Thinking of hitting the road in Jharkhand? Before you can take the driver’s seat legally, you need to secure a Learning Licence. It's your first step toward becoming a licensed driver.After all, having a Driver's License is mandatory whether you want to drive a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. While applying for a Learning Licence may seem complicated, it doesn’t have to be confusing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get a Learning Licence in Jharkhand. The easy and stress-free way.
Contents
Eligibility Criteria For Learning Licence in Jharkhand
Vehicle Type
Minimum Age Requirement
Additional Conditions
Non-Geared Motorcycles (up to 50cc)
16 years
Parental/guardian consent required; must submit valid age & address proof
Motorcycles with Gear and LMVs (Cars, etc.)
18 years
Must submit valid age & address proof
Commercial Vehicles (MGV, HPV, HGV, etc.)
20 years
May require an 8th pass certificate and training from a government-recognised driving school
Why Do You Need a Learning Licence in Jharkhand?
Obtaining a Learning Licence is an essential document before one can drive any motor vehicle on public roads in Jharkhand. Issued by the local RTO under the Motor Vehicle Act, it is among the licences that serve several important purposes, such as:
Legal Authorisation to Drive
The Motor Vehicle Act states that no person shall drive any motor vehicle in any public place unless they are licensed to drive by the licensing authority having jurisdiction in the area. Simply put, an LLR grants an individual permission to learn how to drive motor vehicles on the road under supervision.
Learning Important Traffic Rules & Road Discipline
The Learner's Licence test is designed to test the basic knowledge of traffic rules, road signs, and the theory of safe driving. It is done to ensure that the candidates have at least a basic understanding of crucial road regulations before being allowed to drive without supervision. This brings a sense of responsible behaviour and awareness of road safety among learners.
Ensuring Safety for Yourself and Others
There are a few safety requirements tied to the Learner's Licence, for example, the vehicle must display an "L" prominently. It must be driven only when accompanied by a qualified and licensed driver. These rules help to reduce risk and prevent accidents that could occur when new drivers are gaining practical experience.
Integral Step Towards a Complete Licence
One cannot apply for a permanent driving licence without necessarily procuring a Learner's Licence. In Jharkhand, one must hold his/her LLR at least for 30 days, but for no longer than 6 months, to be eligible for taking the final driving test for a permanent licence. The phased approach is meant to ensure that drivers have had good enough supervised practice before going into solo driving.
Avoid Heavy Penalties
One who drives without a valid Learner's Licence or permanent licence can be arrested and fined. Additionally, his/her vehicle is impounded and subjected to several other legal provisions as per the Motor Vehicles Act and Jharkhand Motor Vehicles Department rules.
Types of Learning Licence in Jharkhand
The type of Learning Licence you need always depends on the category of vehicle you intend to drive. Here are the main types of learning licenses in Jharkhand:
Two-Wheelers
Learner's Licence for motorcycles without gear (non-geared, up to 50cc). Minimum age is 16 years, with parental consent required for applicants under 18.
Learner's Licence for motorcycles with gear. Minimum age is 18 years.
Four-Wheelers
Learner's Licence for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV). Covers most personal cars and small vehicles. Minimum age is 18 years.
Commercial Vehicles
Learner's Licence for various commercial vehicle categories, including:
Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV)
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV)
Medium Passenger Vehicles (MPV)
Heavy Passenger Vehicles (HPV)
Road Rollers
Other transport vehicles
The minimum age for this is generally 20 years, and applicants may need to provide a medical certificate.
Click on “Apply for Learner’s License” under the Learner’s License menu.
Fill out the online application form with all required details.
Upload scanned copies of necessary documents (proof of age, address, passport-sized photographs, etc.).
Pay the application fee online (typically ₹130–₹260).
Book a slot for the Learner's Licence test (theory test on traffic rules).
On the scheduled date, visit the RTO with original documents and the fee receipt for verification and to take the test.
Offline Application Process
Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Jharkhand (e.g., Ranchi, Bokaro, Hazaribagh).
Collect and fill out Form 2 (application for Learner's Licence).
Submit the filled form along with required documents (proof of age, address, passport-sized photos).
Pay the application fee at the RTO counter.
Book a date for the Learner's Licence test.
Appear for the test at the RTO on the scheduled date.
Documents Required for Getting a Learning Licence in Jharkhand
To apply for a Learning Licence in Jharkhand, applicants must submit a set of mandatory documents. These documents help verify your identity, age, address, and physical fitness, as required by the Jharkhand RTO.
Document Type
Accepted Documents/Forms
Notes
Proof of Age
Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Birth Certificate, PAN Card
Required for commercial licence or applicants over 40 years
Application Fee Receipt
Proof of payment of the application fee
As per the RTO fee structure
Fees for Learning Licence in Jharkhand
The following fee breakdown is based on the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways’ Parivahan portal, as well as Jharkhand-specific RTO data:
Service
Fee (₹)
Issue of Learner's Licence (Form 3) – per vehicle
₹150
Learner's Licence Test – First attempt or retake
₹50
Competence Test for Permanent Licence – per vehicle
₹300
Issuance of Permanent Driving Licence
₹200
Total (Online) LLR + Test
₹200
Total (Offline) LLR + Test
₹200
According to Jharkhand’s RTO offices, the combined cost of Learner's Licence issuance and test may range between ₹130 and ₹260. This usually depends on vehicle type and fees collected at RTO counters. Jharkhand RTOs sometimes collect slightly more for LLR due to offline processing or minor administrative charges. If you’re appearing for a repeat test (if you fail), only the ₹50 test fee applies.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check the latest fee structure on the Jharkhand RTO or Parivahan portal before applying.
