Learner Licence Rules in India - Eligibility, Validity, Restrictions & Legal Penalties
A Learner Licence (LL) is a temporary and legally restricted driving authorisation issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, allowing a person to learn driving on public roads under strict conditions.
It is not a full driving licence.
It exists to ensure:
- Safe learning on roads
- Supervised driving practice
- Legal screening before granting permanent driving rights
Driving a vehicle without a Learner Licence or violating LL conditions is treated as a traffic offence, even if the driver intends to "learn".
This page explains exact learner licence rules in India, including:
- Legal eligibility & age rules
- What an LL holder can and cannot do
- Validity & renewal conditions
- Penalties for misuse
- How police verify learner licences
- When and how to upgrade to a permanent licence
Last updated: 2026 (as per MV Act & Parivahan enforcement practices)
Legal Basis for Learner Licence in India
Learner Licence rules are governed by:
- Section 7 - Grant of Learner Licence
- Section 3 - Necessity for driving licence
- Section 181 - Penalty for driving without licence
Under law:
No person may drive a motor vehicle on a public road unless they hold a valid learner or permanent driving licence.
➡ Related law page: Driving without licence legal consequences.
Eligibility Rules for Learner Licence
To apply for a Learner Licence in India, the applicant must meet all legal eligibility conditions.
Minimum Age (By Vehicle Type)
| Vehicle Type | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Gearless two-wheeler (≤50cc) | 16 years |
| Two-wheeler / Car (LMV) | 18 years |
| Transport / Commercial | 20 years |
Applicants aged 16-18 years require parental or guardian consent.
Mandatory Eligibility Conditions
- Valid age proof
- Address proof
- Medical fitness (mandatory for transport category)
- Passing the learner licence test
➡ Apply here: Apply for a learning driving licence online.
Validity & Duration of Learner Licence
A Learner Licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
Important Legal Rules
- You cannot extend an expired learner licence
- If LL expires before permanent licence test → new LL required
- Permanent licence test can be booked only after 30 days of LL issuance
➡ Check validity or expiry: Check learner licence status online.
Mandatory Rules While Driving on Learner Licence
A learner licence holder must follow all of the following rules. Violating even one condition is a punishable offence.
✔ What Is Allowed
- Driving only the vehicle category mentioned on LL
- Practising on public roads with supervision
- Using digital LL via DigiLocker or mParivahan
❌ What Is Strictly Prohibited
| Prohibited Action | Legal Outcome |
|---|---|
| Driving without "L" board | Fine / challan |
| Driving without supervisor | LL cancellation |
| Carrying passengers | Penalty |
| Driving commercial vehicle | Illegal |
| Driving different vehicle category | Section 181 offence |
Supervisor Rule (Very Important)
- Supervisor must hold a valid permanent licence
- Must sit in a position to control or guide the vehicle
"L" Board Rules (Often Ignored, Legally Serious)
Under law, an LL vehicle must display a red "L" on white background:
- Front and rear (four-wheelers)
- Clearly visible (two-wheelers)
Failure to display an "L" board is treated as non-compliance, not a minor mistake.
Penalties for Violating Learner Licence Rules
| Violation | Fine / Action |
|---|---|
| Driving without LL | ₹5,000 + court action |
| LL misuse | Licence cancellation |
| Repeated offence | Suspension of future licence |
| Minor driving | ₹25,000 + RC cancellation |
➡ Related authority page: Traffic offences and penalties in India.
How Traffic Police Verify Learner Licence
Traffic authorities verify learner licences using:
- mParivahan mobile app
- DigiLocker QR verification
- Central Parivahan database
Fake, expired, or misused learner licences are instantly detected.
➡ Download digital LL: Download driving licence digitally.
Transition: From Learner Licence to Permanent Licence
A Learner Licence is only a temporary stage.
Legal Upgrade Rules
- Minimum 30 days after LL issue
- Maximum 180 days (before expiry)
- Mandatory driving test clearance
- If LL expires → you must start again
➡ Next step: Apply for permanent driving licence.
Common Myths About Learner Licence (Debunked)
| Myth | Legal Reality |
|---|---|
| "LL holders can drive alone" | ❌ Illegal |
| "LL works like permanent licence" | ❌ False |
| "Police ignore LL violations" | ❌ Heavy penalties |
| "Digital LL not valid" | ❌ Fully valid |
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is learner licence valid across India?
Yes, it is valid nationwide, subject to conditions.
2.Can learner licence be renewed after expiry?
No. A fresh application is required.
3.Is DigiLocker learner licence legal?
Yes, it is legally accepted.
4.Can learner licence be cancelled?
Yes, for misuse or repeated violations.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. Learner licence rules may change based on government notifications. Always verify with official RTO or Parivahan authorities.