Independent guide by India Customer Care · Not the Parivahan government website · We never ask for your licence number, vehicle number, Aadhaar or OTP. Official services: parivahan.gov.in
Learner Licence: How to Apply Online, Test, Fees and Print
Apply on the official Sarathi website (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in): choose your state, fill in the learner licence form, upload your documents and pay the fee. The government fee is ₹150 per vehicle class plus ₹50 for the test, and states add their own charges. Pass the online test (60% correct answers) and print your LL. It is valid for 6 months.
- Government fee
- ₹150 per class + ₹50 test
- Valid for
- 6 months
- Where
- Sarathi online; test at home or at the RTO
- You need
- Age proof, address proof, photo, signature
- Difficulty
- Easy with Aadhaar
On this page
- Who can apply, and for which vehicle
- Documents and fees
- How to apply on Sarathi (step by step)
- The learner licence test
- Download and print your learner licence
- Rules while you hold a learner licence
- Problems and fixes
- Learner licence expired?
- Practise: 10-question taster test
- Frequently asked questions
Who can get a learner licence, and for which vehicle?
Anyone old enough for the vehicle class can apply. Pick the class you will learn on. You can choose more than one class in one application; each class costs ₹150 more, and the ₹50 test fee is paid once.
Two-wheeler
| Vehicle | Class on the licence | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter or moped with an engine of up to 50cc | MCWOG (motorcycle without gear) | 16, with written consent of a parent or guardian |
| Gearless scooter above 50cc | MCWOG | 18 |
| Motorcycle with gears | MCWG (motorcycle with gear) | 18 |
Most people pick both MCWOG and MCWG, so one licence covers scooters and geared bikes.
On a two-wheeler learner licence you may not carry a pillion rider, except your instructor.
Car
| Vehicle | Class on the licence | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Car, jeep, SUV for private use | LMV (light motor vehicle) | 18 |
A car learner must drive with a licensed instructor seated where they can control or stop the car. L plates go on the front and back.
Taxi, truck or bus
For a transport (commercial) vehicle the minimum age is 20, and you need a medical certificate (Form 1A) whatever your age. There is no minimum school qualification any more; it was removed in 2019. Some states, such as Delhi, also ask that you have held a private (LMV) licence for some time first. Check your state's Sarathi page before you apply.
What documents do you need, and what does it cost?
With Aadhaar authentication
Aadhaar fills in your name, date of birth, address and photo automatically. You only need:
- Your Aadhaar number, and the mobile number linked to it (the OTP goes there).
- A scan or photo of your signature.
- Form 1, a self-declaration that you are fit to drive (filled in online).
- If you are 40 or older, or applying for a transport vehicle: a Form 1A medical certificate from a registered doctor.
The address used is the one on your Aadhaar. If you live somewhere else now, the application will need a visit to the RTO, so update your Aadhaar address first if you can.
Without Aadhaar
Aadhaar is optional. Without it you upload these and visit the RTO for checks and the test:
- Proof of age: for example a birth certificate, a school certificate or a passport (your state's Sarathi page lists what it accepts).
- Proof of address: for example passport, voter ID, a recent utility bill or rent agreement (lists differ by state).
- Photo and signature.
- Form 1 self-declaration; Form 1A medical certificate if you are 40 or older or want a transport licence.
- For a two-wheeler of up to 50cc at 16: your parent's or guardian's consent.
Fees
The central government sets the base fee. Each state adds its own service and user charges, so the amount Sarathi shows when you pay is the final one.
| Fee item | Central fee | Examples of what states charge in total |
|---|---|---|
| Learner licence, per vehicle class | ₹150 | Delhi: ₹500 (one class), ₹950 (two), ₹1,400 (three). Tamil Nadu: ₹230 (one class), ₹380 (two). |
| Learner licence test (or a repeat test) | ₹50 | |
| Total for one class | ₹200 | Plus your state's charges |
| Form 1A medical certificate (if needed) | Doctor's fee | Not a government fee; ask the doctor |
How do you apply for a learner licence online?
YouSarathi / RTOFee or waiting
- Open sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and choose your state
- Choose Apply for Learner Licence and fill in the form (with or without Aadhaar)
- Upload your signature (and photo and documents if you are not using Aadhaar)
- Pay the fee: ₹150 per class + ₹50 test + state charges
- Watch the road-safety tutorial, then take the test online, or book a slot at the RTO
- Did you get 60% or more?No: pay ₹50 and book a retest
- Print your learner licence (Form 3)
- Open the official site. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state where you live.
- Start the application. Choose Apply for Learner Licence (in the menu: Learner Licence → Application for New Learner Licence). Select the category and the option that you hold no licence yet.
