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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter II
Section 18
Learner's Licence for Driving Motor Vehicles of a Particular Class
Licensing of Drivers of Motor Vehicles
Fine: ₹500–₹5,000Compoundable: YesEndorsement: Yes
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
A learner's licence shall be effective only in respect of the class or description of vehicle specified therein. The holder of a learner's licence shall comply with such conditions as may be prescribed.
Simplified Explanation
Section 18 establishes that a learner's licence is class-specific — a learner's licence for a motorcycle does not permit driving a car, and vice versa. This is consistent with the class-specific approach throughout Chapter II. The prescribed conditions for learner's licence holders include: displaying a prominent 'L' plate on the front and rear of the vehicle; being accompanied by a person holding a valid driving licence for the same class of vehicle (for most vehicle classes); and not driving at speeds exceeding 45 km/h. Violation of these conditions is an offence under the rules made under this Act.
Historical Context
The 'L' plate system and supervision requirement are designed to ensure that learner drivers are not operating independently at high speeds or in dangerous conditions before they acquire the necessary skills.Critical Changes
Conditions for learner's licences prescribed in Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, Rule 20.
Practical Scenarios
"A car learner's licence holder driving without an 'L' plate — Section 18/rules violation."
"A motorcycle learner's licence holder driving a car — Section 18 violation (licence is class-specific)."
Common Queries
For most vehicle classes, yes — a learner's licence holder must be accompanied by a person holding a valid driving licence for the same class of vehicle. For gearless two-wheelers and some low-speed vehicles, conditions may differ by state rules.