Reviewed: August 2026
Learning Driving Licence Online Apply in India
A learner’s licence is the legal starting point for learning to drive a motorcycle, car or another eligible vehicle class in India. This guide explains how to apply through the official Sarathi Parivahan portal, what documents to prepare, how the learner licence test works, the applicable fee components, how long the licence remains valid and what to do after approval.
The exact online flow, document requirements, authentication method and need for an office visit can differ by state. Always follow the instructions displayed after selecting your state on Sarathi Parivahan.
Independent informational guide. We do not issue learner licences or process government applications.
Official government portal · Independent informational website
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6 months
Validity
30 days
Min. before permanent
Form 3
Issued document
Learning Licence at a Glance
Purpose
Allows an eligible applicant to learn and practise driving subject to the conditions printed on the learner licence.
Official application portal
Sarathi Parivahan, after selecting the concerned state.
Application form
Form 2 / the corresponding online learner licence application.
Issued document
Learner’s Licence in Form 3.
Test
A preliminary knowledge test covering traffic rules, road signs and safe-driving responsibilities. Test mode differs by state.
Validity
Six months from the date of issue.
Permanent licence eligibility
An applicant can generally apply for a new driving licence after holding a valid learner licence for at least 30 days.
Important limitation
A learner licence is not a permanent driving licence and does not allow unrestricted independent driving.
| Item | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows an eligible applicant to learn and practise driving subject to the conditions printed on the learner licence. |
| Official application portal | Sarathi Parivahan, after selecting the concerned state. |
| Application form | Form 2 / the corresponding online learner licence application. |
| Issued document | Learner’s Licence in Form 3. |
| Test | A preliminary knowledge test covering traffic rules, road signs and safe-driving responsibilities. Test mode differs by state. |
| Validity | Six months from the date of issue. |
| Permanent licence eligibility | An applicant can generally apply for a new driving licence after holding a valid learner licence for at least 30 days. |
| Important limitation | A learner licence is not a permanent driving licence and does not allow unrestricted independent driving. |
What Is a Learning Driving Licence?
A learning driving licence, commonly called a learner’s licence or LL, is a temporary authorisation issued to an eligible person who is learning to drive. It is issued for the selected class or classes of vehicle after the applicant completes the prescribed application process and passes the preliminary learner licence test.
The learner licence creates a supervised practice period before the applicant appears for the practical test of competence required for a permanent driving licence. The knowledge test for the learner licence and the practical driving test for the permanent licence are two different stages.
For a broader explanation, read what a learning licence is in India.
Who Can Apply? Age and Vehicle-Class Eligibility
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s age, the selected class of vehicle and any state-specific conditions. The official Parivahan age criteria currently identify the following broad categories:
16 years
MCWOG private vehicle category
For eligible motorcycles without gear/private category as enabled by the state portal. Additional consent or documentation may be requested for a minor applicant.
18 years
LMV and MCWG private vehicle categories
Typically covers private cars/light motor vehicles and motorcycles with gear, subject to the selected class on the portal.
20 years
Transport vehicle category
Additional eligibility, experience, training or medical requirements may apply under the relevant rules and state implementation.
| Minimum Age | Vehicle Category | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 16 years | MCWOG private vehicle category | For eligible motorcycles without gear/private category as enabled by the state portal. Additional consent or documentation may be requested for a minor applicant. |
| 18 years | LMV and MCWG private vehicle categories | Typically covers private cars/light motor vehicles and motorcycles with gear, subject to the selected class on the portal. |
| 20 years | Transport vehicle category | Additional eligibility, experience, training or medical requirements may apply under the relevant rules and state implementation. |
Vehicle-class names shown on Sarathi can vary slightly by state. Choose only the class that matches the vehicle you intend to learn and the class for which you meet the age and eligibility conditions.
Applicants considering a car should review the LMV driving licence guide, while motorcycle applicants can understand the meaning of MCWG in a driving licence.
Choose the Correct Class of Vehicle
MCWOG / motorcycle without gear
Use: Eligible gearless motorcycle or scooter category as configured by the state.
Before selecting: Confirm engine/class restrictions and age eligibility displayed by the portal.