Test Procedure for Getting a Learning Licence in Jharkhand
Once you've submitted your Learning Licence application either online or offline you must appear for a test to assess your knowledge of traffic rules and safe driving practices. This test is mandatory and must be passed to receive your Learner's Licence.
1. Written/Theory Test (No Practical Driving Required)
The Learning Licence test is a written or computer-based exam, not a practical driving test.
The test can be taken either online or at the RTO, depending on the infrastructure in your area.
All the questions are multiple-choice and usually cover:
Traffic signs and signals
Road rules and regulations
Safe driving practices, including road etiquette and accident prevention discipline
2. Test Format and Passing Criteria
The test normally consists of a total of 15 questions.
You must answer at least 9 of them correctly to pass.
The duration of the test is usually 10–15 minutes.
The test is available in Hindi and English. Some states may also have the option of regional languages to choose from.
3. Steps To Take Before the Test
Firstly, submit your application form and required documents (proof of age, address, photos, etc.)
Pay the required fees and schedule your test slot, online or at the RTO.
4. What to Do on the Day of the Test
Reach the RTO or log in online at your scheduled time, or a few minutes early, so as not to miss your appointment.
Carry all your original documents for verification if appearing at the RTO.
Take the test as per the instructions given.
5. What to Do After the Test
If you pass, your Learning Licence is issued, often immediately or within a few days.
In case you fail, you can retake the test after 7 days. You'll have to pay an additional Rs. 50.
Validity of Learning Licence in Jharkhand
A Learning Licence in Jharkhand is valid for 6 months from the date of its issue. During these 6 months, you are legally allowed to practice driving under supervision. If you do not apply for a permanent driving licence within these 6 months, you must apply for a new Learner's Licence, as an expired Learner's Licence cannot be renewed. You can also apply for a permanent driving licence after holding the Learner's Licence for at least 30 days. The Learner's Licence issued in Jharkhand is also valid throughout India.
How to Check Learning Licence Application Status in Jharkhand
You can track the status of your Learning Licence application in Jharkhand online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal.
Select the State: Choose “Jharkhand” from the list of states.
Click on "Application Status” on the top right section of the website, just below the login button.
Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth, then enter the captcha code.
Click “Submit” to view the current status of your Learning Licence application. The portal will display details such as whether your application is under process, approved, or if any further action is needed.
How to Check Learning Licence Application Status Offline in Jharkhand
Visit your nearest RTO in Jharkhand, provide your application details, and request a status update from the RTO staff.
How To Renew a Learner's Licence In Jharkhand
A Learner's Licence in Jharkhand cannot be renewed. Instead, if your Learner's Licence has expired, you must apply for a new Learner's Licence rather than renewing the old one. The process is as follows:
Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in).
Select Jharkhand as your state.
Click on “Expired Learner License Issue Again” under the “Learner’s License” menu.
Follow the instructions and take the test again.
This means you will need to fill out a fresh application, submit the required documents, pay the applicable fees, and retake the Learner's Licence test. Renewal is not permitted for an expired learner’s license in Jharkhand, as per the current government guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to Learning Licence in Jharkhand.
How much does one have to pay for getting its driving licence in Jharkhand?
Generally, the charges for a driving licence in Jharkhand consist of ₹150 for the Learner's Licence, ₹300 for the driving test, and ₹200-₹400 for the smart card DL. Depending on the class of vehicle or RTO, other charges may be levied.
Can one appear for the Learner's Licence (LL) test online in Jharkhand?
Yes, an applicant can sit for the Learner's Licence test in Jharkhand via an online method at the Parivahan portal. Those wishing to do so must complete an application, upload the required documents and pick a slot to appear online for the test.
How long is a Learner's Licence valid in Jharkhand?
The Learner's Licence is valid for six months or 180 days after the date of issue. Within this period, an application must be submitted for the permanent licence.
What is the full form of LLR in driving?
Learner's Licence Registration (LLR) refers to the registration number given when one applies for a Learner's Licence.
Will I be able to get a test drive done with a Learner's Licence in Jharkhand?
Yes, the test drive is permissible with a valid Learner's Licence, but it has to be under supervision. A person holding a permanent driving licence should accompany the learner driver, and the vehicle must carry the "L" signboard.
Can I buy a bike if I have a Learner's Licence (LLR)?
Yes, you may legally purchase a bike with a Learner's Licence. However, additional documents such as proof of identity and proof of address might be required to register and insure the bike in your name.
Is driving a car in Jharkhand with a Learning Licence permitted?
Yes, you can drive a car with a valid Learning Licence in Jharkhand, but only when in the company of a licensed driver and with a red "L" board placed conspicuously on the car.
