Turning 18 comes with a lot of excitement and responsibilities. The first thing that one does is obtain a driving licence. With a driving licence, a person can legally move across the streets of India without the worry of getting a fine. It does matter if one is an expert in professional driving or an amateur driver, without a driving licence no individual can operate a vehicle on the road.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of driving licences in India and their functions.
Driving licence types and why it is important to have one
A driving licence is a formal authorization given to individuals permitting the use of certain motorized vehicles in a specific area. License to drive meaning, it is granted to the individual who has knowledge of road rules, road signs, and the skill to drive a vehicle. A driving license has more merits in that it is assumed that this acts as an identification card.
One may acquire the ability to drive any motor vehicle. However, one cannot legally drive any such vehicles on the road without a valid driving license. In India, the RTO has listed the following types of driving licenses issued.
There are four categories of driving licence in India. Below we have discussed Indian driving licence types:
1. Learner’s Driving License
As already stated, this license is offered to anyone who wants a permanent driving license. Once the processes at the regional transportation office (RTO) located within the individual’s vicinity are completed, the individual’s application is processed and he is issued a learner’s or provisional driving license. This type of license is issued for a span of six months from the date it is issued. This paper thus aims to make certain that the individual in question drives in his own right, gets accustomed to the functioning of the roads including all the road signs, their meanings and so on and then proceeds to get a driving license. If he/she has properly undergone the training, then he/she can put in for an application for a full driving license after thirty calendar days have lapsed.
2. Permanent Driving License
A person who has passed the written and driving tests valid by RTO is issued a Permanent Driving License. This type of driver’s license serves as proof that an individual is capable of operating light motor vehicles on public roads and understands the different traffic signs and signals. This license is valid for Twenty Years from the date of issue or until the holder of the license reaches the age of fifty years, twenty years issue age limit whichever is earlier. After the specified time has elapsed, they will not be able to use that license and will have to repeat the entire process of applying for a license, which includes taking and passing a driving exam again.
3. Commercial Driving License
This driving license is meant specifically for individuals who drive Heavy Motor Vehicles, Medium Motor Vehicles and Light Goods Transport Motor Vehicles for a commercial purpose such as carrying passengers or freight. The modification of the license for commercial purposes also has its own set of eligibility requirements.
The minimum educational qualification prescribed is the completion of the 8th standard. An applicant should be at least 18 years of age or in some states, 22 years. Training should be taken either from a government motor school or from a state-affiliated institution. Given the demands of driving heavy vehicles, adequate training and honed skills are required because the driver carries full responsibility for the safety of the goods and the passengers. Because of the skill level emphasis, this license has a validity period of three years after which it should be renewed.
4. International Driving License
The allowance is provided to those who wish to operate a vehicle in a foreign country. This document proves that the person holds a functioning driver’s permit and that he or she is allowed to operate a motor vehicle in a foreign country. This document has been translated into different dialects for the better understanding of the individual’s validity by the authority. To obtain this license one must possess a permanent driving license and make an application to the respective RTO of the area. This license is given for a year only and is different from a typical driving license, which one can simply renew; this license requires another application for it to be issued again. An International Driving Licence is The least popular Driving Licence type in India.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Driving License in India
| Document Type | Description |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or School Certificate (if applicable). |
| Proof of Age | Birth Certificate, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or 10th Class Certificate. |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Utility Bills (Electricity/Water Bill), or Rental Agreement. |
| Learner’s Licence | Mandatory if applying for a permanent driving licence. |
| Application Form (Form 4) | Filled application form for a new driving licence (available online or at the RTO). |
| Passport-sized Photographs | Usually, 2–3 recent photos as required by the RTO. |
| Medical Certificate (Form 1-A) | Required for applicants over 40 years or for commercial licences. |
Driving License Eligibility Requirements in India
| Licence Type | Eligibility Criteria |
| LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) | Age 18+; must hold a learner’s licence for at least 30 days. Requires passing a practical driving test for private vehicles. |
| MCWG (Motorcycle with Gear) | Age 18+; requires a learner’s licence and passing a practical driving test. |
| LMV–NT (Light Motor Vehicle – Non-Transport) | Age 18+; for personal, non-commercial vehicles only. Must pass a practical driving test. |
| LMV–T (Light Motor Vehicle – Transport) | Age 20+; requires at least 1-year LMV driving experience and completion of commercial driving training at an RTO-approved school. |
| MCWOG (Motorcycle without Gear) | Age 16+ with parental consent; for scooters and mopeds. Requires passing a basic driving test. |
In this section, the individuals are allowed to drive the vehicles which are four wheeler except driven and have a gross vehicle weight of seven thousand five hundred kilograms. This includes a class of vehicles known as saloon cars, sports utility vehicles, taxis, vans and lorries, motorcycles and scooters as well as geared or non geared.
As for other new applicants, there are two distinguished stages while getting a driver’s license – The learning stage which comes first and the stage of being issued with a permanent driver’s license. Check how it is done
Phase one
In order to be issued with a permanent driver’s license, one is required first to be issued with a temporary right to drive. This learner’s license is however available only for a short period of six months and works towards sharpening the applicant’s driving skills before going for a permanent license. However, it is possible for you to fill in the application for the temporary license after only a month’s time.
