Learner Licence Kerala: Easy 2026 Guide to Apply Online and Pass the New 30-Question Test
Learner licence Kerala applications are submitted online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal, and the test is now conducted using the Motor Vehicles Department’s MVD Leads app. Since October 2025, the Kerala learner’s test has 30 questions instead of 20, with more time per question. If you are planning to get your first driving licence, this guide walks you through eligibility, documents, fees, the online application, the new test format and preparation tips.
Table of Contents
What Is a Learner Licence?
A learner licence (LL) is a temporary permit that allows you to practise driving on public roads under the supervision of a person holding a valid driving licence. You must hold a learner licence for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test for a permanent licence. A learner licence Kerala is valid for six months.
Eligibility
| Vehicle class | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle without gear up to 50cc | 16 years (with parent’s consent) |
| Motorcycle with gear (MCWG) | 18 years |
| Light motor vehicle (LMV) | 18 years |
| Transport vehicles | 18 years and as per rules |
Applicants must also be physically and mentally fit to drive and should understand traffic rules.
Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity and address; enables e-KYC |
| Age proof | SSLC certificate, birth certificate or passport |
| Address proof | Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or utility bill |
| Passport-size photo and signature | Scanned as per Sarathi specifications |
| Medical certificate (Form 1A) | Required for applicants above 40 years and for transport vehicles |
| Self-declaration (Form 1) | Physical fitness declaration |
Learner Licence Kerala Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner licence (per class of vehicle) | ₹150 |
| Learner licence test (per test) | ₹50 |
Additional service charges may apply. The exact amount is displayed on Sarathi before payment.
How to Apply for Learner Licence Kerala Online
Follow these steps on the official Sarathi Parivahan portal.
Step 1: Select Kerala
Open sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and choose Kerala from the state list.
Step 2: Choose Apply for Learner Licence
Click Apply for Learner Licence. Read the instructions and click Continue.
Step 3: Authenticate With Aadhaar
Choose submission with Aadhaar authentication. Enter your Aadhaar number, verify the OTP, and your details will be filled automatically.
Step 4: Fill In the Application
Select the RTO or sub-RTO, the vehicle classes you want (for example MCWG and LMV), your blood group, emergency contact and other details. Check everything carefully before saving.
Step 5: Upload Documents, Photo and Signature
Upload the required documents, photo and signature. Upload the medical certificate if required.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay online through net banking, UPI or card and save the receipt with the application number.
Step 7: Book the Learner Test Slot
Book the learner test date at your RTO office. Kerala MVD has cut down waiting time, and slots are generally available within a few days of applying.
The New Learner Test Format in Kerala
The Kerala MVD revised the learner’s test from October 2025:
| Feature | New format |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 30 |
| Time per question | 30 seconds |
| Pass mark | 18 correct answers |
| Mode | Online, on smartphone through MVD Leads app at the MVD office |
| Identity check | Face recognition |
The test is conducted at the MVD office under the supervision of a Motor Vehicle Inspector. Questions cover road signs, traffic rules, right of way, safe driving practices and penalties.
How to Prepare Using the MVD Leads App
The official MVD Leads app from the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department includes the syllabus and mock tests. Practise until you can comfortably score well above 18 out of 30. Focus on:
- Mandatory, cautionary and informatory road signs.
- Overtaking rules and lane discipline.
- Speed limits and rules near schools and hospitals.
- Pedestrian crossing and right-of-way rules.
- Penalties for drunk driving, helmet and seat-belt violations.
Regular practice is the best way to pass the learner licence Kerala test on the first attempt.
After Passing the Test
Once you pass, the learner licence is generated and you can download it from Sarathi using your application number and date of birth. Practise driving with a licensed person beside you and display the “L” board on the vehicle. After 30 days, you can apply for the driving test. Learn how in our Kerala driving licence test slot booking guide.
If You Fail the Test
If you fail, you can retake the test after paying the test fee again. Kerala MVD has reduced the retest waiting time, so you can usually reappear within about a week. Use the time to practise the mock tests on MVD Leads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selecting the wrong RTO for your address.
- Uploading a photo that does not meet the size requirement.
