Apply for a learner’s licence online in India through the official Sarathi Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) — sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. A learner’s licence (LL / learning licence) is the first legal step before a permanent driving licence. This SEO guide covers eligibility, documents, fees, Aadhaar authentication, LL test, and a complete step-by-step process for 2026.
Service: New Learner’s Licence (LL) · Portal: Sarathi Parivahan · Also: parivahan.gov.in · Hub: Driving Licence Services
Need permanent DL later? Practice legally with LL, complete the mandatory learner period, then apply for driving licence / skill test on the same Sarathi portal.
Apply Learner’s Licence Online 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Service | Learner’s Licence (LL) — temporary licence to learn driving |
| Authority | State RTO / Transport Department via Sarathi (MoRTH Parivahan Sewa) |
| Official website | sarathi.parivahan.gov.in |
| Process | Select state → New LL application → form & documents → fee → LL test → download LL |
| Modes | Aadhaar authentication (where enabled) or without Aadhaar (may need RTO visit) |
| Test | Online AI-proctored or RTO centre — state-dependent |
| Next step | Mandatory learner period → apply permanent driving licence |
What Is a Learner’s Licence?
A Learner’s Licence is a temporary licence issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that allows a person to learn driving legally before obtaining a permanent driving licence. Rules, validity and vehicle class conditions come from the Motor Vehicles Act and applicable central/state rules.
Keep a digital or printed LL while practising and always follow learner restrictions (display “L” board, accompanied driving rules for certain classes, etc. as notified).
Who Can Apply for a Learner’s Licence? (Eligibility)
You can apply if you meet the age and category rules for the vehicle class you select.
| Vehicle category (general) | Typical minimum age |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles up to 50cc | 16 years (parent/guardian consent where applicable) |
| Motorcycles above 50cc · Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) | 18 years |
| Transport vehicle categories | About 20 years (plus qualifications as per rules) |
Eligibility can vary by state and exact vehicle class on Sarathi. Always read the instructions shown after you select your State/UT.
Documents Required for Learner’s Licence Online
Keep scans ready before you start. Accepted lists vary by state.
Identity proof (any one, as accepted)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- PAN Card (where accepted as ID)
- Other government-approved identity documents
Address proof (examples)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Electricity / water bill
- Rental agreement (where accepted)
- Bank passbook
- Other officially accepted address proof
Age proof (examples)
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Class 10 / matriculation certificate
- Aadhaar (where accepted)
Additional documents
- Passport-size photograph (if portal asks)
- Signature scan
- Form 1 — medical / fitness self-declaration
- Form 1A medical certificate — where applicable
- Parent/guardian consent for eligible minor applicants
Tip: Ensure name, date of birth and address match across proofs and the online form to avoid RTO rejection.
Learner’s Licence Fees 2026
LL application fee, test fee and any retest fee are charged as per Motor Vehicles fee schedules and state additions. Exact rupee amounts appear on the Sarathi payment screen for your state and vehicle class (commonly discussed figures in public guides have included amounts in the order of a few hundred rupees for LL — do not rely on third-party figures; pay only the portal total).
| Payment notes | Detail |
|---|---|
| When | After form / document steps on Sarathi |
| Modes | UPI, debit/credit card, net banking (as enabled) |
| After pay | Save e-receipt and application number |
| Retest | If you fail, pay retest fee via Fee Payments and rebook slot |
How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Online (Step by Step)
Follow only the official Sarathi website.
Step 1: Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan portal
- Open https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
(or start from parivahan.gov.in → Drivers / Learners Licence). - Click State Selection and choose your State / UT.
- Confirm sarathi.parivahan.gov.in in the address bar.
Step 2: Choose “Application for New Learner’s Licence”
- Open the Learner Licence menu.
- Select Application for New Learner’s Licence.
- Read the state-specific instructions carefully before continuing.
Step 3: Select application mode
Depending on your state, options may include:
- Aadhaar Authentication — often smoother; some states allow more of the process online (including AI-proctored testing for certain cases).
- Without Aadhaar Authentication — may require RTO visit for verification or testing.
Step 4: Fill the online application form
Enter accurately:
- Applicant name
- Date of birth
- Father’s / mother’s name
- Mobile number & email
- Present / permanent address
- Vehicle class (choose carefully)
- Blood group / identification marks (if asked)
Review every field before submit — wrong vehicle class or DOB causes delays.
Step 5: Upload documents
Upload clear scans if the portal requests them:
- Correct file type and size
- Readable text (no blur or crop)
- Matching name and DOB
Step 6: Submit self-declaration (Form 1)
Complete Form 1 fitness self-declaration online, or upload Form 1A medical certificate when your category/state requires it.
Step 7: Pay the application fee
- Proceed to online payment.
- Pay via UPI / card / net banking.
- Save the receipt and note the application number.
Step 8: Book a learner’s licence test slot
If appointment booking is required:
- Select RTO / office.
- Choose available date and time.
- Confirm the appointment SMS/email.
Some Aadhaar-enabled flows may offer an online AI-proctored LL test instead of an RTO visit — only where your state enables it.
Step 9: Appear for the learner’s licence test
The test generally covers:
- Traffic signs
- Road safety rules
- Basic driving regulations
- General traffic law awareness
RTO stall test or online proctored test — follow the mode shown for your application. Carry application details and original documents if the centre asks for verification.
Step 10: Download your learner’s licence
After you pass:
- Log in to Sarathi with application number / DOB as guided.
- Use Print Learner Licence (Form 3) where available.
- Download PDF and keep a printed copy while learning.
Apply only on the official Sarathi Parivahan website — MoRTH
➡ Apply Learner’s Licence (Sarathi Portal) Parivahan Sewa HomeAfter You Get the Learner’s Licence
- Practice driving as per LL conditions (companion rules, L-board, restricted hours if any).
- Complete the mandatory learner period (commonly minimum 30 days before permanent DL application — confirm on portal).
- When eligible, apply for Driving Licence / book driving skill test on Sarathi.
- Keep LL valid until permanent DL is issued.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Wrong vehicle class | Double-check COV codes before payment |
| Unclear document scans | Use bright, flat, high-resolution images |
| Name / DOB mismatch | Align Aadhaar, school certificate and form |
| Missing LL test slot | Set reminders; rebook early if needed |
| Paying agents offline | Pay only on Sarathi gateway |
| Ignoring state screens | RTO rules differ — follow state instructions |
Official Sarathi Links
| Resource | Official link |
|---|---|
| Sarathi home / state selection | sarathi.parivahan.gov.in |
| Parivahan Sewa | parivahan.gov.in |
| LL related FAQs (Parivahan) | Learners Licence FAQs |
| Driving Licence Services hub | Driving Licence Services |
Related Citizen Services
- Driving Licence Services hub
- Download Aadhaar (eAadhaar)
- Instant e-PAN apply
- Apply Passport Online
- Citizen Services
Disclaimer
Easy Applications (EasyApplications.in) is not affiliated with MoRTH, Parivahan Sewa, Sarathi or any State Transport Department. Fees, online test availability, Aadhaar flows and document lists differ by state and can change. Complete applications only on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and follow on-screen RTO instructions.
Summary: To apply learner’s licence online in 2026, open Sarathi, select your state, submit New LL application with documents and Form 1, pay fee, pass the LL test (online or RTO), then download Form 3. After the mandatory learner period, apply for a permanent driving licence on the same portal.