Learner’s Licence Maharashtra – Online & Offline Application of Learner’s Licence in Maharashtra

Introduction

The number of vehicles on Indian roads has multiplied in recent years. Maharashtra alone saw a rise of 7.98% in vehicle registrations from 2022 to 2023, with Light Motor Vehicles (LVM) accounting for over 10 lakh registrations. Now, to drive these vehicles, one requires a valid driving licence. In Maharashtra, obtaining a learner’s licence (LL) is the first legal step before applying for a permanent driving licence (DL). Under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, possessing a learner’s licence is mandatory for those seeking to practise driving with supervision. Whether you prefer applying online or offline, Maharashtra offers both options.

What is a learner’s licence?

A learner’s licence is basically a restricted temporary driving licence issued by a Regional Transport Office (RTO) to a novice learning to ride/drive a vehicle. To ensure road safety, a learner’s licence requires one to pass a STALL test that tests the knowledge of road signs and safety. If you clear the test, you are awarded a learner’s licence valid for 6 months. It allows you to practise on the road but only when accompanied by a person with a valid DL. This ensures road safety so that you can be more confident before you can drive your vehicle. 

Types of learner’s licence in Maharashtra (MH)

According to a Sarathi Parivahan report, over 33.31 lakh learner’s licences were issued in 2023 in Maharashtra. There are various categories of learner’s licence based on the type of vehicle:

1.  For non-geared two-wheelers with engine capacity less than 50cc
2. For light motor vehicles
3. For commercial vehicles

Eligibility criteria for learner’s licence in Maharashtra

To apply for a learner’s licence, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. For non-geared two-wheelers with engine capacity less than 50cc, the applicant must be at least 16 years old.
2. For light motor vehicles, the person should have completed 18 years of age.
3. For commercial vehicles, the applicant should be above 20 years old, require a minimum education qualification of 8th standard, and must have a permanent DL of LMV for at least one year.

Additionally, anyone applying for a learner’s licence must be aware of traffic rules and regulations and road signs. 

Documents required for learner’s licence application

To successfully apply for a learner’s licence in Maharashtra, you will need the following documents:

1. Completed Form 1A (medical certificate). 
2. Completed Form 2. 
3. Passport-size photographs
4. Age Proof: Ration Card, Passport, Voter ID, Birth Certificate, LIC Policy.
5. Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Voter ID, Electricity/Phone Bill.

How to apply for a learner’s licence offline in Maharashtra

1. Visit the nearest RTO.
2. Request the learner’s licence application form or download it from the Parivahan website.
3. Fill in the forms and attach the required documents.
4. Submit the application form along with the necessary documents and passport-sized photos.
5. Pay the learner’s licence fee (₹151 for the application, ₹50 for the test).
6. Book a test slot for your learner’s licence examination.
7. On the scheduled date, visit the RTO and take the test.
8. If you pass, the learner’s licence will be issued to your registered address.

How to apply for a learner’s licence online in Maharashtra

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website.

Step 2: Click on the “Online Services” tab and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.

Step 3: Choose “Maharashtra” as your state, and you will be redirected to Parivahan Sarathi.

Step 4: Click on the “Apply for Learner Licence” tab.

Step 5: Read the instructions and keep the necessary documents ready. Then click on “Continue”.

Step 6: Select the desired category and click “Applicant does not hold any Driving/Learner licence issued in India”. Click “Submit”.

Step 7: The next page provides two options – “Submit via Aadhaar Authentication” and “Submit without Aadhaar Authentication”. If you opt for the former, you can take the LL STALL test online from any location and need not visit the RTO. However, the latter demands you visit the nearest RTO in person for document verification and to take the LL STALL test. Select the desired option.

Step 8: If you select “Submit via Aadhaar Authentication”, fill in the details “Aadhar number or virtual ID” and click on “Generate OTP”. The generated OTP is sent to your registered mobile number. Thereafter, read and select all the checkboxes, and click on “Authenticate”. 

Step 9: Follow the instructions and fill in the necessary details.

Step 10: Upload the required documents.

Step 11: Pay the application fees online.

Step 12: Book a test slot and give the learner’s licence test.

Step 13: If you pass the test, the licence will be mailed to your registered address.

How to apply for a duplicate learner’s licence in Maharashtra

If your learner’s licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate licence by following these steps:

1. Visit the Parivahan website.
2. Click on the “Online Services” tab and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
3. Choose “Maharashtra” as your state, and you will be redirected to Parivahan Sarathi.
4. The pop-up that comes on the screen will have the option of “Issue of duplicate LL”. Click on this option.
5. Read the instructions and keep the necessary documents ready. Then click on “Continue”.
6. Enter the learner’s licence number and date of birth on the new page and then click proceed.
7. Similarly, fill out the necessary details on the following pages. 
8. Attach the required documents (age, address proof, FIR if the licence is stolen).
9. Pay the application fee.
10. Submit the form and a duplicate licence will be issued.