- Not carrying original documents for verification if asked.
- Skipping mock tests and failing on road signs.
- Letting the learner licence expire before the driving test.
After Getting the Permanent Licence
Once you pass the driving test, you can download your driving licence online and check your driving licence status at any time.
Learner Licence Kerala Vehicle Classes Explained
When you apply, choose the right classes of vehicle:
| Class | Vehicle |
|---|---|
| MCWOG | Motorcycle without gear (scooters) |
| MCWG | Motorcycle with gear |
| LMV | Light motor vehicle (cars, jeeps) |
| LMV-NT / Transport | As notified for commercial use |
Many applicants select both MCWG and LMV in one learner licence Kerala application. This saves time, because one learner test covers both classes, though the learner licence fee is charged per class.
Medical Certificate Rules
You need a medical certificate in Form 1A, signed by a registered medical practitioner, if:
- You are above 40 years of age, or
- You apply for a transport vehicle class.
Others submit a self-declaration of physical fitness in Form 1. Upload the medical certificate on Sarathi while filling in the application.
Road Signs You Must Know
Road sign questions form a big part of the learner licence Kerala test. Learn the three groups:
- Mandatory signs (circles): No entry, speed limit, no parking, one way.
- Cautionary signs (triangles): School ahead, sharp curve, pedestrian crossing, narrow bridge.
- Informatory signs (rectangles): Hospital, petrol pump, parking, bus stop.
Practise identifying these signs quickly, because each question gives you only 30 seconds.
Sample Practice Topics
- What should a driver do on seeing a yellow light at a junction?
- Who has the right of way at an unmanned junction?
- When can you overtake a vehicle from the left?
- What is the meaning of a continuous yellow line in the middle of the road?
- What documents must you carry while driving?
Answer these using the MVD Leads study material and mock tests.
Learner Licence Kerala: Quick Checklist
- Aadhaar with active mobile for OTP
- Age proof and address proof
- Photo and signature scanned to size
- Form 1A medical certificate if needed
- Fee payment through UPI, card or net banking
- MVD Leads app installed for practice
Driving School or Self-Learning?
You can learn driving with a family member who holds a valid licence, or join an approved driving school. Driving schools help with the learner application, practice sessions and test preparation. Whichever you choose, practise in safe areas first and follow the L board rule. Kerala MVD has also introduced reforms to driving tests, including more realistic road tests, so good practice during the learner licence Kerala period matters a lot.
Renewal of an Expired Learner Licence
A learner licence cannot be extended beyond its validity. If it expires before you pass the driving test, you must apply for a fresh learner licence Kerala and take the learner test again. Plan your driving test booking within the six-month window to avoid repeating the process.
Rules While Driving on a Learner Licence
- Always have a person with a valid driving licence sitting next to you (for cars).
- Display a clearly visible red “L” sign on the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Carry the learner licence (printed or digital) while driving.
- Do not carry passengers on a two-wheeler other than a licensed instructor, as per the rules.
- Follow speed limits and avoid heavy traffic until you are confident.
You can keep a digital copy of your licence in DigiLocker. Read our DigiLocker documents guide to set it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in the learner licence Kerala test?
Since October 2025, the test has 30 questions with 30 seconds per question. You need 18 correct answers to pass.
Can I take the learner test from home in Kerala?
No. The current system uses the MVD Leads app on a smartphone, but the test is taken at the MVD office under an inspector’s supervision with face recognition.
What is the validity of a learner licence?
A learner licence is valid for six months. You can attend the driving test after 30 days from the date of issue.
What is the fee for learner licence Kerala?
The learner licence fee is ₹150 per class of vehicle and ₹50 for the test, plus any service charges shown on Sarathi.
Can I apply for two-wheeler and car learner licence together?
Yes. You can select both MCWG and LMV classes in the same application and pay the fee for each class.
Conclusion
Getting a learner licence Kerala is easier than ever with Aadhaar-based online applications on Sarathi and faster test slots. Apply online, book your test, practise with the MVD Leads mock tests and aim well above the new 18 out of 30 pass mark. Once you have the learner licence, practise safely and book your driving test after 30 days.
