A driver’s license and also a learner licence is a special identity from the government that says you are allowed to drive on the roads. There are different kinds of licenses – one for regulars who drive cars and bikes, and another for people who drive big trucks or buses for work. If you want to drive in other countries, there is a special license for that too. Each type of license has its own rules for who can get it and how long it’s good for. You can renew them if they expire. To get a full license, you need to be at least 18 years old and pass a driving test. When you are just starting to learn, you get a learner’s license.
What is a Learner’s Licence?
When you’re still learning to drive, you get something called a learner’s license. It’s like a permission slip from the government that says you’re allowed to practice driving. Driving without it can get you in trouble, so people get one when they start learning. You can apply for it at the Regional Transport Authority/Office (RTA/RTO) nearby. Once you’ve learned how to drive, and you’re 18, you can apply for a full license.
You have to wait 30 days after getting your learner’s license to do this. Even if you’re younger than 18 but older than 16, you can still get a learner’s license, but it’s only good for 6 months. Your learner’s license will have your name, age, picture, and a stamp with the signature of the person in charge. It will also say it’s a learner’s license.
Eligibility Criteria
To get a learner’s license, you need to meet these conditions:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Get permission from your parent or guardian
- You can only drive vehicles without gears and with an engine capacity of 50 CC while you’re still learning.
- When you’re practicing driving, make sure there’s an adult with you.
Documents Needed to Apply for Learner’s Licence
Identity Proofs
- Aadhar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
Age Proofs
- Passport
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Aadhar Card
- Birth Certificate
- Transfer certificate from any school for any class with the date of birth printed on it.
- 10th Class mark sheet
Address Proofs
- Electricity Bills
- PAN Card
- Aadhar Card
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
- Rental Agreements/Property Papers
- LIC Bond
- Self-declaration of medical fitness
- Passport-size photographs (at least 3)
- Medical Certificate, if applicable
Learner Licence Apply Online
You can apply for a learner’s license both offline by visiting the nearest RTO and online through a website called ‘Sarathi,’ which is the official site of the Road Transport & Highways Ministry. Here are the steps for applying online:
- Visit the ‘Sarathi’ website and go to ‘Sarathi Services.’
- Click on ‘New Driving License,’ which will take you to the online form for applying.
- After you receive confirmation that your application is processed, you can schedule a slot for your learner’s license test.
- After passing the test, you’ll receive your learner’s license, valid for six months for practicing driving.
- Once you’ve practiced and the six months have passed, you can apply for a permanent license within the next six months. But, you need to be at least 18 years old to get a permanent license.
Alternatively, you can also apply through the Parivahan government website by visiting ‘Driving License Related Services.’
How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence through Parivahan Website (Sarathi Parivahan gov in learning license)
Step 1: Visit the Official website of Parivahan. (Parivahan gov in learning license apply online).
Step 2: Click on the “Online Services” tab present at the top.
Step 3: Choose “Driving License-Related Services” from the options in the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Select your State.
Step 5: Skip the pop-up message.
Step 6: On the redirected page, Select “Fee Payments”
Step 7: Click on Proceed.
Step 8: Fill in the required details.
Step 9: Click on ‘Click here to calculate fees’.
Step 10: Select the payment gateway and complete the payment.
How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Offline?
- Get the Application Form:
You will need to get either Form 2 (for the Learner’s license with passport photographs) or Form 3 (for the Learner’s license application with photographs). You can download these forms online or get them directly from the RTO office. - Complete the Form:
Fill out the application form with all the required details. Attach photographs where needed and include proof of your age and address. Take the filled form to your local RTO office. - Submit Application and Schedule Test:
Submit the application form at the RTO and schedule a slot for your Learner’s license test. - Attend the Test:
Be present at the Learner’s license test facility on the chosen date and time. If you pass the test, the Learner’s license will either be sent to your registered address or given to you on the spot, depending on the RTO’s procedure. - Driving School Assistance:
If you’re taking driving lessons from a school, they can help you with the Learner’s license process.
This way, you can apply for a Learner’s license directly at the RTO office if an online application is not available or if you prefer the offline method.
Also Read: How to Apply Aadhaar Card Online – Step-By-Step Guide
FAQ – Learning License |