Learning License in West Bengal

A learning license is a government authorised document that gives an individual the right to learn driving in public areas of West Bengal in the company of an individual who holds a permanent DL. Due to the number of casualties on Indian roads, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has made it mandatory for an individual to obtain a permanent DL. However, before applying for a permanent DL, an individual has to obtain a learning license. A learning license acts as a restricted license that is valid for a period of 6 months. An application for a permanent driving license can be made after 30 days or within 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s license. To qualify to obtain a learning license in West Bengal, an applicant is required to follow the LL application process mentioned below.

Owning a car or a bike is no longer a luxury, it has become a necessity for commuting. Getting necessary documents like driving licence, four wheeler insurance, two wheeler insurance as per the type of vehicle you own is equally necessary with owning a vehicle. Having a third-party liability cover along with a valid driving licence has been mandated as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 to be able to drive or ride legally on public roads of India.

The below eligibility criteria are mentioned by the West Bengal RTO depending on the type of vehicle an individual wants to drive.

• For learning to drive a private vehicle, an individual should have completed the age of 18 years.
• For learning to drive a commercial vehicle, an individual should have completed the age of 20 years.
• For learning to drive a motor vehicle not exceeding an engine capacity of 50cc, an individual should have completed the age of 18 years.
• An individual applying for a West Bengal learning license should be conversant with traffic rules and regulations.
• An individual holding a permanent DL for a light motor vehicle for not less than 1 year, can apply for a learning license for a commercial vehicle.

To obtain a driving license in West Bengal, an applicant will have to first obtain a learning license in the state by following the LL application process mentioned below.

Online application process for obtaining a learner’s license in West Bengal

• Visit Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Website- parivahan.gov.in/parivahan
• Click on online services and select driving license related services
• Enter the name of the state
• Click on apply online and select new driving license
• Fill the application form
• Upload scanned copies of the documents
• Book a learning license test slot
• Learning license test slot can also be booked online through www.aptransport.org/
• Appear for the learning license test on the given date and test
• The learning license is issued to the applicant on passing the test

Offline application process for obtaining a learner’s license in West Bengal

• Visit the nearest RTO office
• Download the form online through West Bengal Transport Government Website transport.wb.gov.in/ or collect the form from the RTO.
• Fill out the form and submit it to the RTO along with the required documents
• Pay the application fees
• Book a slot for the learner’s license test
• Visit the RTO on the date of the test
• On passing the test, the learning license is issued to the applicant .

Learning license is issued to an individual as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To obtain a learning license, an individual has to pass the learning license test that assesses his knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. The test is conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicles Inspector at the RTO. Depending on the qualification of the applicant, the test is conducted either online or in writing. On passing the test, the learning license is issued to the applicant. On failing the test, the applicant can re-appear for the test after 7 days.