What is the Difference Between Learner and Driving Licence

The main difference between learner and driving licence is that a driving license is a legal document that authorizes a specific individual to operate one or more than one type of motorized vehicle on the public road, whereas a learner license is a restricted license issued to a person who is still practicing driving and has not yet fulfilled the requirements to obtain a driver’s license.

A driving licence allows you to drive a vehicle on a public road, whereas a learner licence is only one of the requirements one must fulfill in order to apply for a full driving license.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Learner Licence
     – Definition, Features, Requirements 
2. What is a Driving Licence
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Learner and Driving Licence
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Learner and Driving Licence
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Driving, Learner Licence, Driving Licence

Difference Between Learner and Driving Licence - Comparison Summary

What is a Learner Licence

A learner’s license refers to a temporary permit you might receive before you get the regular license that permits you to practice driving on the public road. The accepted age for obtaining a learner licence may vary from one country to another. However, when you reach that age of permission, you are able to begin the process of obtaining your learner licence. In many countries, you will be able to start practicing driving with the learner licence at a very early age, like the age of 15. The most frequently seen procedure is that after practicing driving with your learner licence for about twelve months, you have to take a test, which evaluates whether you are qualified enough to obtain the regular driving license.

Learner and Driving Licence - What is the difference?

In many countries, a learner licence has some restrictions. For instance, in some countries, if you are a learner licence holder, you can only drive during the daytime until the first three months pass. Then you get the permission to drive between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Furthermore, in many countries, learner licence holders are allowed to drive only accompanied by another person in the front seat. That person has to be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid driving licence.

What is a Driving Licence

A driving license refers to a legal document that authorizes an individual to drive one or more than one type of motorized vehicle like cars, buses,  trucks, or motorcycles on the public road. Most frequently, driving licences are issued as plastic cards that are equal to the size of a credit card.

Learner vs Driving Licence

In different countries, a driving licence has different names such as driving permit, driver license, and driver’s license. In every country, there are laws regarding the licensing of drivers, and these laws may vary from one jurisdiction to another. Generally, there are different types of permits for motor vehicles, passenger vehicles – particularly heavy trucks, and passenger vehicles. In testing, the level of difficulty in driving usually differs moving from one jurisdiction to another and also based on factors like the age of the test taker and the level of practice and competence expected from him.

Similarities Between Learner Licence and Driving Licence

  • Both learner licence and driving licence are legal documents that permit people to drive vehicles on public roads.
  • Also, both, a regular driving licence and a learner licence come with some rules and regulations.

Difference between Learner Licence and Driving Licence

Definition

A driving license refers to a legal document that authorizes a specific individual to operate one or more than one type of motorized vehicle on the public road, whereas a learner licence refers to a restricted license that is issued to a person who is still practicing driving and has not yet fulfilled the requirements to obtain a driver’s license.

Testing

A learner license is issued for those who practice driving and have not fulfilled the requirements to obtain a driver’s license while a driving license is issued to a person who has successfully completed the final driving test.

Key Rule

A learner licence holder is only allowed to practice driving accompanied by a valid driving licence holder in the front seat. But there is no restriction for a regular driving licence holder to drive alone.

Conclusion

In brief, a driving license is a legal document the government issues after an individual successfully completes the final driving test. But a learner licence refers to a restricted license issued to a  person who is still practicing driving and has not yet fulfilled the requirements to obtain a driver’s license. Thus, this is the main difference between learner and driving licence.

Reference:

1. “Learners Licence – Check Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply.” Bankbazaar.
2. “Learning to Drive and Getting a Driving Licence in Singapore.” Budget Direct.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Driving-car-car-driving” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Photo of hand, label, brand, product, cash, eye, organ, document, identity, united kingdom, id, identification, driver s license, driving licence, UK driving license” (CC0) via Pxhere

About the Author: Anuradha

Anuradha has a BA degree in English, French, and Translation studies. She is currently reading for a Master's degree in Teaching English Literature in a Second Language Context. Her areas of interests include Arts and Literature, Language and Education, Nature and Animals, Cultures and Civilizations, Food, and Fashion.

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