MCWG / motorcycle with gear
Use: Motorcycles with gear and the category enabled by the state.
Before selecting: Applicant generally needs to meet the 18-year private-vehicle age criterion.
LMV
Use: Private car and other qualifying light motor vehicles.
Before selecting: Select the private/non-transport option unless you specifically qualify for a transport category.
Transport or heavy vehicle class
Use: Commercial/transport vehicle categories.
Before selecting: Check additional eligibility, medical, training and state requirements before applying.
For commercial or larger vehicle categories, use the dedicated heavy driving licence guide rather than relying only on this general learner-licence page.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
The exact list appears in the acknowledgement or document checklist generated for your application. Requirements can differ by state, vehicle class, age and authentication method. Prepare clear and current documents before beginning.
Proof of age: A government-accepted document showing the applicant’s date of birth.
Proof of address: A government-accepted document matching the address entered in the application.
Identity and authentication details: Details required by the state’s Sarathi workflow, which may include Aadhaar-based authentication where enabled.
Photograph and signature: Uploaded, captured or fetched electronically depending on the state workflow.
Form 1: Self-declaration regarding physical fitness, where applicable in the online process.
Form 1A: Medical certificate where required. Parivahan guidance states that Form 1A is required for applicants aged 40 years or above; transport and other specified cases may also have medical requirements.
Existing driving licence details: Needed when applying for a learner authorisation to add another class to an existing driving licence.
Do not upload random substitutes
Use only the document types accepted by your selected state. Names, dates of birth and addresses should be consistent across the application and supporting documents. A mismatch is a common reason for verification delays.
How to Apply for a Learning Licence Online
The official Parivahan instructions describe a state-based Sarathi process. Menu labels and the order of individual steps may change depending on your state, but the overall journey is usually as follows:
- 1
Open the official Sarathi portal
Use https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/ and avoid unofficial sites that ask for OTPs, passwords or payment details.
- 2
Select your state
Choose the state or union territory where you are applying. The available services and authentication modes are configured by that state.
- 3
Choose the new learner licence service
Open the “Learner Licence” menu and select the option for a new learner licence application.
- 4
Read the state instructions
Check whether the process is Aadhaar-authenticated, contactless, partially online or requires an office visit.
- 5
Complete identity authentication
Follow the Aadhaar, OTP or other identity process offered for the selected state. Use only your own valid details.
- 6
Fill in the application
Enter the applicant’s name, date of birth, address, contact details and other requested information exactly as supported by the documents.
- 7
Select the class of vehicle
Choose the motorcycle, LMV or other eligible class carefully. A separate statutory issue fee applies for each class.
- 8
Complete fitness declarations
Fill Form 1 and arrange Form 1A where the portal or applicable rules require it.
- 9
Upload documents, photograph and signature
This facility is state-dependent. Follow the displayed format and file-size instructions.
- 10
Pay the application and test fees
Use the payment options shown on Sarathi. Save the receipt and transaction reference.
- 11
Book or access the learner licence test
Some states require a test appointment; some enable an online learner test; others require the applicant to visit the designated office.
- 12
Attend verification where required
Carry original documents, the acknowledgement and fee receipt on the scheduled date when instructed.
- 13
Pass the learner licence test
After successful testing and approval, use the state’s available print/download option for Form 3.
Applicants who need an overview of the full new-licence journey can also read the driving licence online application guide.
Ready to start?
Use only the official government portal, select your state and follow the instructions shown for a new learner licence application.
Apply on Official Sarathi PortalNever share an OTP, password or payment information with anyone claiming to complete the application on your behalf.
Learning Licence Test: What Actually Happens?
The learner licence test is generally a preliminary knowledge test, not the practical road-driving test used for issuing a permanent licence. It checks whether the applicant understands essential road rules and can identify safe and unsafe driving situations.
- Traffic signs, signals and road markings.
- Right of way and basic road discipline.
- Safe following, overtaking and turning behaviour.
- Responsibilities toward pedestrians and other road users.
- Basic legal duties, required documents and accident-related responsibilities.
- Vehicle-specific safety principles relevant to the selected class.
