Learner Licence Online: Take the Test from Home (2026)

In many states you no longer need to visit the RTO for a learner's licence (LL). With Aadhaar-based authentication, you can apply, take the test and download your learner's licence from home on Parivahan Sarathi. Here's the complete process, the fees, and what to do next to get your permanent driving licence.

Who can apply for a learner's licence?

• 16 years — motorcycle without gear (up to 50cc), with a parent's or guardian's consent
• 18 years — motorcycle with gear, car and other light motor vehicles
• 20 years (in most states) — transport vehicles, after holding a driving licence

You must know traffic rules and road signs — that's what the test checks.

Documents and fees

• Aadhaar (for the faceless, contactless service)
• Proof of age and address (Aadhaar usually covers both)
• Passport-size photo and signature (uploaded)
• Medical certificate (Form 1A) for transport vehicles or applicants above 40

Central fees: about ₹150 for the learner's licence and ₹50 for the test per class of vehicle. States may add service charges, so check the fee shown on Sarathi before paying.

Step-by-step: apply online

1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and choose your state.

2. Click Apply for Learner Licence.

3. Choose Submit via Aadhaar authentication for the contactless service.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with the OTP. Your name, date of birth, photo and address are fetched from Aadhaar.

5. Choose the vehicle classes (for example MCWG for a geared bike and LMV for a car).

6. Upload your signature and pay the fee online.

Taking the test from home

1. Watch the road safety tutorial video (usually around 10 minutes) — it's compulsory before the test.

2. Start the test on a laptop or phone with a working front camera. The system watches your face through the camera during the test.

3. Answer the questions on traffic rules, road signs and safe driving. In most states you need about 60% correct to pass (for example 9 out of 15).

4. If you pass, you can download your learner's licence right away.

If you fail, you can retake the test after paying the test fee again, usually after a short wait.

Tips: sit alone in a well-lit room, don't look away from the screen, and don't let anyone help — the system can flag and cancel your test.

What a learner's licence allows

• You can drive only with a licensed driver next to you (for cars) and an "L" sign displayed on the vehicle.
• It's valid for 6 months.
• You must wait at least 30 days from the LL issue date before taking the driving test.

Getting your permanent driving licence

1. After 30 days, log in to Sarathi and choose Apply for Driving Licence.

2. Enter your LL number and date of birth, and pay the DL and test fees (about ₹200 for the licence and ₹300 for the test per class, plus state charges).

3. Book a driving test slot at your RTO.

4. Take the test on the RTO track in your own vehicle (with valid papers).

5. If you pass, the smart card DL is posted to your address, and you can download a digital copy on DigiLocker or mParivahan.

Under rules effective from 2024, accredited driver training centres can also conduct the driving test in some states. Their certificate exempts you from the RTO driving test.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the learner's licence test in Hindi or my own language?

Yes. The test is available in Hindi, English and regional languages, depending on your state.

What if my Aadhaar address is old?

Update the address in Aadhaar first, or choose the non-Aadhaar route and visit the RTO with other address proof.

Is an online learner's licence valid?

Yes. It's the same LL as one issued at the RTO.

My LL expired before I took the driving test — what now?

You'll need to apply for a new learner's licence and take the test again.

Can I drive a scooter with an LMV licence?

No. You need the right class — MCWOG or MCWG for two-wheelers and LMV for cars. Choose all the classes you need when you apply.

Why learner's licence applications get rejected

• The photo or signature upload is blurred or the wrong size.
• The applicant looked away from the camera or someone else was in the frame during the online test.
• The vehicle class chosen doesn't match the applicant's age (for example a geared bike for a 16-year-old).
• The address in Aadhaar is outside the RTO's area for the Aadhaar-based service.

If you don't want to use Aadhaar

You can still apply on Sarathi without Aadhaar authentication. Choose the regular option, upload age and address proof (passport, birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, utility bill), book a slot, and take the learner's test at the RTO. It takes longer, but works for anyone whose Aadhaar details are out of date.

International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive abroad, apply for an International Driving Permit on Sarathi after you have a permanent driving licence. It's valid for one year and needs your passport and visa details.