- Choose Aadhaar or not. With Aadhaar, enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to the mobile linked to it; your details and photo fill in. Without Aadhaar, type your details and continue.
- Pick your vehicle classes and RTO, fill in the Form 1 self-declaration, and submit. Write down the application number; it also comes by SMS.
- Upload documents (Upload Document → Upload Documents / Upload Photograph and Signature). With Aadhaar, usually only the signature is needed.
- Pay the fee (Fee Payments). If money is debited but the page shows an error, use Verify Payment Status before paying again.
- Take the test. In the online route, watch the road-safety tutorial in full, then take the test with the password sent by SMS. In the RTO route, book a slot under Appointments → LL Test Slot Booking and go on that day with your documents.
- Print your learner licence once you pass (see below).
✔ You'll know it worked when the result shows "Pass" and the print page opens your Learner Licence (Form 3) with your photo and the classes you chose.
Open Sarathi (official) sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
What is the learner licence test like?
It is a short objective test on a computer or phone. You choose the right answer from options. The questions come from these topics:
- traffic signs, signals and the rules of the road;
- what a driver must do after an accident;
- care at unmanned railway crossings;
- the documents you must carry while driving.
The pass mark is 60% correct answers. The number of questions and the time allowed are set by each state. Examples published by state transport departments:
| State | What the state says |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Computer-based multiple-choice test; 60% to pass; checks for colour blindness and limb movement; LL issued the same day |
| Puducherry | 10 objective questions; 6 correct to pass |
| Tamil Nadu | Online test after an online tutorial; at least 60% to pass; retest from the next day |
| Uttar Pradesh | Online test with Aadhaar authentication, face recognition and AI proctoring; LL downloadable at once |
Can you take the test from home?
Yes, in states that offer the Aadhaar-based online test. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu publish this route on their official pages, and Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have announced it. Your state's Sarathi page shows whether the online test is open to you.
Before you start an online test:
- Sit alone in a quiet, well-lit room. A second face, voices or a video playing can cancel the test.
- Use one device with a working camera and a steady internet connection. Don't switch apps during the test.
- Remove a cap, mask or dark glasses. The camera compares your face with your Aadhaar or application photo.
To prepare, Sarathi has a tutorial, a mock test and sample questions under the Learner Licence menu. You can also try our 10-question taster test below and the full mock tests.
How do you download and print your learner licence?
- On Sarathi, choose your state, then Learner Licence → Print Learner Licence (Form 3).
- Enter the details the page asks for (usually your application number and date of birth) and the captcha.
- The licence opens as a PDF. Save it and print it. Keep it with you whenever you practise.
The application receipt or the test result page is not your learner licence. Only the Form 3 print counts.
Lost your application number? Use Others → Find Application Number on Sarathi. If the print page does not open, allow pop-ups for the site or try another browser.
What are the rules while you have a learner licence?
- Never drive alone. A person with a valid driving licence for that vehicle must sit where they can control or stop it.
- Show L plates: a red letter L on a white background, at the front and the back.
- No pillion on a two-wheeler, except your instructor.
- Carry the learner licence (printed, or on DigiLocker or mParivahan).
- The learner licence is valid for 6 months. After 30 days you can book your driving test for the permanent licence.
What can go wrong, and how do you fix it?
| Your situation | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar OTP does not arrive | The mobile linked to your Aadhaar is old or switched off | Update the mobile number on your Aadhaar first, or apply without Aadhaar and visit the RTO. |
| "Face not matching" in the online test | Poor light, glasses or cap, or an old Aadhaar photo | Retry in good light with your face fully visible. If it keeps failing, take the test at the RTO or update your Aadhaar photo. |
| Test stopped or cancelled midway | Another person on camera, switching apps, a video playing, or the connection dropped | Sit alone on one device with steady internet. Book a new test. |
| Test password not received (age 40+) | Your Form 1A is waiting for RTO approval | Upload the Form 1A medical certificate and wait for approval; then the password comes by SMS. |
| Fee debited, but Sarathi shows "failed" or "pending" | The bank's confirmation hasn't reached Sarathi | Use Verify Payment Status before paying again. If it still fails, use File Your Grievance on Sarathi with the bank reference. |
| Failed the test | Less than 60% correct | Pay the ₹50 retest fee and book again. Revise signs and rules first. |
| Wrong details in the application | Typing mistake | Before paying: Application Edit. After paying: ask the RTO. |
| Address on the form differs from Aadhaar | The online route uses only the Aadhaar address | The application turns into an RTO-visit application; take your address proof to the RTO. |
| You passed the test, but the licence is not ready to print | The application is waiting for RTO approval | Check Application Status on Sarathi. If it is stuck, file a grievance on Sarathi or contact your RTO. |
What if your learner licence has expired?
