Learner’s Licence (LL) in India: Meaning, Types, Eligibility & Application Process

What Is a Learner’s Licence in India?

A two wheeler learner licence is a legal certificate issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is a temporary licence that enables individuals to learn to ride motorcycles under the supervision of a valid permanent driving licence holder and with the letter “L” in red affixed to the front and rear of the two-wheeler.

Information Mentioned on a Learner’s Licence

The learner’s licence, also called a learning driving licence or officially Form 3, contains a series of information on it. For example, it lists the following:

• Name of the applicant
• Applicant’s address, DOB, blood group and other details
• Licence issuance date
• Licence number
• The category of vehicle class for which the LL has been issued
• Licence expiry date.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Learner’s Licence?

Individuals who want to learn a new class of motor vehicle and wish to add it to their permanent driving licence will need to apply for the specific learner’s licence first. Only after this, they will be able to apply for a permanent driving licence for that motor vehicle class.

Regardless of whether you hold an LL or a DL, all bikes need to have a valid bike insurance policy. Buy or renew two-wheeler insurance from major providers online on Jio Insurance Broking.

Types of Learner’s Licence in India

Depending on the class of the vehicle, you can apply for a learner’s licence. For a two wheeler learner licence, you need to apply for the MCWOG or the MCWG class. Here is a detailed distinction in general:

Learner’s Licence for Two-Wheelers Without Gear (MCWOG)

If applying for an automatic scooter or moped that has no manual gears, you need the learner’s licence for MCWOG, which stands for Motorcycle Without Gear.

Learner’s Licence for Two-Wheelers With Gear (MCWG)

If applying for a bike, i.e., a two-wheeler with manual gears, you need a learning driving licence for MCWG, which is for the Motorcycle With Gear.

Learner’s Licence for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)

If applying for a private four-wheeler, you need a learner’s licence for the LMV vehicle class, which stands for light motor vehicle.

Learner’s Licence for Commercial Vehicles (CMV)

If you are applying for commercial and transport vehicles, such as taxis, buses and trucks, you need to apply for their respective vehicle class.

Eligibility Criteria for a Learner’s Licence

As per the official Parivahan Sewa website, the eligibility for applying for a learner’s licence in India is as follows:

1. A 16-year-old individual may apply for a licence for a motorcycle without gears under the 50cc category only, and with the consent of their parents/guardian.
2. To apply for a licence for private MCWG class two-wheelers and LMVs, the learners licence age criteria is 18 years.
3. Individuals aged 20 years or more can apply for a transport vehicle class licence, while for a conductor licence, they must be at least 18 years old.

Documents Required to Apply for a Learner’s Licence

Here are the documents required for learning licence application:

1. Form 1, or the Application-Cum-Declaration as to Physical Fitness
2. A couple of passport-sized photos of the applicant
3. Form 2 or the application of learner’s licence
4. Form 1A (if applicable)
5. Self-attested copies of proof of age and residence
6. Self-attested copy of minimum educational qualification (in some states)
7. The applicable fee for a learner’s licence application.
8. Additional documents (as per your state RTO rules).

Learner’s Licence Fees in India

Here are the fees for a two wheeler learner licence in India:

• Issuance of learner’s licence in Form 3 (per class): INR 150
• Fee for learners licence test: INR 50

How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence?

You can apply for a learner’s licence through the local RTO. Thankfully, the application process can be done via online or offline modes, as explained below:

Online Application Process for Learner’s Licence

1. Open the Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Select “driving licence-related services” from “online services”
3. Choose your state, and click “Apply for Learner’s Licence”
4. Fill in the requested details, such as your name, address and choice of vehicle class.
5. Submit the application and upload the necessary documents.
6. Complete the online payment of the application fee.
7. Book the preferred slot at the local RTO for the LL test.
8. Keep a copy of the application and the payment receipt, and visit the RTO on the scheduled date to take the computer-based learners licence test.

Offline Application Process for Learner’s Licence

1. Head over to the local RTO and get the application form, i.e., Form 2.
2. Duly fill it out with the required details, attach the necessary documents and forms with it and submit them.
3. Go to the cash counter and pay the applicable fee.
4. Book a slot for the learners licence test and visit the test centre on the scheduled date and time slot to take the exam.

Learner’s Licence Test and Examination Process

The learning driving licence test is a very simple one, and there’s nothing to be nervous about. Here’s how you should proceed with it:

1. Study for the learning license for two wheeler test. You can find sample questions on the Parivahan Sewa website or use any reputed RTO exam licence test mobile app for this.
2. Visit the RTO on the scheduled exam day and timeslot, alongside the necessary documentation.
3. Stand in the queue and wait for your turn. Upon entering the exam room, you will be told to sit at a designated computer for the choice-based, computerised test.
4. Upon the start of the timer, you need to answer the simple questions on your screen, one after another, and submit them. Prioritise the integrity of this test and make sure not to cheat or adopt unfair means, as this can lead to rejection of the application.
5. After the final submission, the score will be displayed on your screen. If you are successful, the RTO will issue the learner’s licence. If you are unsuccessful, you may reappear for the exam after a week.

Note: In some cases, there might be a written test or an online test instead of a choice-based, computerised test. So, make sure to verify it beforehand by contacting the RTO.

Validity and Renewal of Learner’s Licence

The learner licence validity is up to 6 months, starting from the date of issuance. There’s no renewing learners licence once it expires, so you will have to apply for a new one. Also, you are advised to apply for a permanent driving licence while the learner licence validity is active.

You can apply for a permanent DL after 30 days of issuance of your LL and before its expiry.

Why Is a Learner’s Licence Important?

A learning license for two wheeler is vital because of the following:

1. It legally allows you to learn how to ride a motorcycle on public roads under authorised guidance.
2. It is the initial and mandatory step before you can apply for a permanent driving licence.
3. With LL, you can learn how to ride a bike under real road circumstances, and this experience will be helpful during the permanent driving licence test.

Difference Between Learner’s Licence and Permanent Driving Licence

Here is everything you need to know about a learner’s licence vs a permanent driving licence:

Conclusion

This concludes everything you need to know about a two wheeler learner’s licence in India. The application process is very easy and can be done online or offline. Make sure to learn about the eligibility criteria and document requirements beforehand. Also, study for the LL test before the exam to pass it easily.

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