Eligibility for a Learners Licence in India

To apply for a learners licence in India, the minimum age is 16 years for motorcycles up to 50cc and 18years for motorcycles above 50 and all four-wheelers. Applicants under 18 years applying for a motorbike learners licence need parental consent. An Aadhaar card, address proof, and age proof are required. No educational qualification is required for a non-transport vehicle learners licence.

The Learners Licence Test
The learners licence application includes a knowledge test at the RTO covering basic traffic rules, road signs, and driving regulations. The test is conducted on a computer at the RTO and typically consists of 15 to 20 questions. A minimum score must be achieved to pass. Most RTOs also provide study materials and practice tests online to prepare for the test. The test can be taken in multiple regional languages in addition to English and Hindi.

Applying Online Through Sarathi
Learners licence applications can be submitted online through the Sarathi portal at
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. Create an account, select Apply for Learner Licence, fill in personal details, upload documents, select the vehicle category, pay the fee online, and book a test slot at the preferred RTO. The online process reduces the number of RTO visits needed — in some cases to a single visit for the test itself.
Driving Licence Fees for the Learners Licence
The fee for a learners licence in India is currently Rs 150 under the central Motor Vehicles Rules for the licence itself, plus any applicable state-specific charges. If applying for both a two-wheeler and four- wheeler learners licence simultaneously, separate fees apply for each category. The driving licence fee for 4 wheeler and 2 wheeler categories is paid online during the Sarathi application process using
standard digital payment methods. Fee amounts may vary slightly by state due to state-level additions to the central fee structure.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Learners Licence
A learners licence allows the holder to drive under the supervision of a person holding a valid permanent driving licence for the same category of vehicle. The supervisor must be present in the vehicle at all times while the learner is driving. Driving alone on a learners licence is a violation. The learners licence is valid for six months, during which the holder must apply for the permanent driving licence test. If the permanent
licence test is not passed within six months, the learners licence expires and the process must be repeated.

Conclusion
Applying for a learners licence through the Sarathi portal is straightforward for first-time drivers. The knowledge test at the RTO covers standard traffic rules and road signs — preparation using the portal study materials improves the first-attempt pass rate. Understanding the driving restrictions during the learner period and the six-month window for the permanent licence test ensures the process progresses correctly from the first application.