For the offline application, you must visit the RTO that issued your original learner’s licence. You would need to submit the completed form along with the required documents. After you pay the fee, a duplicate learner’s licence will be issued.

How to make corrections in the learner’s licence

If there are any errors in your issued learner’s licence, such as a change in mobile number or address, follow these steps to request corrections:

1. Visit the Parivahan website.
2. Click on the “Online Services” tab and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
3. Choose “Maharashtra” as your state, and you will be redirected to Parivahan Sarathi.
4. On the pop-up that comes on the screen, select the option of “Change of address in LL” or “Updation of mobile number in LL/DL/CL”.
5. Read the instructions and keep the necessary documents ready. Then click on “Continue”.
6. Enter the learner’s licence number and date of birth on the new page and then click proceed.
7. Similarly, fill out the necessary details on the following pages. 
8. Pay the correction fee and keep the receipt as proof until the new licence is issued.

For the offline application for making corrections in your learner’s licence, visit the RTO that has issued your LL. You will need to submit the required documents along with an application for the requested changes. Thereafter, you would need to pay the fee and a receipt will be provided. Preserve the receipt until the updated LL is issued by the RTO.

Learner’s licence test procedure in Maharashtra

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and yourself, you must pass a STALL test before receiving a learner’s licence. This test is conducted online or at the RTO and evaluates your knowledge of road signs and traffic rules and regulations.  Here’s what you need to know:

Booking a Slot for Learner's Licence Test

1. Visit the Parivahan website.
2. Click on the “Online Services” tab and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
3. Choose “Maharashtra” as your state and you will be redirected to Parivahan Sarathi.
4. Close the pop-up that comes on screen.
5. Select “Appointments”.
6. Read the instructions given on the new page. Then, move your cursor over the “Slot Booking” tab. Under this, click on “LL Test Slot Booking”.
7. Enter the application number, applicant’s date of birth, and the verification code and click on “Submit”.
8.  Select the time slot of your convenience.
9. Save the “Confirmation” page for reference. You can also cancel your appointment through the “Slots Cancellation” option.
10. Also note that Parivahan Sarathi has the option to check the slots available for your RTO under the “Slots Enquiry” tab.

Tips for Clearing Your Learner’s Licence Test

The learner’s licence test includes multiple choice questions, and you must secure at least 60% to pass the test. To increase your chances of clearing the test, keep these tips in mind:

1. You can download a sample question bank from the Parivahan Sarathi website in a language of your choice.
2. Parivahan also provides the option of “Tutorial for LL test” and “Mock Test for LL” under the “Learner Licence” tab. 
3. Be familiar with road signs and traffic rules.
4. Stay calm and focused during the test.
5. Get yourself accustomed to the vehicle by sitting on/inside it under the supervision of a valid DL holder.
6. If you fail this test, you can apply for it again after 7 days.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed driver provides a sense of independence to most of us. In Maharashtra, obtaining a learner’s licence is a crucial and the initial step towards it. Whether you choose the online or offline route, the process is straightforward and involves filling out the required form, providing necessary documents, and passing the STALL test. 

Once you have a learner’s licence, you must practise driving under the supervision of a permanent DL holder to gain confidence and prepare for your permanent driving licence. Furthermore, remember to apply for a permanent driving licence within 30-180 days of obtaining your learner’s licence. 

FAQs

Q. What is the validity of a learner’s licence in Maharashtra?

A learner’s licence is valid for six months from the date of issuance.

Q. Can I renew my learner’s licence in Maharashtra?

No, you must reapply for a new learner’s licence once the old one expires.

Q. How soon can I apply for a permanent licence after receiving my learner’s licence?

You can apply for a permanent licence one month after your learner’s licence is issued.

Q. What happens if I fail the learner’s licence test?

You can retake the test seven days after your first attempt.

Q. Can I apply for a learner’s licence for a transport vehicle?

Yes, but you must be at least 20 years old and have held a permanent driving licence for at least one year. Also, you must have a minimum education qualification of 8th standard.

Q. Can we get a learner’s licence online?

Yes. You can visit the Parivahan website to get the learner’s licence online. You would need to provide your Aadhaar details and clear the written exam to get the LL online.

Q. How to apply for a learner’s licence in Maharashtra?

To apply for a learner’s licence in Maharashtra, you can either visit your nearest RTO with the required documents or apply online via the Parivahan website.

Q. Can a 17-year-old get a learner’s licence in India?

Yes. A 16 and 17-year-old can only apply for non-geared two-wheelers with engine capacity under 50cc.. For geared light motor vehicles of higher engine capacity, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Q. What is the difference between a driver's licence and a learner's licence?

A learner's licence is a temporary licence for those learning to drive, requiring the supervision of a permanent DL holder. It is valid for 180 days. A permanent driving licence is issued to those who can drive independently and have passed a driving test, after learning the skill of driving while holding a learner’s licence.s