A learner licence cannot be extended beyond its 6 months. If it expires before you pass the driving test, apply again. Sarathi has a menu item Learner Licence → Expired Learner Licence Issue Again (shown, for example, on the Delhi page); where it is missing, make a fresh application. Ask your RTO whether you must take the learner test again.
To avoid this, book your driving test soon after day 30. Slots can take weeks in busy cities.
Are you ready? Try a 10-question taster test
These questions follow the official syllabus. This is our own practice format (3 options per question); your state's real test may look different.
The 10 questions, with answers
- A number 50 in a red circle: speed limit 50 km/h.
- A red disc with a white bar: no entry.
- STOP sign: stop completely, then go when it is safe.
- An upside-down triangle with a red border: give way to traffic on the main road.
- A horn crossed out in a red circle: horn prohibited.
- A blue circle with a white left arrow: you must turn left.
- Overtake from the right, when the road ahead is clear.
- Amber light: stop, unless stopping suddenly would be unsafe.
- The legal alcohol limit: 30 mg per 100 ml of blood.
- A learner needs a person with a valid licence for that vehicle beside them.
Am I ready to apply? Checklist
- I am old enough for the vehicle class (16, 18 or 20).
- I know the mobile number linked to my Aadhaar and have that phone with me (or I have age and address proofs ready).
- I have a clear photo of my signature on white paper.
- I am under 40, or I have a Form 1A medical certificate from a registered doctor.
- I have revised road signs and rules, and scored at least 6 out of 10 in the taster test.
- For the online test: a quiet room, good light, one device with a camera and steady internet.
- I will pay only on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a learner licence without going to the RTO?
Yes, in states that offer the Aadhaar-based online route: you apply, watch the tutorial and take the test online, then download your licence. Without Aadhaar, or if your address differs from Aadhaar, you need to visit the RTO.
How many questions are in the learner licence test?
It depends on the state. The national rule is the pass mark: 60% correct answers. Puducherry, for example, asks 10 questions and you need 6 right.
How much does a learner licence cost?
The central fee is ₹150 per vehicle class plus ₹50 for the test. States add charges: Delhi's total for one class is ₹500 and Tamil Nadu's is ₹230. Sarathi shows the exact amount before you pay.
I failed the learner test. When can I take it again?
Pay the ₹50 retest fee and book again. Tamil Nadu allows a retest from the next day; other states set their own waiting time.
Can I apply for a bike and a car licence together?
Yes. Choose all the classes you want (for example MCWOG, MCWG and LMV) in one application. You pay ₹150 for each class and the ₹50 test fee once.
When can I apply for the permanent driving licence?
From 30 days after your learner licence was issued, and before it expires at 6 months. See our guide to the permanent driving licence.
Can I drive alone on a learner licence?
No. A person with a valid licence for that vehicle must be with you and able to control it, and the vehicle must show L plates.
Is Aadhaar compulsory for a learner licence?
No. The government made Aadhaar authentication voluntary for transport services. Without Aadhaar you upload proofs of age and address and visit the RTO.
Is a learner licence on DigiLocker valid?
Yes. Licences shown in DigiLocker or mParivahan, fetched from the transport department, are treated as equal to the paper document. A photo or scan on your phone is not.
My learner licence expired. Can I renew it?
No, it cannot be extended. Apply again (on Sarathi: Expired Learner Licence Issue Again, where available) and ask your RTO whether a new test is needed.
Sources
- Sarathi – licence services, state selection; menu names from the Delhi Sarathi home page (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Transport Department, Delhi – Learner's Licence: ages, documents, 60% pass mark, L plate, fees (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Tamil Nadu State Transport Authority – Learner Licence: validity, retest, fees (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Tamil Nadu – Contactless learner licence process (PDF): Aadhaar route, tutorial, Form 1A at 40+ (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Transport Department, Puducherry – Learner's Licence: 10 questions, 6 to pass (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Commerce & Transport Department, Odisha – How to apply, fee structure: RTO route, retest (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Transport Department, Uttarakhand – Fee structure: Central Motor Vehicles Rules, Rule 32 fees (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- District Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) – Driving licence: faceless, AI-proctored online test (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- PIB – MoRTH Year End Review 2021: contactless learner licence (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- PIB – 58 citizen services online with Aadhaar authentication (16 Sep 2022): Aadhaar is voluntary (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- PIB – Documents in DigiLocker and mParivahan valid (9 Aug 2018) (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
Page history: 25 Oct 2026: first published. 25 Oct 2026: sources limited to government websites.