Published – September 30, 2026
You can apply for a learner licence online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal. The application starts online and generally involves selecting your state, choosing the learner’s licence service, entering your details, submitting the required documents, paying the applicable fee and completing the prescribed learner’s licence test. Depending on your state and application, additional verification or an RTO visit may be required.
Steps to Apply for a Learner Licence Online
Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan Portal
Go to the official Sarathi Parivahan portal. Sarathi provides online services for learner’s licences and driving licences under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Step 2: Select Your State
Choose the state where you want to apply for the learner’s licence.
This step is important because the services, authentication methods and application workflow available through Sarathi can differ between states.
Step 3: Choose the Learner’s Licence Service
After selecting your state, open the Learner Licence section and choose the option for a new learner’s licence application.
Follow the service options displayed on the portal for your state.
Step 4: Complete the Required Authentication
Complete the authentication method shown for your application.
Depending on the state and service, this may involve Aadhaar-based authentication, OTP verification or another prescribed method. Do not assume that every applicant will have the same authentication option.
Step 5: Enter Your Personal Details
Fill in the information requested in the application form.
This can include:
- Name and date of birth
- Address
- Parent or guardian details, where applicable
- Mobile number
- Other details required by the selected service
Check the spelling and other personal information carefully before submitting the form.
Step 6: Select the Vehicle Class
Choose the vehicle class for which you want the learner’s licence.
The applicable category may include a motorcycle, light motor vehicle or another class depending on the vehicle you intend to drive.
The vehicle class can affect the documents, eligibility requirements and fees applicable to your application.
Step 7: Submit the Required Documents
Provide the documents requested by the portal.
Depending on your age, vehicle category and state, these may include:
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Identity details
- Photograph or signature, where required
- Medical certificate or declaration, where applicable
- Parent or guardian consent for eligible applicants below 18
The exact document list shown by Sarathi should be followed for your application.
Step 8: Review and Submit the Application
Check all the information before final submission.
Complete any required declaration and submit the application. After submission, an application number is generated. Save the application number and acknowledgement details because they can be required for later services.
Step 9: Pay the Applicable Fee
Proceed to the payment section and pay the amount displayed for your application.
The fee can depend on the vehicle class and applicable services. Sarathi provides online fee-payment facilities, including options for application and test-related payments.
Use the final amount displayed on the official portal rather than relying on an old fee figure from another website.
Keep the payment receipt after completing the transaction.
Step 10: Complete the Learner’s Licence Tutorial, If Required
Some state-specific online workflows include a road-safety or learner’s licence tutorial before the test.
If this appears in your application, complete the tutorial according to the instructions provided by the portal.
The exact tutorial process is not identical across all states.
Step 11: Take the Learner’s Licence Test
Complete the prescribed learner’s licence test through the method provided for your application.
The test generally assesses your knowledge of:
- Traffic signs
- Road rules
- Safe driving practices
- Driver responsibilities
- Basic traffic regulations
The official Parivahan system also provides learner’s licence test and question-bank resources.
Step 12: Meet the Required Passing Score
You must obtain the minimum score required by the applicable learner’s licence test.
Do not assume that the test always contains 10 questions or that the passing score is the same in every state. The format and test procedure can vary according to the applicable state and service.
For example, a published Tamil Nadu online LL workflow specifies a 60% passing requirement, but this should not be presented as a universal test format for all of India.
Step 13: Download the Learner’s Licence
After successfully completing the required test and approval process, use the available print/download learner’s licence option.
The official Parivahan guidance specifically provides a learner’s licence printing process through Sarathi after selecting the concerned state.
Save the digital copy for your records.
Who Can Apply for a Learner Licence?
The minimum age depends on the vehicle category.
| Vehicle category | General minimum age |
| Motorcycle without gear up to the applicable 50 cc category | 16 years, subject to required consent |
| Other non-transport motor vehicles | 18 years |
| Transport vehicles | 20 years, subject to applicable requirements |
The exact eligibility conditions should be checked against the applicable Motor Vehicles Act provisions and the requirements displayed by the licensing authority.
What Documents Are Required for a Learner Licence?
There is no single document list that applies identically to every applicant.
Commonly requested documents can include:
- Age proof
- Address proof
- Identity proof
- Photograph, where required
- Medical certificate or declaration, where applicable
- Parent or guardian consent for eligible minor applicants
The portal may ask for additional documents based on your age, vehicle category, state and application route.
Do You Need to Visit the RTO for a Learner Licence?
Not necessarily.
Some applicants can complete the available learner’s licence process online or through a contactless route. Others may be asked to visit an RTO for verification, biometrics, testing or another requirement.
The correct answer depends on your state, age, vehicle category and authentication method.
Follow the instructions displayed for your application after selecting your state.
How Long Is a Learner Licence Valid?
A learner’s licence is generally valid for six months from the date of issue.
The permanent driving licence is a separate process. Parivahan states that an applicant can apply for a new driving licence after holding the learner’s licence for at least 30 days.
If the learner’s licence expires, a fresh learner’s licence may be required rather than simply extending the expired one.
What Should You Do After Getting a Learner Licence?
Once you receive the learner’s licence, you can begin practising driving according to the applicable learner-driver rules.
After completing the required learner period, you can apply for the permanent driving licence and attend the prescribed driving test.
The learner’s licence and permanent driving licence are two separate stages of the licensing process.
Frequently Searched Questions
1. How much is the learner licence fee?
The prescribed central fee is ₹150 for each vehicle class, with ₹50 for the learner’s licence test or repeat test. The final amount payable can differ because applicable state or service charges may also be included.
2. Do I need to visit the RTO for a learner licence?
Not in every case. Some applicants can use an online or contactless process, while others may need to visit an RTO depending on their application and state requirements.
3. How long is a learner licence valid?
A learner’s licence is generally valid for six months from its date of issue.
4. How can I get a driving licence after getting a learner licence?
You can apply for a permanent driving licence after holding the learner’s licence for at least 30 days. Apply through Sarathi Parivahan, complete the required application and fee payment, attend the driving test and obtain the permanent licence after successfully passing the test.
For the current application process, use the official Sarathi Parivahan portal. The government portal is state-configured, so the options shown after selecting your state should take priority over older instructions published elsewhere.
