state’s Regional Transport Office (RTO). That means the screens, extra charges and whether you can test from home differ a little from state to state.
Documents explained
Form 2 is the application itself. You fill it online, so there is usually nothing to print.
Form 1 is a short self-declaration that you are physically fit to drive. It is part of the online form.
Form 1A is a medical certificate signed by a registered doctor. You only need it if you are 40 or older, or if you are applying for a transport vehicle. Ask the doctor to check your eyesight and fill every field, since incomplete forms are a common reason for rejection.
Proof of age and address. Aadhaar covers both in most cases. Alternatives include a passport, birth certificate, school leaving certificate, voter ID or a recent utility bill. Your state RTO may ask for extra documents, especially if your Aadhaar address is in another state.
Photo and signature. Most states ask you to upload these as small image files. A few capture them at the RTO.
Parental consent is required for 16 and 17 year olds applying for a gearless scooter up to 50cc.
Step-by-step process
- Visit Sarathi and select your state.
- Choose “Apply for Learner Licence”. If your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, pick Aadhaar authentication; your details are filled in automatically.
- Complete Form 2 and tick every vehicle class you want. Common classes are MCWOG (gearless two-wheeler), MCWG (geared two-wheeler) and LMV (car).
- Upload your documents, photo and signature, plus Form 1A if it applies.
- Pay the fee online.
- Take the test. In most states, Aadhaar-authenticated applicants can take an online test from home, watched by the webcam and face recognition. Without Aadhaar authentication, you book a slot and take the test on a computer at the RTO.
- Download your learner’s licence as soon as you pass.
The test asks multiple-choice questions on road signs, traffic rules and safe driving. Sarathi has a free practice test, and it is worth taking a few times before the real one.
Fees and timelines
The central fees are set under rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s licence, per vehicle class | ₹150 |
| Learner’s licence test or repeat test | ₹50 |
States can add service, processing or online charges, so the amount you pay at checkout may be higher. If you pass the online test, you get the licence the same day. If you need an RTO slot, it depends on availability, from a few days to a couple of weeks.
The learner’s licence is valid for six months. You must wait at least 30 days before applying for your permanent licence.
Common problems and fixes
Aadhaar OTP not arriving. Your mobile must be linked to Aadhaar. Update it at an Aadhaar centre, or apply using the non-Aadhaar option and visit the RTO.
Face recognition fails during the online test. Sit in good light, face the camera directly and remove glasses or caps if possible. If it keeps failing, the application can usually continue with an RTO test.
Wrong vehicle class chosen. Classes cannot be added after payment. You will need a fresh application or to add the class later when you apply for the driving licence (with another learner’s licence for that class).
Address on Aadhaar is from another state. Apply in the state where you live and upload a local address proof such as a rent agreement with a utility bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive alone with a learner’s licence?
No. You must have a person with a valid driving licence for that vehicle class sitting beside you (on two-wheelers, rules vary by state) and display an “L” sign on the vehicle.
What happens if my learner’s licence expires before I take the driving test?
You need to apply for a new learner’s licence and pay the fees again. Plan your driving test booking well within the six-month window.
Can I apply for a scooter and a car together?
Yes. Tick both classes in one application. The ₹150 fee applies to each class, but one test covers them.
How many times can I retake the test?
You can retake it after paying the ₹50 repeat test fee. Some states set a short waiting period between attempts.