Learner's License - Maharashtra

Driving is a crucial skill that everyone must learn to perfection. The lack of adequately skilled drivers and careless drivers on Indian roads are the causes of major accidents in this country. Thus, nobody should take his/her driving lessons lightly. However, before starting on the road on your own with your own vehicle, it is highly essential that you get some practice and develop a basic sense of traffic rules. The Indian Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 mandates that no one in India can drive a vehicle without a valid driver's license. People who are learning to drive or are new to driving should obtain a Learner’s Permit or a Learner's License (LLR) before setting out on Indian roads. Getting an LLR is the first step to getting one's own permanent Driving License too.

Just like all Indian states, it is compulsory for all driving license applicants in Maharashtra to first get an LLR, use it to learn the skill and then apply for a permanent Driving License. The LLR or the Learner's license is a preliminary permit issued by the local Transport Authorities for a person to learn driving. The procedure for obtaining a Learner License in Maharashtra has been considerably simplified lately. People in Maharashtra can now easily obtain their Learner's License by visiting their jurisdictional Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Types of Learner License in Maharashtra

To get a permanent driving license for a certain category of vehicle, the applicant must have the Learner's License for the concerned vehicle type first. Driving license in Maharashtra is offered for three categories - Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), Transport Vehicles and Motorcycles with/without Gear. People who wish to obtain a permanent Driving License in Maharashtra must first apply for a Learner License in the relevant category. Those applying for Transport Vehicles license must hold a valid license for light motor vehicles. The age criteria for applying for a Learner License in Maharashtra are as follows:

• Learner License for a motorcycle without gear - the applicant must be of at least 16 years of age.

• Learner License for a motorcycle with gear - the applicant must be of at least 18 years of age.

• Learner License for transport vehicles - the applicant must be of at least 20 years of age.

• All other classes of vehicles - the applicant must be of at least 18 years of age.

Learner License in Maharashtra - Documents Required

Individuals applying for a Learner's License in Maharashtra have to submit the following documents.

• Application (as per Form-2)

• Medical Certificate (as per Form 1-A)

• Self-declaration of physical fitness (as per Form-1)

• Required Fees

• 3 passport size photographs

• Address proof (utility bills, Adhaar card, Passport, Voter ID card)

• Age proof (Birth certificate, PAN card, passport, School leaving certificate)

• Appointment/fee receipt.

• Approval letter from parents, in case the applicant is below 18 years of age.

• CMV-Form 1A issued by a registered doctor for applicants seeking a license for transport or commercial vehicle.

• Applicants above 50 years of age must submit the CMV Form issued by a registered medical practitioner.

• Applicants seeking a license for transport or commercial vehicle should submit a valid proof of experience in driving a light motor vehicle for at least one year.

Learner’s License in Maharashtra - Application Procedure

Applicants can visit their jurisdictional RTO and apply for a Learner’s license in Maharashtra. However, the online application is the most convenient and preferred way. The following steps can guide one in applying for an LLR in Maharashtra:

• The applicant must visit the official web portal of Maharashtra Transport Department.

• The applicant should then download Form 2, which is the application form for a learner’s license.

• The applicant should fill up the form with all relevant details, such as the category of license and personal particulars.

• Once the applicant submits the form to the jurisdictional RTO, they will receive a date and time slot for the LLR test.

• Next, they must pay a nominal fee of Rs. 30 per category of the vehicle before taking the test.

• A written or computerized test has to be cleared. The test typically contains 20 multiple choice questions and one can pass it by securing at least 60% marks. This test mainly contains questions on road signs and symbols, basic traffic rules, driver’s duty, etc.

After getting the learner’s license, the LLR holders must ensure that they drive only the concerned category of vehicle and only under the supervision of a person who has a permanent license. Moreover, they have to put an ‘L’ symbol in red tape on their vehicle to alert other drivers that an amateur is driving the concerned vehicle.

Learner’s License in Maharashtra - Making Corrections

If your LLR contains typos and errors, you must get them rectified immediately to prevent the same errors from being printed on your permanent license. A driving license is undoubtedly a crucial proof of identity; it must not contain a single error, especially in the spelling of your name or address. Here is how you can get such mistakes rectified:

• Approach the RTO that had issued the learner's license; inform them what changes you require and why.

• Submit the supporting documents that have the correct information. The RTO will tell you which documents are required.

• Submit the original learner's license along with an application to the Regional Transport Officer, requesting the necessary changes to be incorporated.

• If the request is accepted and approved, pay the required fee for making the corrections and receive a receipt.

• This receipt can be utilized in lieu of the learner’s license until a new and updated LLR is issued.

Learner’s License in Maharashtra - Booking a Test Slot

• To book the date and time slot for the Learner's License test, visit the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department's official website.

• Wait for the 'Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' site to open, select “Sarathi License Services” and click on “Appointment for Slot Booking.”

• Enter your web application number and date of birth to view your details.

• Check your application details displayed on the screen and proceed to choose a slot. Then confirm your slot booking.

• For a new Learner's License test appointment, click on the “Confirm to Book” option. You will then be redirected to a calendar where you can choose the preferred date and time. Preview the option and confirm it.

• Get a printout of the proof of confirmation.

Learner's License in Maharashtra - Duplicate LLR

If someone's LLR is lost or stolen or damaged, they might require a duplicate Learner's License. Here is the process to apply for a duplicate LLR in Maharashtra.

• Get an LLD form from the RTO, fill it up and submit it at the same RTO that had issued the original Learner's License.

• Submit two passport-sized photographs along with other necessary documents as the RTO asks for.

• In case the old Learner's License is stolen or lost, then the applicant must submit a copy of a police report (FIR).

• The applicant must pay a nominal fee of Rs.50 for the duplicate LLR.

FAQs

How does someone renew an expired LLR in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, there isn't an option to renew the LLR. If the Learner's License expires, applicants must apply for a fresh one again.

When can I take a retest if I fail the LLR test?

You may apply for a retest after seven days from the date of the test.

When can one apply for a permanent license in Maharashtra?

Once the learner's license is issued, applicants can apply for their permanent DL after a month from the date of issue of the LLR.

How to get a Learner's License for a transport vehicle?

It is necessary for the applicant to be at least 20 years old and hold a valid driving license for more than a year in order to be eligible for a Learner's License for transport vehicles.

Is a Learner's License issued Mumbai valid in Delhi?

Yes.