It is also during this phase of learning that it is a must to place the ‘L’ sticker in red colour clearly on the front and back sides of the car. It is also a must that you have no other passenger except for the instructor, who is the only person who can ride in the car with you.
Phase Two
The next step is the application for a permanent driving license and that signifies the learner stage is completed. This means that you are going to be examined in a particular way and also practically in driving. These tests are passed by candidates and they are subsequently given passing certificates which are acceptance of the permanent driving license that the candidates applied for. But, if you do not pass the test, you can most likely do so after seven days or so.
The driver’s license that is stamped as ‘permanent’, is not as permanent as the name would suggest. A permanent driver’s license in India is valid for a period of twenty years from the date of issue.
Types of Driving Licences in India And Class of Different Vehicles
| Licence Type | Class of Vehicles |
| MC 50cc | Motorcycles with engine capacity of 50cc or less (e.g., mopeds). |
| MCWOG (Motorcycle without Gear) | Non-geared two-wheelers, such as scooters and mopeds. |
| MCWG (Motorcycle with Gear) | All motorcycles, including geared two-wheelers, scooters, and bikes with any engine capacity. |
| LMV–NT (Light Motor Vehicle – Non-Transport) | Private vehicles like cars, SUVs, and vans are used for personal, non-commercial purposes. |
| LMV–T (Light Motor Vehicle – Transport) | Commercial vehicles including taxis, goods carriers, and LMVs used for transport services. |
| HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) | Heavy commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, and large goods carriers. |
| HGMV (Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle) | Trucks and heavy goods carriers are used specifically for transporting goods. |
| HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle) | Buses and passenger vehicles are used for transporting people commercially. |
| Road Roller Licence | Licence specifically for road rollers used in construction and infrastructure work. |
| Trailer/Tractor Licence | Licence for operating agricultural tractors and trailers, often used in farming or transport. |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | Allows an Indian licence holder to drive abroad in countries that recognize the IDP. |
Pros and Cons of Having a Driving Licence In India
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Legal Authorization: Permits individuals to drive legally on Indian roads. | Stringent Application Process: Lengthy procedures at RTOs with tests and paperwork. |
| Accepted as ID Proof: Recognized as valid identification across India. | Corruption and Bribes: Instances of corruption may affect the application process. |
| Convenience and Independence: Provides freedom to drive independently without relying on public transport. | Misuse of License: Some drivers may disregard traffic rules, assuming qualification. |
| Employment Opportunities: Essential for jobs in driving, delivery, or transport services. | Annual Renewal and Costs: Regular renewals are required, with potential fines for delays. |
| Insurance Claims: Necessary for vehicle insurance claims in case of accidents. | Risk of License Fraud: The presence of fake licenses can lead to unqualified drivers on the road. |
Check this out – FASTag KYC Update Online: Step Guide for Indian Drivers
Types of Driving Licenses Available in India
Driving licenses are the most crucial legal obligation for any individual intending to drive a vehicle on Indian roads. It is essential to own a driving license in order to avoid hefty fines or jail terms and also to enhance one’s credibility as a driver. In these modern times when most people can and do apply for a driving license Online, it is very much easier these days to get a driving license as compared to the olden days. Hopefully, this blog will help you drive well and address all your driving license issues.
Also Read – How to Download Your Driving Licence in India – And Why You..
FAQ’s
Q1. How many types of driving license are there in India?
Ans. There are four main driving licence categories in india that are available. Below is the list:
- Learner’s license
- Permanent driving license
- Commercial driving license
- International driving permit
Q2. What is MCWG, HMV & LMV?
Ans. MCWG stands for Motorcycle With Gear, HMV stands for Heavy Motor Vehicle And LMV stands for Light Motor Vehicle.
Q3. Can an LMV license drive a scooty?
Ans. No, an LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) is only good for driving cars and other light motor vehicles like vans and jeeps, you cannot drive a scooter with an LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) license. Instead, you must have a separate two-wheeler driving license.
Q4. What is LL, DL, and CL?
Ans. LL, DL, and CLL stand for Learner’s Licence, Permanent Driving Licence and Commercial Driving Licence respectively.
Q5. What to do If I Lose My Driving License?
Ans. In case of losing any driving license, lodge an FIR with the police station of your jurisdiction, thereafter go to the notary and have an affidavit that states that you have misplaced your driving license. With the copies of the affidavit, F.I.R. and some other requisite documents one can even go and apply for the duplicate driving license at the state transport site or RTO office.
Q6. What to do if my Driving License expires?
Ans. Whenever your driving license’s validity period expires, it is possible to go to the RTO office for an application for driving license renewal and present an appropriately filled-in Form 9 and all other required paperwork. You may also request for renewal of your driving license through the state transport website.
Q7. What is The Validity of a Permanent Driving Licence?
ANS. 20 years or Until the licence holder becomes 50 years old whichever comes first.
Q8. Will a Fee be Levied To apply for a Driving Licence?
ANS. Yes there will be a fee associated when we apply for a Driving Licence fees differ from state to state.
Q9. Is it necessary to visit the RTO for a driving license test?
Ans. You do not need to visit the RTO for a driving test. If you pass the test at a government-approved training center, you can apply for a driver’s license without having to take a test at the RTO.
