In India you need a learner's licence (LL), also called a learning licence, before you can practise driving on public roads. You get it by passing a short objective test, either at your RTO or, in many states, online through the Sarathi portal.
What the test covers
Rule 11 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules says the test checks that you know:
- Traffic signs, traffic signals and the rules of the road (the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations 2017).
- Your duties after an accident in which someone is hurt or property is damaged.
- The precautions at an unmanned railway crossing.
- The documents to carry while driving.
You must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly. Each state sets how many questions there are (10, 15 and 20 are all used), so check your test screen or RTO.
Who can apply
- 16: motorcycle without gear of up to 50 cc, with a parent's or guardian's consent.
- 18: cars (LMV) and motorcycles with gear (MCWG).
- 20: transport vehicles such as taxis, buses and trucks.
How to apply
- Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and choose your state.
- Fill in the learner's licence application (Form 2) and upload proof of age and address and your photo. Applicants for transport vehicles or aged 50 and over also need a medical certificate.
- Pay the fee: ₹150 per class of vehicle and ₹50 for the test under rule 32 (states may add charges).
- Book a slot and take the test at the RTO, or online from home if your state offers it.
How to prepare
- Learn the three sign families. Red circles prohibit (no entry, no U-turn, no parking), blue circles order (compulsory turn, keep left, sound horn), and red triangles warn (bends, school, speed breaker, railway crossing).
- Know the traffic lights. Amber means stop unless you are too close to stop safely; flashing amber means go with caution; flashing red means stop, then go like at a STOP sign.
- Know the key numbers: 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; 25 km/h near schools and hospitals where signed; 50 m behind an emergency vehicle; warning triangles 50 m behind a broken-down vehicle.
- Learn the hand signals and the right of way: vehicles from the right have priority at uncontrolled junctions, and traffic already in a roundabout goes first.
- Take full mock tests until you score well above 60% every time.
After you pass
Your learner's licence is valid for 6 months. Display a red L on a white plate at the front and rear, and drive only with an instructor who holds a licence for that vehicle beside you. After at least 30 days, book the driving test at your RTO.
Start with the free Indian learning licence practice tests.
Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.