Question count, language options, time limit, pass marks and test interface are decided by the relevant state. Do not publish one universal pass mark unless it has been verified for every state.
Online Learner Licence Test
Parivahan provides an Online Learners’ Licence Test (STALL) route in some states. Where available, the applicant generally selects the state, opens the online learner test option and signs in using the application number, date of birth and the required password or authentication credential. This facility is not available in every state.
Practice the Learning Licence Test
Use the learning licence test questions page for topic-based preparation, and review additional practice driving licence questions before attempting the official test.
Start Learning Licence Mock TestIf You Fail or Miss the Test
Parivahan guidance states that an applicant who is absent or fails the learner licence test must pay the applicable retest fee and book a fresh appointment. The next available date and booking process depend on the state portal.
- Do not create a second application unless the official portal instructs you to do so.
- Use the existing application number to pay the retest fee or verify the pending transaction.
- Book a new learner-test slot through the appointment menu where required.
- Review the weak topics before the next attempt instead of memorising only a few sample questions.
Learning Licence Fees
The centrally prescribed base fee components for a learner licence include the issue fee for each class of vehicle and the learner-test or repeat-test fee. The total displayed by Sarathi can be higher because a state may add user charges, service charges or other permitted components.
Issue of learner’s licence in Form 3
₹150 for each class of vehicle
Selecting more than one class can increase the issue-fee component.
Learner’s licence test or repeat test
₹50
A fresh retest payment may be required after failure or absence.
State/user/service charges
Varies
Use the fee calculation shown for your application on Sarathi.
| Fee Component | Prescribed Base Amount | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Issue of learner’s licence in Form 3 | ₹150 for each class of vehicle | Selecting more than one class can increase the issue-fee component. |
| Learner’s licence test or repeat test | ₹50 | A fresh retest payment may be required after failure or absence. |
| State/user/service charges | Varies | Use the fee calculation shown for your application on Sarathi. |
Avoid publishing broad fee ranges by vehicle type
Do not state that an LMV learner licence costs ₹300-₹500 or an HMV learner licence costs ₹500-₹700 as a universal rule. The reliable approach is to show the statutory base components and tell users to verify the final amount calculated for their state and selected class.
What to Do If Payment Fails or Remains Pending
Do not immediately generate a duplicate application or make repeated payments.
Use the “Verify Pay Status” or payment-status facility for the same application.
Keep the bank reference, Sarathi transaction reference and payment receipt screenshot.
If money is debited but the status is not updated, use the official Sarathi helpdesk or the support option displayed by the portal.
Proceed to a fresh payment only when the official status or helpdesk instructions permit it.
How to Check Learning Licence Application Status
- 1Open Sarathi Parivahan and select the concerned state.
- 2Choose “Application Status” from the available menu.
- 3Enter the application number and date of birth.
- 4Review the current stage, pending action, appointment, forms or acknowledgement shown for the application.
For a simpler walkthrough, use the check driving licence status guide.
Check Application StatusHow to Download or Print the Approved Learning Licence
After the learner test is passed and the application is approved, the print facility is available in some states through Sarathi. The official route is generally:
- 1Visit Sarathi Parivahan and select the concerned state.
- 2Open the “Learner Licence” menu.
- 3Choose “Print Learner Licence (Form 3)”.
- 4Enter the application number and date of birth.
- 5Submit the details and save or print the approved learner licence when the service is enabled for that state.
If the portal says that applicant printing is not available for your state, follow the state transport authority’s instructions. Do not use third-party “download” pages that request sensitive data or claim to generate an official learner licence themselves.
Learning Licence Validity and Expiry
A learner licence is valid for six months. The holder can generally apply for a new permanent driving licence after completing at least 30 days from the issue of the learner licence, provided the learner licence remains valid and the applicant meets all other requirements.
An expired learner licence is not renewed in the same way as a permanent driving licence. Parivahan guidance states that after expiry, the applicant must obtain a new learner licence through the process offered by the state.
Read the complete learning licence validity and expiry rules before planning the permanent driving test.
Rules to Follow While Practising
A learner licence allows supervised practice; it does not provide unrestricted driving rights. Follow the conditions printed on the issued Form 3 and any additional state directions.
