You apply for a learner’s licence online through the Parivahan portal (parivahan.gov.in) or your state’s transport department. A learner’s licence is mandatory before applying for a permanent driving licence and is valid for 6 months, during which you must practice driving under supervision.
What you need before you start
Keep Aadhaar card, age proof (minimum 18 years for most vehicle categories, 16 for gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc with parental consent), address proof, and a recent passport-size photograph.
Step by step
- Visit parivahan.gov.in and select ‘Apply Online’ then ‘New Learner Licence’ under Driving Licence related services.
- Select your state and Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- Fill the application form with personal details and choose the vehicle class.
- Upload Aadhaar, age proof, address proof and photograph.
- Book a slot for the online learner’s licence test (multiple-choice, based on traffic rules).
- Take the test online or at the RTO on the scheduled date and time.
- On passing, the learner’s licence is generated and can be downloaded/printed instantly.
Fees and timelines
The application fee is nominal, around Rs 150-200 (varies by state). The entire process, including the test, can be completed within a day if you pass on the first attempt; the learner’s licence is valid for 6 months.
What to do if it goes wrong
If you fail the learner’s licence test, you can usually retake it after 7 days by paying the fee again. Keep practicing the mock tests available on the Parivahan portal or state transport websites to improve your traffic rules knowledge before reattempting.