Types of Driving Licences in India

Discover the types of driving licences available in India, the classes and categories of vehicles they cover, and the need to have the right licence.
Last updated 1 month ago
Illustration showing an Indian man in a car showing his permanent driving license
Last updated 1 month ago

One needs to possess a valid and appropriate driving license to get behind the steering wheel of any vehicle in India. It not only helps you fulfil a legal obligation, but also serves as an important proof of identity. Knowing which licence you need is essential since the RTO rules require you to have a different driving license for different classes of vehicles. 

This blog explores the types of driving licences available in India, the categories and classes of vehicles they cover, and the reasons why every driver should have a proper licence. 

Types of Driving Licences in India

A Driving Licence (DL) is a mandatory document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is a certification evidence of your driving ability and lists the different types of vehicles you are authorised to drive.

These vehicles can include a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV), Motorcycle with Gear (MCWG), or Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV). Your age, driving experience, and the vehicle you intend to drive will all affect the kind of licence you wish to apply for. New and seasoned drivers should understand the different types of driving licences available to operate a vehicle on Indian roads.

1. Learners’ Licence

Anyone who wants to drive in India starts with a Learner’s Licence. This is a temporary licence that lets you drive under the guidance of an experienced driver. It is issued following a simple test evaluating your understanding of traffic laws and regulations and is valid for six months. Applying for a permanent driving licence requires a Learner’s Licence first.

Vehicle TypeMinimum Age to Apply
Motorcycles without gear below 50cc (MCWOG) Private Vehicles16 years, with the consent of parents/guardian
Motorcycles with gear (MCWG) and Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)18 years
Commercial Vehicles20 years

2. Permanent Driving Licence

To become eligible for a Permanent Driving Licence, you need to wait for at least 30 days after acquiring a Learner’s Licence. You must also have attained at least 18 years of age and pass a mandatory driving test to upgrade from a learner’s licence to a permanent licence.

The Permanent Driving Licence is valid for 20 years or until the bearer becomes 50, whichever comes first. It has to be renewed following this period.

3. Commercial Driving Licence

A vehicle that is used for transportation of goods and passengers for business purposes is classified as a Commercial Vehicle. These can include cabs, buses, or the various types of load-carrying trucks. As these vehicles are often larger bigger and more complicated, drivers must be well-trained to ensure the safety of passengers and other vehicles on the road. 

Therefore, the eligibility criteria for a Commercial Driving Licence (CDL) is more stringent than that of a regular driving licence. The minimum age of an individual applying for a CDL must be at least 18 years of age, and it can vary depending on the state RTO. They must have a minimum educational qualification of 8th Grade, pass a written test, and also undergo specialised training at a government-affiliated motor training school.  

4. International Driving Permit (IDP)

Indian citizens who intend to drive overseas are required to have an international driving permit. The IDP is recognised in more than 150 countries. You have to apply through the RTO and hold a current Indian driving licence to get an IDP.

The table below outlines the validity and purpose of each of these licences:

Licence TypeValidityPurpose
Learner’s Licence6 monthsLearning and Preparation
Permanent Licence20 years or until the age of 50Regular driving
Commercial Driving Licence3 yearsCommercial vehicle operation
International Driving Permit1 yearDriving abroad

Driving Licence Categories and Class of Vehicles in India

The kind of vehicle you want to drive determines the category of Indian driving licence that will be issued. These categories let one determine the type of vehicle the licenced holder is allowed to operate. The main groups and vehicle classes linked with each are shown below:

Two-Wheelers

For two-wheelers, there are several categories:

  • MC 50cc: This licence is for vehicles with an engine capacity of 50cc or less.
  • FVG/MCWOG: This covers vehicles without gears, such as scooters and mopeds.
  • MC EX 50cc: This licence is for motorcycles with gears and an engine capacity of 50cc or more.
  • MCWG: This category includes all motorcycles, both with and without gears.

Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)

The LMV full form stands for light motor vehicles which covers a range of smaller vehicles:

  • LMV-NT: This licence allows you to drive non-transport light motor vehicles like cars and jeeps for personal use.
  • LMV: This category includes cars, jeeps, taxis, and delivery vans.

Commercial Vehicles

For those looking to drive commercially, there are specific categories:

  • HGMV: This licence is for heavy goods motor vehicles like trucks and trailers used for transporting goods.
  • HPMV: This covers vehicles used for carrying passengers commercially with an All India Permit.
  • MGV: This licence is for medium goods vehicles.
  • HMV: This category is for heavy motor vehicles.

Special Categories

There are also some special categories:

  • Trailer: If you hold a heavy vehicle driving licence, you can apply for a heavy trailer licence.
  • Adapted Vehicle: This is a special licence for vehicles modified for use by people with physical disabilities.

Here’s a simplified table for better understanding of the abbreviations:

Licence ClassType of Vehicle
MC 50CCMotorcycles with an engine capacity of 50cc or less. Typically low-powered two-wheelers.
MCWOG/FVGMotorcycles without manual gears, such as scooters and mopeds.
MCWGAll motorcycles with gears cover a wide range of two-wheelers, from standard bikes to high-powered motorcycles.
LMV-NTPrivate vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and vans not used for commercial purposes.
LMV-TRVehicles are used for commercial purposes, such as taxis, goods carriers, and delivery vehicles.
HGV/HTVLarge commercial vehicles like trucks and buses are used for transporting goods and passengers.
HMVAll heavy vehicles, including large trucks, buses, and trailers, are used in long-distance transportation and logistics.
MGVVehicles are larger than light motor vehicles but smaller than heavy motor vehicles, like mini trucks and small commercial vehicles.
MPVMedium-sized passenger vehicles such as minibuses used for public transport or private hire.