- LPractise only the class of vehicle endorsed on the learner licence.
- LDisplay the required learner identification on the vehicle as prescribed.
- LBe accompanied or supervised in the manner required for the relevant vehicle class and applicable rules.
- LCarry or keep access to the valid learner licence while practising.
- LFollow traffic signals, speed restrictions, helmet/seat-belt requirements and all other road-safety laws.
- LDo not treat a learner licence as permission to drive independently or for unauthorised commercial use.
Review the dedicated learning licence rules page and the explanation of whether you can drive alone with a learning licence.
After 30 Days: Applying for a Permanent Driving Licence
The learner stage is followed by the practical test of competence for a permanent licence. An eligible applicant who has held a valid learner licence for at least 30 days may apply for the new driving licence service for the same vehicle class.
- 1
Continue supervised practice and learn the test manoeuvres used by the concerned authority.
- 2
Apply for a new driving licence through the state’s Sarathi service while the learner licence is valid.
- 3
Pay the applicable driving-test and licence-issue fees.
- 4
Book the test slot where online appointment is available.
- 5
Attend with the required documents and an appropriate vehicle as instructed.
- 6
Pass the practical test of competence for the selected vehicle class.
Continue with the complete permanent driving licence guide and use the driving licence slot booking guide when you are ready for the practical test.
You can also compare a learning licence vs permanent licence to understand the different rights, tests and validity periods.
Common Application Problems and Solutions
Name or date of birth mismatch
Likely cause: Application details differ from proof documents.
Recommended action: Correct the entry before final submission or follow the state’s correction instructions. Do not upload a mismatched document.
Document upload rejected
Likely cause: Wrong format, unclear scan, invalid document type or file-size issue.
Recommended action: Use the exact format and size displayed by Sarathi; upload a clear complete image.
Payment debited but pending
Likely cause: Bank confirmation has not reconciled with the portal.
Recommended action: Use Verify Pay Status and contact the official helpdesk if the transaction remains unresolved.
No learner test slots
Likely cause: Capacity is unavailable for the selected office/date.
Recommended action: Check later dates or follow the alternate process displayed for the state; do not pay an unofficial agent for a guaranteed slot.
Online learner test not visible
Likely cause: STALL is not enabled for that state or application type.
Recommended action: Book/attend the test using the mode shown by the selected state.
Unable to print Form 3
Likely cause: Applicant print is not enabled, approval is pending or details are incorrect.
Recommended action: Check application status; if approved, follow the state transport authority’s issue/print instructions.
Application number not received
Likely cause: SMS/email delivery issue or incomplete submission.
Recommended action: Use the state portal’s “Find Application Number” facility where available or contact official support.
State not available on Sarathi
Likely cause: Service may be handled through a separate state workflow.
Recommended action: Contact the concerned state transport department and use only the official portal it identifies.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Name or date of birth mismatch | Application details differ from proof documents. | Correct the entry before final submission or follow the state’s correction instructions. Do not upload a mismatched document. |
| Document upload rejected | Wrong format, unclear scan, invalid document type or file-size issue. | Use the exact format and size displayed by Sarathi; upload a clear complete image. |
| Payment debited but pending | Bank confirmation has not reconciled with the portal. | Use Verify Pay Status and contact the official helpdesk if the transaction remains unresolved. |
| No learner test slots | Capacity is unavailable for the selected office/date. | Check later dates or follow the alternate process displayed for the state; do not pay an unofficial agent for a guaranteed slot. |
| Online learner test not visible | STALL is not enabled for that state or application type. | Book/attend the test using the mode shown by the selected state. |
| Unable to print Form 3 | Applicant print is not enabled, approval is pending or details are incorrect. | Check application status; if approved, follow the state transport authority’s issue/print instructions. |
| Application number not received | SMS/email delivery issue or incomplete submission. | Use the state portal’s “Find Application Number” facility where available or contact official support. |
| State not available on Sarathi | Service may be handled through a separate state workflow. | Contact the concerned state transport department and use only the official portal it identifies. |
Important Safety and Fraud Warning
Use only official portals
The government portal does not need an unknown person to collect your OTP, Aadhaar authentication code, password or card PIN. Do not send identity documents through random messaging accounts. Confirm the website domain before entering personal or payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is a learning driving licence?
