Learner’s Driving Licence: Apply, Eligibility, Cost

From everyday grocery runs to long adventurous trips, driving is more than just commuting; it is a feeling beyond words, especially if you are a beginner in driving . The excitement of taking on the wheel and slowly learning the art of driving is a journey you will never forget. But in order to get things going, what you need is a learners license. With a valid learners license by your side, you can be assured of hassle-free drives filled with endless learning and memories. Getting a learner’s license is, therefore, the first step to starting your journey of getting a driving license and legally taking on the road. So here’s everything you need to know about getting a learners licence, including the application process, eligibility and costs involved.

What is a Learner’s Driving License?

A Learner’s Driving License is a temporary permit that allows the holder to drive on public roads as an opportunity to practice and master their skills. A person holding a learner’s license can drive under the supervision and care of a licensed driver or a government-approved motor driving school before an application is made to obtain a driving license. A valid learner license can be used to learn to drive both a private, non-commercial two/four wheeler as well as a commercial vehicle. However, for commercial vehicles, training from a government-approved Motor Driving School and holding a valid driving license for at least a year is a must.

Eligibility Criteria for Learner’s Driving License

To successfully obtain a valid learner’s license in India, it is important for the applicant to fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria which includes:

• Age: The applicant must have completed 18 years of age to apply for a Learners License for driving a non-commercial private vehicle. For commercial vehicles, the eligible age limit is 20 years, while for MotorCycles with engine capacity not exceeding 50CC, the age limit is 16 years.
• Medical Fitness: To responsibly and safely drive on public roads with a learner’s license, it is crucial for the applicant to have sound mental as well as physical health. Medical declarations and/or certificates specifying the sound mental and physical health of the applicant are often required to apply for a learner’s licence.
• Knowledge of Traffic Rules: Anyone applying for a Learner’s Licence must have a thorough knowledge of driving and traffic rules & regulations.
• Passing the Driving Test: To successfully get a Learners Licence, the applicant must pass the RTO’s Learner’s License test.

How to Apply for a Learner’s Driving License

The first step for applying for a Learner’s Driving License is to fill out the Learner’s License Form along with the following documents: 

• Physical Fitness Declaration (Form-1)
• Two passport-size photographs of the applicant
• Form-1A Duly Filled (Transport Vehicle Cases and for Applicant over 40 years of age)
• Application for Learner’s License – Form-2 
• Residence Proof, Age Proof and Proof of Educational Qualification
• Copy of LMV driving license, held for at least one year (for transport vehicle learner’s license)

Online Application Process

Once you have all the necessary documents ready, to apply for a learner’s licence through the online method, follow the instructions given below:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sarathi website.
• Step 2: Select your State.
• Step 3: Click “Application for New Learners License,” from the Learners License Menu and press “Continue.”
• Step 4: Completely fill up the learner’s license form
• Step 5: Upload all relevant documents and pick the preferred date of RTO visit
• Step 6: Visit the RTO on the selected date with the Original documents

Offline Application Process

Once you have all the necessary documents ready, to apply apply for a learner’s permit offline, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Get a learner’s licence application form and other relevant forms mentioned above from your local RTO Office
• Step 2: Fill out the forms with all of your basic information and relevant document proofs and photographs.
• Step 3: Submit the application form at the RTO and make an appointment for a written exam.
• Step 4: Appear on the day of the test and pass it.

Cost of Learner’s Driving License

As per the latest Central Motor Vehicle Rules, the fees involved in obtaining a Learner’s Driving License are:

Learner’s License Test

To get a valid Learner’s Driving License, it is a mandatory requirement for the applicant to pass the Learner’s License Test conducted by the Regional Transport Authority. Before the test is conducted, the applicant will be tested for Colour Blindness on the Ishihara Color Blindness test, which has numbers made out of dots that are of different colours than the surrounding dots. A colour-blind applicant would not be able to distinguish the different colours, while an applicant with normal vision would be able to do so.

Once the applicant passes the colour blindness screening, the applicant will then proceed to appear in a computer-based objective type (multiple choice) test that will test the applicant based on his/her knowledge of Road signs, Traffic rules & Regulations. The minimum passing score for the test is 60%, which, if achieved, would declare the applicant as passed. 

Validity and Renewal of Learner’s Driving Licence

If the applicant passes the Learner License Test, the Learner’s Driving License will be issued to the applicant on the same day itself, which, once issued, will be valid for six months from the date of issue. As per the revised norms of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, a Learner’s License cannot be renewed and needs to be applied for afresh. Thus, once granted, an applicant with a valid learner’s license has a time of 6 months to learn driving and apply for a Driving License.

Conclusion

For those looking to embark upon a journey of driving publicly on the road, a learner’s driving license serves as the stepping stone to learn and grow driving skills. To get a valid Learner’s Driving Licence, one must apply for the same either online or offline followed by a colour blindness screening and an objective type learner license test. Valid for a period of six months, the Learner’s Driving License is a mandatory document that permits the holder to drive a motor vehicle of any specified class or description in India including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, Pickup Trucks, etc.

FAQ about Learner’s Driving License