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Driving Licence Status

As most of you know, in India, you must have a driving licence to drive a vehicle on public roads and highways. The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 also states that driving in public places without a licence is prohibited. A driving licence is compulsory, and you can apply for a driving licence online or offline, depending on your choice. In the same way, you can stay updated about your driving licence status online and offline. Please make sure to also renew car insurance or two wheeler insurance policy on a timely basis to avoid paying penalties while driving a vehicle on the road.

Overview of Learners Licence in India

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every citizen with a valid driving licence can drive on Indian roads. However, the first step towards getting a driving licence in India is to procure a learning licence (LL). A learner’s licence is a document issued by the regional transport office (RTO) that acts as a provisional and restricted driving licence. To get a learner’s licence, one must know the traffic rules and regulations and pass the written test.

After getting a learner’s licence, you will be allowed to practice driving on Indian roads, provided a person with a valid driving licence is with you when you are driving. Before you get a driving licence, obtaining a learner’s licence for the specific vehicle class is necessary.

Types of Learners Licence in India

Any Indian citizen can apply for learner's licenceon the basis of the class of the vehicle he/she wants to learn to drive. Pertaining to that vehicle type, here is a list of types of learner’s licence you can get in India.In India, driving licence and learner’s licence is issued on the basis of the following categories:

For Personal Use:

MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50 cc) licence class for motor vehicles with engine capacity of 50 cc or less than 50 cc..
LMV – NT licence class for Light Motor Vehicle used for non-transport purposes
FVG licence class for Motorcycles of any engine capacity but with no gears, like scooters and mopeds
MCWG or M / CYCL.WG licence class for all types of motor vehicles, including the ones with gear

For Commercial Use

HGMV vehicle class for Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle
LMV – TR vehicle class for Light Motor Vehicle used for commercial purposes
HPMV vehicle class for heavy passenger vehicles

Eligibility Criteria

Type of Learner’s Licence	Eligibility Criteria
Motorcycles with Gear	The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Motorcycles without gear with capacity upto 50cc	The applicant must be at least 16 years old. For applicants less than 18 years, consent of a parent or guardian is required.
Commercial heavy vehicle and transport vehicle	he applicant must be at least 18 years old and must have finished schooling till 8th standard.
General requirements	The applicant must be aware of traffic rules and regulations. He/she must have valid address and age proof.

Why you need a Learner's Licence in India?

• To learn to drive a motor vehicle, you must first get a learner's licence for that class of vehicle. A learner's licence legally allows you to learn to drive with an experienced instructor or driver on Indian roads.
• If you hold a valid learner's license, you can practise driving with a permanent driving licence holder. This will help you polish your driving skills before you take your vehicle out.
• Holding a learner's licence and practising on roads will help you familiarise yourself with road rules which will help you when you are driving.

Fees for Learning Licence

A learner's licence will cost approximately Rs 200. This include Rs 151 fees for for learner licence per vehicle category and Rs 50 for the test of learning licence.

Documents Required to get a Learner's Licence in India

While applying for a learner’s licence, here is a list of documents that an applicant needs to keep handy.

Applicants obtaining a learner’s licence online should submit scanned copies of the below-mentioned documents.

Age Proof (You can submit any of the below documents)

• PAN Card
• Birth Certificate
• Class 10th mark sheet
• Passport
• Transfer certificate from school with a mention of the date of birth

Address Proof (You can submit any of the below documents)

• Aadhar Card
• Ration Card
• LIC Policy Bond
• Passport
• Telephone or electricity bill of the recent month
• If you are staying on rent, you can submit a registered house rent agreement and recent utility bills.

How to Apply for a Learning Licence Online in India?

• Visit the official ministry of road transport and highways website sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
• Upon opening the website, you will be asked to select your state
• After selecting the state, you will find a new window with multiple options.
• If you click on Applicant with Aadhar option, you can avail the test from your home or any preferred location.
• Then you will be asked to select whether you have a driving or learner license issued in India.
• Once you verify those details, you will be asked to submit your Aadhar card details.
• Your name and photograph will be extracted from your Aadhar card.
• Once all the details are filled out, you will be asked to make payment for the licence.
• After the payment is made, you will have to watch a 10-minute driving tutorial. Ensure you watch the video completely as it will make you eligible for the test.
• Once you have watched the video, an OTP and password will be sent to your phone for the test.
• Fill out the details and click on proceed for your test to begin. Make sure your device’s front camera is turned on.
• You will be given 60 seconds to answer a question. Make sure all your questions are answered quickly and correctly. You should answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly to get a licence.
• If you pass the test, the link to your licence will be sent to your registered mobile. Unfortunately, if you fail the test, you will have to pay the retest fee of Rs 50 and retake the test.

How to Apply for a Learner's Licence in RTO or Offline in India?

If you are not comfortable with the online process, you can apply for a learner's licence by visiting the RTO office in your area. Here are the following steps to follow for the offline process:

• Fill out either Form 2 or Form 3, whichever is applicable, which can be downloaded online or can be directly taken from the RTO office.
• Fill out the application form completely and attach the passport size photograph wherever applicable. Attach address proof and age proof documents along with it. Visit the RTO of your locality and submit the application form. Also, schedule a test by choosing a slot for learner's license.
•Ensure that you are available for the learner's license test at the given time and date. Once you pass the test, the learner's license will be sent to your permanent address.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Learning Licence

1. Is my Learner's Licence valid throughout India?

Yes, the learner's licence is valid throughout the country for six months from the date of issue.

2. Are there any rules that must be followed while learning to drive with a Learner's Licence?

The holder of the learner's licence needs to know two important rules. Firstly, they can only drive a vehicle in public areas when accompanied by a permanent driving licence holder. Secondly, a learner's licence holder must have an "L" symbol on the vehicle they choose to drive