It is a temporary authorisation that allows an eligible person to learn and practise driving for the vehicle class shown on the licence, subject to prescribed restrictions and supervision conditions.
2.How do I apply for a learning licence online?
Open the official Sarathi Parivahan portal, select your state, choose the new learner licence service, complete the application, upload documents where required, pay the fees and take the learner licence test using the mode offered by your state.
3.Is Sarathi Parivahan the official application portal?
Yes. Sarathi Parivahan is the government platform used for driving-licence services. The exact service flow is configured by the selected state.
4.What is the minimum age for a learner licence?
Parivahan identifies 16 years for the MCWOG private category, 18 years for LMV and MCWG private categories, and 20 years for transport vehicle categories. Additional conditions can apply.
5.Can a 16-year-old apply for a learner licence?
A 16-year-old may apply for the eligible MCWOG private vehicle category as enabled by the state portal. The applicant should check the class restrictions and any additional consent or documentation requirements.
6.What documents are required?
Common requirements include age proof, address proof, identity/authentication details, photograph, signature, Form 1 and Form 1A where required. The generated acknowledgement is the best source for the exact state-specific list.
7.Is Form 1A mandatory for everyone?
No. Parivahan guidance states that Form 1A is required for applicants aged 40 years or above. It can also be required for specified transport or medical cases under the applicable rules.
8.Is the learner licence test a practical driving test?
No. The learner licence stage generally uses a preliminary knowledge test on traffic rules, signs and safe driving. The practical test of competence is taken later for the permanent driving licence.
9.Can I take the learner licence test from home?
Only where the selected state enables an online learner licence test and your application is eligible. Other states may require a scheduled test or office visit.
10.What are the official learner licence fees?
The prescribed base issue fee is ₹150 for each class of vehicle and the learner test or repeat-test fee is ₹50. The state portal may add permitted user or service charges.
11.How long is a learner licence valid?
It is valid for six months from the date of issue.
12.When can I apply for a permanent driving licence?
You can generally apply after holding the valid learner licence for at least 30 days, while it remains within its six-month validity period.
13.Can an expired learner licence be renewed?
Parivahan guidance says an expired learner licence is not renewed; the applicant must obtain a new learner licence using the state’s available process.
14.Can I drive alone with a learner licence?
A learner licence is intended for supervised learning and is subject to the conditions printed on the licence and the applicable rules. It should not be treated as permission for unrestricted independent driving.
15.Can I apply for both motorcycle and car classes together?
The portal may allow more than one eligible class to be selected. You must meet the age and eligibility criteria for each class, and the issue fee applies per class.
16.How do I check my learner licence application status?
Select your state on Sarathi, open Application Status, and enter the application number and date of birth.
17.How do I download or print the approved learner licence?
Where enabled, select the state on Sarathi, open Learner Licence, choose Print Learner Licence (Form 3), and enter the application number and date of birth.
18.What happens if I fail the test?
You generally need to pay the retest fee and book a fresh appointment or attempt according to the state portal’s process.
19.What should I do if the fee is debited but payment is pending?
Use Verify Pay Status for the same application and contact the official Sarathi helpdesk if the transaction does not update. Avoid making repeated payments without checking.
20.Is DrivingLicenceDownload.app a government website?
No. It is an independent informational website. It does not issue licences, collect government fees or process applications. Always use the official portal for transactions.
Related Driving Licence Guides
Use these pages only when they match the next step in the user’s journey:
Official Resources
About This Guide
DrivingLicenceDownload.app publishes independent educational guides to help users understand official driving-licence procedures. Content is written to explain the process, not to replace the government portal or the instructions of the concerned transport authority.
Information on this page should be reviewed whenever Sarathi changes its menu flow, a fee notification is amended or a state changes its authentication, document or testing process.
Important disclaimer
This website is not affiliated with Parivahan Sewa, Sarathi, MoRTH, NIC or any state transport authority. It does not issue learner licences, accept applications, collect government fees or guarantee approval. Use official portals for every transaction and follow the instructions of the concerned authority.
Last reviewed: August 2026
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