Easy steps to get a learner’s license in Maharashtra

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It is a well-known fact that getting a learner’s license is the first step in the process of getting a motor vehicle license. If you wish to drive your car legally on Indian roads, you need a valid license. A learner’s license refers to a provisional license issued to individuals during their learning stage. The idea behind this is that drivers must use this period to improve their driving skills before obtaining a permanent license. Even if you are a skilled driver already, you cannot bypass this step.

In Maharashtra, the procedure to get a learner’s license is quite similar to that of other states in India. The entire process is very simple, and it can be done within a few hours. With the advent of the Internet, you can do most of the procedures online and visit the RTO only for taking the examination. If you are a resident of Maharashtra, you can visit the website for the state’s Motor Vehicle Department and choose the required services. Let’s check the process involved in getting a learner’s license in Maharashtra.

Need for four wheeler learner’s license

As noted already, learner’s license is the first step in getting a permanent license. It provides authorisation to newbie vehicle users that they have the approval to learn how to drive. The test involved in taking a learner’s license helps people become aware of the rules and regulations associated with driving a motor vehicle or car. Since safety is the key when it comes to driving motor vehicles, it is necessary to use the time provided for learner’s licenses to improve one’s vehicle expertise. Moreover, it also certifies that the individual is medically fit enough to handle a motor vehicle.

Eligibility for getting a four wheeler learner’s license in Maharashtra

The eligibility criteria for getting a learner’s license remain the same in all major states across the country. The following eligibility criteria must be satisfied before getting a learner’s license:

• Individuals who have completed 16 years of age can apply for learner’s license for motor vehicles that are less than 50cc in engine capacity (gearless scooters).
• To get a learner’s license for motor vehicles that are more than 50cc in capacity, an individual must be at least 18 years of age. This category includes bikes with gears and cars that are not used for commercial purposes.
• To get a learner’s license for commercial and transport vehicles, one has to be at least 20 years of age.

Documents to be submitted

The following list of documents must be submitted when you are applying for a learner’s license in Maharashtra:

• Duly filled application form
• Proof of age (PAN card, birth certificate, etc.)
• Proof of address (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, utility bills, etc.)
• Passport size photographs
• Medical certificate

Steps involved in applying for a learner’s license in Maharashtra

The transport department of Maharashtra provides a lot of information about the license process in its official website (https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in). However, application for learner’s license can be made directly through the Central Government’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website (Sarathi). The step-by-step procedures involved in the application process are listed as follows:

• Visit the Sarathi website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/).
• Click on ‘new learner’s license’ under the section ‘driving license’ and ‘Apply Online’.
• On the resulting page, the applicant must enter his/her personal details including address, type of vehicle for which you wish you apply for license, etc.
• Upon submission of these required details, you can upload the necessary documents including identity proof, proof of residence, etc.
• In addition to this, you also need to upload a soft copy of your photo and a scanned copy of your signature while making this application.
• After uploading the required documents, you may proceed to book a time slot for taking the examination. The available time slots will be displayed to you on the website. Choose the convenient time slot and appear for the examination.
• You may also make the payment here through any of your preferred online payment modes.
• Once you have made the payment, it is necessary to take a printout of the payment receipt. This will serve as a proof for your time slot.
• Once you have given all the necessary details, you may go to the RTO and take the test at the chosen time slot.
• Upon clearing the test, a learner’s license document will be issued to you by the RTO.
• During the period for your learner’s license, this document must be produced to the law enforcement official whenever requested.

Things to note when getting a four wheeler learner’s license

You need to consider the following things when getting a learner’s license with the RTO:

• A learner’s license is valid only for a period of six months. Within this time period, it is necessary to apply for a permanent license and get one.
• The access provided by a learner’s license is minimal, and it is necessary to meet the required conditions while using the license.
• The driver must be accompanied by a permanent license holder when driving the vehicle.
• If a law enforcement officer requires it, the license document must be produced without fail. Hence, it is necessary to carry it when you are driving your vehicle.
• In case of license expiry before getting a permanent license, the individual must retake the examination and get it again.

FAQs

1. Can I retake the test if I don’t clear it?

Yes. It is possible to retake the test if you don’t clear it in the first attempt. However, clearing the test in the first attempt is not very hard. Make sure that you know all the traffic signs and signals before you appear for the test. This will help you get a license in the first try.

2. How long should I wait before applying for a permanent license?

Once you have received your learner’s license, you need to wait for one month to apply for a permanent license. This one-month time period commences from the date of issue of the learner’s license.

3. When will I know the results of the test?

In most of the cities and towns, the tests are computerized by the RTO. Hence, it is possible to know the results instantly.