Knowing how to get a learning license is the first step to becoming a confident driver in India. A learning license lets you practice driving before you get a full driving license. The Motor Vehicle Act requires you to have this learning license to legally learn driving on public roads.
Learning License Online Application Process 2025
You can drive on public roads only if you have a legal driver’s license. When you’re learning to drive, you get a learner’s license. It lets you practice under certain rules.
To get this license, you must apply at your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA). You can apply either online through the Parivahan portal or offline at the RTO office.
You must be at least 16 years old for a motorcycle license without gear and 18 years for other vehicles to apply for a learner license. The license lasts for six months.
- First, apply for a learning license valid for 6 months.
- Then, practice driving the type of vehicle you applied for.
- After training, take a driving test on the scheduled date.
- If you pass, the permanent driving license will be sent to your address.
Different Types of Learning Licenses in India
Your learning license depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive. Licenses are for personal or commercial use:
Personal Use Licenses
- MC50CC: Motorcycle up to 50cc engine capacity.
- LMV-NT: Light Motor Vehicles for non-transport use.
- MC EX50CC: Motorcycle with gear and light motor vehicles including motorcycles over 50cc.
- MCWG or M/CYCL.WG: All types of vehicles with or without gears for personal use.
Commercial Use Licenses
- HGMV: Heavy goods vehicles for transport services.
- LMV-TR: Light motor vehicles used for transport or business.
- HPMV: Heavy passenger vehicles like buses.
- LMV-NT: Light motor vehicles for commercial use but not transport.
- MG: Medium goods vehicles.
Purpose of the Learning License
The main purpose is to let you practice driving safely before getting your permanent license. It helps you learn driving rules and gain confidence while following the law.
Benefits of Having a Learning License
- Lets you legally learn driving on public roads.
- You get hands-on driving practice before the permanent license.
- Traffic police recognize this license and you won’t be fined while supervised by a licensed driver.
Eligibility Criteria for Learning License
- You must be 18 years or older for motorcycles with gears and other vehicles.
- For motorcycles without gears and engine capacity up to 50cc, minimum age is 16 with guardian’s permission if under 18.
- You can only drive vehicles matching your learner license category.
- Always have an adult with a valid license in the vehicle while driving with a learner license.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Learning License
You need to fill out the application form and provide these documents:
Identity Proof (Any One):
- Passport (valid)
- Voter ID card
- Aadhar Card
Age Proof (Any One):
- Birth Certificate showing Date of Birth
- School Certificate with DOB
- PAN Card
- Passport
Address Proof (Any One):
- Electricity Bill
- Ration Card
- Voter ID Card
- Rental Agreement or Property Papers
- LIC Policy Bond
- Medical Certificate (if applicable)
- 6 passport-size photos
- If living in another city, rental agreement with recent utility bill is accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Learning License Online
- Go to the official Parivahan portal.
- On the homepage, find and click on “Driving License / Learner’s License” under driver’s license services.
- Choose your state from the dropdown menu.
- Click on “Apply for Learner’s License” to start your application.
- Follow the flow chart and click “Continue” to proceed.
- Fill in your details including personal info and select the nearest RTO office.
- Verify your identity using Aadhaar or other methods with OTP as instructed.
- Upload scanned documents for identity, age, and address proof as directed.
- Upload your photograph and signature following the guidelines carefully.
- Choose a convenient date and time slot for your learner’s license test.
- Pay the application fee online through the payment gateway.
- After payment, save the receipt for your test.
- Attend the learner license test on the booked date at the RTO office.
- After you pass, your learner license will be sent by post within a few days, valid for 6 months.
How to Apply for Learning License Offline
You can also apply in person at the nearest RTO office by:
- Collecting the learner license application form.
- Filling the form and attaching your photos and documents.
- Submitting the form at the RTO office and paying the fee.
- Getting a date for the written driving test from the authorities.
- Passing the test and receiving the learner license by post.
Driving schools often help candidates with this process if you learn driving there.
Preparing for the Learner License Test
Be sure to reach the test center at least 30 minutes early on your test day. The test format and difficulty level may change depending on vehicle types and states.
Once you pass the learner test, you have 30 days to apply for your permanent driving license. Remember, you must apply within 180 days after your learner license issue date.
If you don’t pass the test, you can apply again online to retake it.
Having a learning license is the first important step to legal and safe driving in India. By following this updated 2025 guide, you can apply easily and start your driving journey.