Last updated: September 2026 – questions checked against current Indian traffic rules and RTO learner’s licence test patterns.
The RTO learner’s licence test is a short multiple-choice quiz on traffic rules, road signs and safe driving. In most states you can now take it online from home using Aadhaar, or at the RTO if you apply without Aadhaar. This page has genuine practice questions with the correct answer clearly marked and a short explanation, so you can actually learn from them rather than just guess.
For the application process itself, see our guide on the learner’s licence. For picture-based sign questions, see driving licence test symbols.
How the Learner’s Licence Test Works
Practice Questions: Rules of the Road
1. You are approaching a pedestrian crossing where people are waiting to cross. What should you do?
A) Sound the horn and proceed
B) Slow down, sound the horn and pass
C) Stop and wait until the pedestrians have crossed
Pedestrians at a crossing always have the right of way.
2. You are involved in an accident that injures someone. What must you do?
A) Drive away and report it later
B) Get medical help for the injured person and report the accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours
C) Only exchange details with the other driver
Failing to report an accident is itself an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act.
3. At an intersection with no traffic police or signal, who has the right of way?
A) The vehicle that sounds its horn first
B) Traffic approaching from your right
C) Whichever vehicle is larger
Give way to traffic coming from your right, then proceed with the correct signal.
4. What should you do before crossing an unguarded railway level crossing?
A) Cross quickly while sounding the horn
B) Stop, get out if needed, and make sure no train is approaching from either direction before crossing
C) Only slow down, no need to stop
Unguarded crossings have no barrier or signal, so you’re responsible for checking yourself.
5. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?
A) Stop completely, as at a red light
B) Proceed with caution, slowing down and watching for other traffic
C) You have the right of way over everyone
A flashing yellow is different from a steady yellow (which means prepare to stop).
6. You are driving with headlights on high beam and a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. What should you do?
A) Keep the high beam on so they see you clearly
B) Dim your headlights to low beam
C) Flash your lights repeatedly
High beam from an oncoming vehicle can blind the other driver; always dim your lights when a vehicle approaches.
7. Can you drive after drinking alcohol?
A) Yes, if it’s a small amount
B) No, driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited
C) Yes, only in a private vehicle
Drink driving is an offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, with fines and possible imprisonment for repeat offences.
8. What is the purpose of a rear-view mirror?
A) To check your own appearance
B) To observe traffic approaching from behind before changing lanes, turning or stopping
C) To watch passengers in the back seat
Check your mirrors before every lane change, turn, or when slowing down.
9. A broken white line runs down the middle of the road. What does it mean?
A) You must not cross it under any circumstances
B) You may cross it to overtake when it’s safe to do so
C) It marks a pedestrian zone
A continuous (solid) white or yellow line means you should not cross or overtake.
10. Where are you not allowed to use your horn?
A) On highways
B) Near hospitals, schools and courts (silence zones)
C) In residential areas at any time
Silence zones are marked and using a horn there is an offence.
Practice Questions: Road Signs
11. What does an octagonal (eight-sided) red sign mean?
A) Give way
B) Stop completely
C) No entry
The eight-sided shape is used only for the “Stop” sign, so it can be recognised even from a distance or in poor light.
12. A circular sign with a red border, white background and no symbol inside means:
A) Speed limit ends
B) No entry for the type of vehicle shown, or a general prohibition depending on the symbol inside
C) Parking allowed
Circular signs with a red border are mandatory (prohibition or instruction) signs.
13. A triangular sign with a red border is what type of sign?
A) Mandatory
B) Cautionary (warning)
C) Informatory
Triangular signs warn you of a hazard ahead, such as a curve, crossing or narrow bridge.
14. A rectangular blue sign is generally what type of sign?
A) Cautionary
B) Mandatory
C) Informatory (giving directions, distances or facilities)
Blue rectangular signs point you toward facilities, routes and distances rather than warning or restricting.
15. A single arrow pointing straight up inside a blue circle means:
A) Compulsory ahead only (you must go straight)
B) One-way street, going in the opposite direction
C) No through traffic
Blue circular signs with a white arrow are mandatory direction signs.
Speed Limits and Vehicle Rules
Exact speed limits are set by each state and by the type of road, and signs on the ground always take priority over any general rule. As a rough guide, expressways typically allow the highest speeds, followed by national highways, with much lower limits in cities and residential areas. Always follow the posted speed limit sign rather than relying on a fixed number, since it changes by vehicle type and location. Check current fines for speeding in our traffic fines list.
Documents needed before a driving test appointment:
For the full, current document and fee list, see our driving licence application guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving licence test online?
The learner’s licence test can be taken online from home in most states if you apply with Aadhaar authentication. The actual driving (riding/vehicle control) test for a permanent licence must be taken in person at the RTO.
What kind of questions are asked most often?
Most questions cover right of way, speed limits, road signs, safe overtaking, parking rules and what to do after an accident.
Where do I apply for the learner’s licence online?
On the Sarathi Parivahan portal at https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. See our step-by-step learner’s licence guide.
How many questions do I need to get right to pass?
This varies by state, but a common pass mark is around 60% correct. Check the instructions shown before your test for the exact number.
What if I fail the test?
You can book a retest after paying the retest fee, usually after a short waiting period.
Continue practising: Road sign symbols and their meanings.