Learning Licence (LL) Complete Guide

Minimum age for Learning Licence varies by vehicle category: 1) For motorcycles without gear (up to 50cc engine capacity): 16 years old. However, applicant must have consent of parents/guardians. 2) For motorcycles with gear and light motor vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans): 18 years old. 3) For commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, goods vehicles): 20 years old. Additional requirement for commercial licence: Should have passed 8th standard. 4) For transport vehicles (taxis, commercial passenger vehicles): 20 years old with specific educational qualification. Age proof documents accepted: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, 10th class marksheet, passport, PAN card. For 16-18 years applicants, parents/guardians must sign consent form and accompany to RTO.

Yes, you can apply for Learning Licence without knowing driving. In fact, Learning Licence is specifically designed for learners who don't know driving yet. The purpose of LL is to legally allow you to learn driving on public roads. Key points: 1) LL is for learning purpose only, 2) You need to learn driving from experienced licensed driver, 3) LL written test checks your knowledge of traffic rules, not driving skills, 4) You have 6 months to learn driving with LL, 5) After getting LL, you should start learning driving immediately, 6) For DL (permanent licence), you need to show driving skills in test, 7) Many driving schools provide training after you get LL, 8) You can practice with family/friends who have valid DL. So, apply for LL first, then learn driving during LL validity period.

If you fail LL test, you can retake it multiple times, but with certain conditions: 1) First retest: Usually after 7 days from first test date, 2) Subsequent retests: After 7 days from previous test, 3) No limit on number of attempts, but each attempt requires new test fee, 4) Application validity: Your LL application is valid for 6 months from application date, within which you can attempt test multiple times, 5) After 6 months: If not cleared test within 6 months, you need to apply fresh with new application fee, 6) Preparation time: Use 7-day gap to prepare better, practice mock tests online, 7) Test pattern same: Each retest has similar pattern and difficulty level, 8) Best practice: Prepare thoroughly before first attempt to avoid retests. Most people pass in 1-2 attempts with proper preparation. Study RTO handbook and practice online tests.

No, you cannot drive alone with Learning Licence. LL has strict restrictions: 1) Must be accompanied by a person holding valid permanent Driving Licence, 2) Accompanying person must have minimum 5 years of driving experience, 3) Accompanying person should sit beside you in front seat, 4) You cannot drive alone under any circumstances, 5) If caught driving alone: Heavy penalty (usually ₹1000-5000), LL may be cancelled, Vehicle may be impounded, 6) Exceptions: Some states allow driving school instructors to supervise, 7) Display 'L' sign: Vehicle must display 'L' sign (black 'L' on white background) on front and rear, 8) Speed restrictions: Must drive at lower speeds, 9) Area restrictions: Avoid highways and busy roads initially, 10) Passenger limit: Only instructor and one additional passenger allowed. These rules ensure safety while learning. After getting permanent DL, you can drive alone.

You can apply for permanent Driving Licence (DL) after holding Learning Licence for minimum 30 days. Detailed timeline: 1) Minimum period: 30 days from date of LL issue, 2) Maximum period: Within 180 days (6 months) of LL validity, 3) Ideal time: After 30 days and when you feel confident in driving skills, 4) Process: After 30 days, apply for DL test slot through Sarathi portal or RTO, 5) Documents required: LL copy, Application form (Form 4), Age proof, Address proof, Passport photos, Driving school certificate (if trained), 6) Driving test: Must pass driving test at RTO, 7) Test vehicle: Bring your own vehicle for test (properly insured and registered), 8) If LL expires: If LL expires before applying for DL, you need to renew LL first, then apply for DL, 9) Best practice: Apply for DL around 45-60 days after LL, giving yourself time to practice. Don't wait till last month of LL validity.