Why is a Driving Licence Important?

A driving licence is much more than just a legal document. It has great value for the following reasons:

1. Legal Requirement

Operating any motor vehicle on public roadways in India requires a current driving licence. Driving without a licence can result in heavy penalties, legal repercussions, and sometimes even imprisonment for the driver or vehicle owner.

2. Proof of Identity

Besides being a mandatory piece of documentation for driving, a driving licence is also recognized as valid ID proof. Whether opening a bank account, making travel plans or proving your identification at several checkpoints, your driving licence is a reliable document accepted by both public and private sectors.

3. Insurance and Legal Requirement Protection

Claiming insurance in the case of an accident requires the driver to have a current driving licence. Insurance claims can be outrightly rejected if an insurance company finds that the driver wasn’t in possession of a valid Driving Licence at the time of the accident. It is also aalso provides legal requirementprotection, as driving in India without a licence is punishable under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 

4. International Travel

If you are planning a trip abroad, having a licence with an International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to drive a vehicle in other countries. It provides you with both legal protection to drive in that country and also the comfort of travelling easily.

5. Enhances Road Safety

Getting a driving licence entails completing examinations assessing your understanding of traffic laws, road signs and safe driving techniques. This guarantees that only certified drivers are allowed to operate, therefore promoting general road safety and lowering the likelihood of accidents.

Eligibility Criteria for Different Licences

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has established specific eligibility requirements for a driving licence obtained in India. The type of licence you are seeking, and the vehicle category you want to drive will affect these criteria.

1. Age Requirements

To obtain a driving licence in India, you need to meet specific age benchmarks based on the vehicle type:

  • Two-wheelers below 50cc: You can apply at 16 years old.
  • Motorcycles and scooters above 50cc: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): The minimum age is 18 years.
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles: The age requirement varies between 18-20 years, depending on the state.

2. Educational Qualifications

Minimum educational qualification ensures that the drivers can grasp and comprehend traffic signs and simple directions, thereby promoting road safety. Previously, the RTO required applicants applying for commercial driving licences to have passed at least the eighth grade. However, after the omission of rule 8, there is now no such requirement.

3. Training

Applicants have to be familiar with traffic laws, road signs, and vehicle operations. Completing a formal training course from a government-approved driving school is sometimes required for commercial licence licences.

4. Medical Requirements

Applicants must be physically and psychologically fit to drive. Those seeking a commercial driving licence must present a medical certificate obtained and issued by a registered physician. The certificate must verify the applicant’s general health, hearing, and good vision to enable safe vehicle operation.

5. Experience Requirements

Applicants for commercial licences must have a current driving licence for a light motor vehicle for at least one year before applying. This criterion guarantees that drivers have enough experience controlling vehicles before driving bigger commercial vehicles.

Documents Required for Obtaining a Driving Licence in India

To apply for a driving licence in India, you need to submit several essential documents. Here is the list of documents you would require for the same:

1. Proof of Identity

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • Birth Certificate

These records prove your identification and show that you satisfy the minimum age requirements for the licence type.

2. Proof of Address

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Telephone)
  • Rent Agreement
  • Ration Card
  • LIC Bond

Address proof guarantees that you live in the RTO’s jurisdiction where you are seeking a licence.

3. Proof of Age

  • Birth Certificate
  • 10th Class Marksheet
  • Passport
  • PAN Card

Age proof is required to confirm that you satisfy the minimum age requirements for the licence type.

4. Additional Required Documents

To complete your application, you’ll also need to submit:

  • Application form
  • Application fees
  • Passport-size passport-sized photographs:
    • Six for learner’s licence application
    • One for permanent licence application
  • Medical certificate (Form 1 and 1A) if you’re above 40 years of age.

Summary

Getting a driving licence in India requires fulfilling particular qualifying requirements, compiling relevant paperwork, and passing both theoretical and practical driving examinations. Every driver must be aware of the different types of driving licences, the types of vehicles they are qualified to operate, and the need to keep a current licence.

Whether you are renewing an existing licence, upgrading to a commercial licence, or applying for your first licence, being well-prepared and knowledgeable can help you navigate the application process without any hassle.

FAQs about types of Driving Licenses in India

Q. How long is a Learner’s License valid in India?

An Indian learner’s licence is valid for six months. You must apply for a permanent driving licence within this period.

Q. Can I drive a commercial vehicle with a light motor vehicle license?

No, you cannot drive commercial vehicles with a light motor vehicle (LMV). For that reason, you have to have a Commercial Driving Licence (CDL).

Q. What is the minimum age for applying for a motorcycle licence in India?

The minimum age for applying for a motorbike licence with gear is eighteen. The minimum age for motorcycles without gear is sixteen, with parental approval.

Q. How can I apply for an International Driving Permit IDP in India?

Applications for an IDP should be sent to the RTO together with a valid Indian driving licence, passport-sized pictures, and the necessary money. Usually given within a week, the IDP has one-year validity.

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Types of Driving Licences in India

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