Learner's Licence in West Bengal: Eligibility Criteria
It is essential to confirm your eligibility before starting the Learning Licence application process. The criteria differ according to the type of vehicle and your current fitness level.
Vehicle Type | Eligibility |
Light-medium vehicle with more than 50 cc engine capacity (cars and bikes) | 18 years and above |
Non-geared two-wheelers with up to 50 cc engine capacity (motorcycle and scooter) | 16 years and above |
Commercial vehicle (truck and tempo) | · 1 year of experience driving a light or medium vehicle · Up to 8th class education qualification · 20 years and above |
Physical fitness is a significant factor
Although the main criterion is to be aware of the traffic rules and regulations, your fitness also matters. The Regional Traffic Office authorities might ask you to submit a medical fitness certificate to ascertain that you can drive a vehicle.
Form 1 | A declaration that proves you don’t have a medical history and are completely fit to drive. |
Form 1A | - Declaration submitted by applicants aged 40 and above.
- The form is signed by a registered medical professional, proving that you can drive.
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Types of Learner's Licence (LL)
The State Transport Department, along with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, has allocated distinct classes for each type of vehicle. These vehicle categories determine various types of licences, so you can apply for your respective licence:
Type of Licence | Specification |
Motorcycle without a gear | A two-wheeler vehicle, like a moped or scooter |
Motorcycle with a gear | A bike with manual gears |
Light motor vehicles | Private cars and taxis |
Commercial vehicle | Trucks, lorries, and buses |
Transport vehicle | E-Rickshaws and electric autos |
How to Apply for a Learner's Licence in West Bengal
There are two ways you can apply for a Learner's Licence, i.e., online and offline. While the online method saves you time, the offline method gives you the satisfaction of everything physically happening in front of you.
Online Method to Apply for a Learner's Licence in West Bengal
Apply for your Learner's Licence through the online portal:
Step 1: Visit the official website: https://parivahan.gov.in. Navigate to the “Online Services” section. Click on “Driving Licence Related Services. Select West Bengal under the “Select State Name” tab. Move to the “Apply for Learner Licence” option.


Step 2: You will see the instructions listed. Click on “Continue”. Select a Category like General, Diplomat, OCI, Foreigners, or Refugee. Then Choose between “Submit via Aadhaar Authentication” and “Submit without Aadhaar Authentication”, depending on your requirements. Enter your Aadhaar number and click on “Generate OTP”. Enter the 4-digit password and tick all the checkboxes. Now hit “Authenticate”.
Step 3: Fill out the Learning Licence application form that is available on the next page. Pay the application fees using your preferred method. Download the receipt of acknowledgement. Take the online test associated with the application to get your Learning Licence in West Bengal. Once you have achieved 60% or above, you can download the licence.
Offline Method to Apply for a Learner's Licence in West Bengal
Step 1: Visit the official website: https://parivahan.gov.in/.
Step 2: Download your offline application form from the portal.
Step 3: Fill it out and reach the nearest RTO to submit the form, along with the required documents.
Step 4: Submit your Learning Licence fees and get the acknowledgement receipt from the RTO officer. Remember to reserve a slot for the LL West Bengal test along with it.
Step 5: Revisit the RTO to take the exam and pass it with 60% or more.
Step 6: Pick up your licence from the office or request home delivery via post.
Documents Required for LL in West Bengal
Submit the necessary documents to apply for your learner’s permit:
- Form No. 2
- Form 1-A medical certificate. This is applicable if applying for a transport licence
- Form–1, which self-declares that you are fit
- Proof of age (passport, voter ID, birth certificate, ration card, or life insurance policy)
- Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, voter ID, electricity bill, passport, house tax receipt)
- Latest passport-size photographs
- Citizenship proof
- Driving licence copy for a basic car with 1 year of experience. This is a prerequisite while applying for your transport vehicle licence.
- Application fee receipt
Learner's Licence Fees in West Bengal
Service | Fees |
Learner's Licence issuance for every vehicle | ₹150 |
First test or re-attempt fee | ₹50 |
What to Expect in the LL Test in West Bengal
Before issuing a Learner's Licence, you have to take a test that ascertains that you are aware of the traffic rules and regulations. Here is an overview of what the test holds and the kind of questions you can expect:
- Offline and online modes
- MCQ format
- 20 questions
- 60% passing marks
- 10 to 15 minutes
- English, Hindi, and regional language options
If you are applying for the LL in West Bengal, the best approach is to practice along with a professional driver. Also, build your knowledge about the basic rules and safety norms for driving in India.
How to Check Your Learner's Licence Application Status in West Bengal
Checking your application status is simple and can be done online or offline.
Online Process
- Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/.
- Tap on “Driving Licence Related Services”. Select West Bengal from the state options.
- Click on the Application Status option.
- Fill in the requested details, and you can check the status.
Offline Process
Visit the same RTO from which you applied for your Learner's Licence. Give them your reference number so they can extract the details. The officer in charge will provide you with the update.
Validity of a Learner's Licence
A Learner's Licence has a validity of up to six months from the time you receive it. During this time, you can practice driving and understand safety regulations better. Once you are confident about driving alone in the streets of West Bengal, you can apply for a permanent licence. Meanwhile, take care of the following:
- You can drive if a permanent licence holder is with you in the car
- ·You have to put an “L” sticker on the back or front mirror
- You are eligible to apply for the permanent licence after 30 days of getting the LL
How to Renew an LL in West Bengal?
If you haven’t applied for a permanent licence within six months, your LL will expire. Here is how to do it:
- Visit the official site: https://parivahan.gov.in/.
- Scroll to Driving Licence Related Services
- Select Renew Learner's Licence
- Fill in the details of your previous licence and re-upload the documents if required
- Submit the required fees to receive your receipt of acknowledgement
You can also get your LL renewed at the RTO that issued the licence for the first time.
However, remember that in case it’s been quite some time since your licence expired, the authorities might ask you to retake the test. It is to determine whether you are still familiar with the rules and regulations or not.
After the Test: What's Next?
- If you pass: In most cases, once you have taken the test, you can collect your licence within a few hours. However, if you don’t want to wait at the RTO, you can request them to post it to your official address.
- If you fail: You can retake the test within 7 days. However, you have to pay INR 50 for every re-attempt.
Common Hiccups and How to Handle Them
Sometimes, you might struggle with the issuance of a Learner's Licence, such as:
- A technical glitch during OTP verification
- Inoperative Parivahan Website
Unavailability of the RTO officer on the date of the test. In such cases, you can either:
- Wait for the issue to subside
- Contact RTO helpline: 1076
Frequently Asked Questions