Before you can get a permanent driving license in India, you must first obtain a Learning License (LL). The Learning License allows you to practice driving on public roads (with a licensed driver accompanying you) for a period of six months. You can now apply for an LL completely online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal, and in many states, you can even take the required test from home using Aadhaar authentication.
Here is a complete walkthrough, including the test, common errors, and what to do after you pass.
Eligibility Requirements
The minimum age depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive:
| Vehicle Class | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle Without Gear (up to 50cc) | 16 years | Requires parent/guardian consent |
| Motorcycle With Gear (MCWG) | 18 years | No consent needed |
| Light Motor Vehicle (LMV - cars, jeeps) | 18 years | No consent needed |
| Commercial/Transport Vehicle | 20 years | Typically requires at least 1 year of experience with LMV license |
IMPORTANT
You must apply for the Learning License separately for each class of vehicle you want to drive. If you want to drive both a motorcycle and a car, you must select both vehicle classes in a single application (you can add multiple classes). You cannot add a new class to an existing LL later.
Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan Portal
Go to the Sarathi Parivahan portal and select your State from the drop-down menu. The portal interface varies slightly by state, but the core steps are the same.
Step 2: Start your application
- Click on Apply for Learner License (sometimes labeled "Apply Online" > "New Learner License").
- Read the instructions carefully and click Continue.
- Select "Applicant does not hold any Driving/Learner License in India" and click Submit.
Step 3: Choose authentication mode
You will be asked how you want to verify your identity. This is the most important choice in the entire process:
| Mode | What It Means | RTO Visit Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar Authentication (Recommended) | Your details are fetched from UIDAI automatically. You can take the LL test online from home. | No |
| Without Aadhaar | You must visit the RTO in person for document verification and to take the test. | Yes |
TIP
Aadhaar Authentication is highly recommended. It lets you skip the RTO visit entirely, take the test from home, and download your LL instantly after passing. Your name, date of birth, address, and photo will be fetched automatically from UIDAI.
Select your preferred mode. If using Aadhaar, enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked phone.
Step 4: Fill the application details
- Select the RTO office associated with your PIN code. The system usually auto-selects the nearest RTO.
- Personal details: Your blood group, educational qualification, and contact details (phone, email).
- Vehicle classes: Choose the class(es) of vehicles you want to drive. You can select multiple classes (e.g., both "Motor Cycle With Gear" and "Light Motor Vehicle") in a single application.
- Self-declaration for physical fitness (Form 1): Fill out this declaration online. It asks whether you have any physical disabilities, epilepsy, or other conditions that might impair driving. For most applicants, this is a simple self-declaration. If you are above 40 years of age, some states require a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner (Form 1A) instead.
- Click Submit.
Step 5: Upload documents
If you used Aadhaar authentication, you typically do not need to upload address or age proofs since these are fetched directly. However, you may still need to upload:
Documents required (if not using Aadhaar e-KYC)
0 of 5 ready · saved on this device only
Step 6: Pay the fee
Proceed to the fee payment section. The fee varies slightly by state:
| Fee Component | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner License application fee | ₹150 per vehicle class |
| Online test fee | ₹50 per vehicle class |
| Total (for one vehicle class) | ₹200 |
| Total (for two classes, e.g., MCWG + LMV) | ₹400 |
Pay using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Step 7: Take the online test
Once payment is successful, you will receive an SMS with a password for the Learner License test. Here is how the online test works:
- Set up your webcam: Ensure you have a working webcam on your computer or phone. The system uses AI facial recognition to verify that you are the person taking the test. It compares your live face against your Aadhaar photo.
- Watch the mandatory road safety video: The portal requires you to watch a short tutorial video about traffic rules and road safety before the test begins. You cannot skip this.
- Take the test: The test consists of multiple-choice questions about traffic rules, road signs, speed limits, and driving etiquette. The questions are available in English, Hindi, and your state's regional language.
| Test Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 15 (typically) |
| Passing marks | 9 out of 15 (60%) |
| Time limit | 15-20 minutes |
| Test language | English, Hindi, and regional languages |
| Negative marking | None |
TIP
The questions are straightforward if you study the basic traffic signs and rules. Common topics include: what does a red traffic signal mean, who has the right of way at a roundabout, what is the speed limit in a school zone, and what documents must a driver carry. A free study guide is available on the Parivahan portal.
Step 8: Download your Learning License
If you pass the test, you can instantly download your Learning License as a PDF from the portal. It is valid for exactly 6 months from the date of issue. You can also fetch it in your DigiLocker account.
After a mandatory waiting period of 30 days, you can apply for a permanent Driving License through the same Sarathi portal.
Common Mistakes
- Selecting the wrong RTO: If you select an RTO that does not cover your PIN code, the application may be rejected. Let the system auto-select based on your address.
- Not having a working webcam: The AI facial recognition will prevent you from starting the test if the webcam is not functioning or if the lighting is too poor. Test your webcam before starting.
- Mismatched Aadhaar photo: If your current appearance is very different from your Aadhaar photo (major weight change, new glasses, beard), the facial recognition may fail. In this case, you will need to visit the RTO in person.
- Applying for the wrong vehicle class: Many first-time applicants select "Motor Cycle Without Gear" thinking it covers all motorcycles. If you plan to ride a bike over 50cc (which includes almost all commercial motorcycles like Hero Splendor, Honda Activa scooters with gear, etc.), you need "Motor Cycle With Gear."
- Forgetting to apply for the permanent DL within 6 months: Your LL expires after 6 months with no automatic renewal. You must apply from scratch if it expires.
Troubleshooting
The test password SMS never arrived: Check your spam folder. If it still has not arrived after 30 minutes, log back into the Parivahan portal and look for the test link in your application dashboard. You can also try the "Resend Password" option.
The facial recognition keeps rejecting me: Ensure good lighting (natural light works best), remove sunglasses and caps, and position your face directly in front of the camera. If it still fails after 3 attempts, the portal will offer the option to take the test at the RTO in person.
I passed the test but cannot download the LL: Clear your browser cache and try again. Some states require a manual verification step by the RTO after the test, which can take 1-2 working days. Check your application status on the portal.
The portal shows "slot not available" for the test: Some states have a limited number of daily test slots. Try again early in the morning (8-9 AM) when new slots are released, or try on a weekday instead of a weekend.
After Getting Your LL: Next Steps
- Practice driving with a licensed driver sitting next to you. You must display an "L" sign on the front and back of the vehicle.
- Wait 30 days from the LL issue date before applying for the permanent Driving License.
- Book a DL test slot on the Sarathi portal. You will need to pass a physical driving test at the RTO or an AAETF (Automated Aadhaar Enabled Testing Facility).
Related Guides
Need more help?
For more information, check out our Identity & KYC guides or estimate a vehicle loan with our Car Loan EMI Calculator.