The learning licence test is the short online exam you pass to get a learner's licence (LL). Since 1 April 2021, Rule 11 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules requires new LL applicants (with a few exemptions listed below) to complete an online safe-driving tutorial and then an online objective-type test, both within seven days of applying.
This guide explains what the test covers, the pass mark, the two ways to take it (from home with Aadhaar, or at an RTO after slot booking), what happens if you fail, and what to do after you pass. It is an independent guide; the test itself is taken only through the official Sarathi portal or your RTO.
What the online LL test covers
Rule 11(2) lists the topics:
- Traffic signs and signals, see road signs and traffic light rules
- Road rules, see traffic rules
- Duties of a driver after an accident
- Precautions at unmanned railway crossings
- Documents you must carry while driving
The questions are objective (multiple choice). The number of questions and the time allowed are set by each state's system, so go by what your test screen shows.
Pass mark for the learning licence test
You must answer at least 60 per cent of the questions correctly. Tamil Nadu's guide puts it simply: "Applicant has to get minimum 60% marks to pass the online LL Test". Delhi and Goa also publish 60 per cent.
Delhi runs a colour blindness and limb movement check before its computer test.
Online learning licence test from home (Aadhaar)
The National Government Services Portal describes the online route as an AI-proctored test using Aadhaar-based authentication and face recognition, with the LL available for instant download after you pass. Aadhaar-based services are voluntary, and availability differs by state.
- Apply and authenticate. Apply for the LL on Sarathi using your Aadhaar number and OTP, and pay the fee.
- Watch the tutorial. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra require the road safety video to be watched in full, without skipping or fast-forwarding.
- Start the test. In Maharashtra you log in with your application number, date of birth and a password sent by SMS; Tamil Nadu also sends the test password by SMS.
- Answer the questions. The test is AI-proctored, with face recognition.
- Download the LL. On passing, the LL is issued electronically in Form 3.
Maharashtra's faceless route is fully online only if your present address matches Aadhaar and you do not need a medical certificate (under 40, non-transport). In Tamil Nadu, applicants over 40 upload Form 1A and wait for RTO approval before the test password is sent. Kerala's MVD lets candidates use their own phone through the "MVD Leads" app, but only at an MVD centre under supervision, as reported in July 2026.
LL slot booking for a test at the RTO
If you are not using the home route, or your state requires an office test, you book a slot. Slot Booking is one of the main services on Sarathi, but online slot booking is not available at every RTO.
- Odisha: apply, upload, pay, book a slot, visit the RTO for scrutiny and biometrics, then take the test.
- Rajasthan: book the LL test slot, arrive 15 minutes early with your original documents, and take the test on a touch-screen kiosk at the office using a PIN and an SMS password.
- Delhi: lists appointments, an LL test tutorial and "Online LL Test (STALL)" among its services.
If your status reads "Application is under scrutiny and processing at RTO Level", you must visit the RTO for document verification and biometrics before the test.
If you fail or miss the LL test
- Failed: pay the retest fee on Sarathi (Fee/Payments, E-Payment, Retest Fee) and book a fresh appointment.
- Retest fee: the central fee for the LL test or repeat test is ₹50. Kerala's MVD publishes ₹30 for a retest, which can be taken on any upcoming working day.
- Missed the test: rebook through Appointments (slot booking), subject to available slots.
The rules expect the tutorial and test within seven days of applying, so act quickly. If you are unsure where your application stands, check its status on Sarathi first.
Who does not have to take the LL test
Under the 2021 rules, these applicants are exempt from both the tutorial and the test:
- Holders of an effective or expired driving licence
- Holders of a learner's licence issued before the 2021 rules
- Holders of a driving school certificate under Section 12
How to prepare for the learning licence test
- Learn the three groups of road signs: mandatory (mostly circles), cautionary (triangles) and informatory (rectangles), plus the STOP octagon and the inverted GIVE WAY triangle.
- Know the basic rules: keep left, overtake from the right, give way to emergency vehicles, no handheld phone use while driving, and helmets and seat belts.
- Know what to carry: DL, registration certificate, insurance, fitness, tax and PUC certificates.
- Use official practice material: Delhi Transport hosts a question bank for its computer LL test, and Odisha has an online LL mock test page.
- Practise on our LL mock test. It is for practice only and is not the official question bank.
After the learning licence test: what next
- Download and save your LL. It is valid across India for 6 months.
- Practise driving. State pages say you can apply for the permanent DL 30 days after getting the LL.
- Apply for the DL before the LL expires. You cannot apply on an expired LL.
- Book and pass the driving test. The test of competence costs ₹300 per class at the central rate.
Next steps: driving licence online apply and driving test. For the full LL process, see learning licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the learning licence test?
You need to answer at least 60 per cent of the questions correctly.
Can I take the LL test online from home?
In states that offer the Aadhaar-based route, yes: you take an AI-proctored test with Aadhaar authentication and face recognition. Otherwise you take it at the RTO after booking a slot.
What is the retest fee for a learning licence?
The central fee for the LL test or repeat test is ₹50, paid on Sarathi under Fee/Payments, E-Payment, Retest Fee. States may add charges.
What topics come in the LL test?
Traffic signs and signals, road rules, duties after an accident, precautions at unmanned railway crossings, and documents to carry while driving.
What does LL slot booking mean?
It means reserving a date and time for your learner's licence test at an RTO. Online slot booking is not available at every RTO.
What happens after the learning licence test?
Once you pass, the LL is issued electronically and is valid for 6 months. You can then practise and apply for the DL, typically 30 days after getting the LL.