What Is A Learner's Licence?

Driving a car or a two-wheeler is a valuable skill that can make your life easier. If you are an Indian citizen, you might already know the importance of having a valid driving license. As per Indian laws, you may not ever drive on Indian roads without some form of valid documentation. Which means that, if you want to learn to drive, even if it is with a motor driving school and in their modified car, you need to procure a learner´s license first. No motor driving school will allow you to drive their car without you acquiring a learner´s license first, anyway. So let's get to know more about a learner's license and how one may acquire it, without further ado!

Introduction to Learner's License in India

If you are slightly familiar with traffic rules and regulations, you might know that the driver must hold a driving license. If you want to obtain a valid driving license, the first step would be to apply for a learner's license. The learner's license permits you to practise driving on Indian roads legally.

Each respective state has Regional Transport Office (RTO), which issues the learner's license. You should be acquainted with traffic sense and rules to procure a learner's license. The RTO will issue you with a learner's license once you pass the online or written test.

Once you get your learner's license, you can start practising driving on Indian roads. It is also important to highlight that you require a learner's license to even sign up for a driving course in a motor driving school and before applying for a permanent license.

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Type of Learner's License

The RTO issues learner's licenses and permanent driving licenses based on the class of motor vehicle. The eligibility criteria will also significantly differ depending on the vehicle type.

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What Is the Eligibility Learner's License?

The eligibility criteria for a learner's license will depend on which class of motor vehicle you want to drive. Below, we have mentioned the eligibility for each motor vehicle class:

• Transport and Commercial Heavy Vehicles: The applicant should be at least 20 years years old with a minimum education requirement of 8^th grade.
• Motorbikes Without Gear Below 50cc Engine: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this license. It is also mandatory for applicants below 18 years to obtain guardian consent.
• Motorbikes With Gear/Motorbikes without gear and over 50cc: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• General Requirements: Apart from an age requirement of 18 years, LL also requires you to be adept with traffic rules. You should also hold valid age proof and address proof documents.

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If you decide that you want to try your hands on wheels, make sure to opt for a learner's license!

Process of Acquiring One

Based on the category of vehicle you wish to drive and the required age for it, apply to your local RTO online or offline, filling out the form on their website and attaching the relevant documents (address proof, ID proof, age proof and parental consent in case of a minor). You will be given a date and time slot for a written test to be undertaken at the RTO. The test will quiz you on road rules and traffic signage. Once you clear the test, your leaner´s license will be issued and you may start learning to drive/ride your car/bike on the roads. Please note that a learner´s license requires you to hang an L-board on your vehicle and you are not allowed to drive alone. You must at all times be accompanied by a co-passenger with a valid permanent license.

Your learner´s license is valid for 6 months and one month after its issue, you may apply to the RTO for a permanent license.