Types of Driving Licence in India
A driving licence is an official document issued by the Department of Regional Transport Office (RTO), in every state that grants the holder legal privilege to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. The driving licence typically includes information about the driver, such as their name, photograph, address, date of birth, blood group and other relevant details. The Driving license serves as proof that the individual has passed the required tests and meets the necessary qualifications to drive a vehicle within the jurisdiction specified on the licence. Different countries may have variations in their licensing systems, but the primary purpose is to ensure that drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate vehicles safely on public roads.
Different types of driving licences in India
Learner License – This is a provisional or temporary licence issued to individuals who are learning to drive. This learner licence has certain restrictions such as, a learner can’t drive the vehicle without being accompanied by a licensed driver also the learner is not allowed to drive the vehicle on public roads or highways. The vehicle also needs to have an L tag on the windshield.
Permanent Driving Licence – Once a person with a learner licence has completed the six months mandatory waiting period and has gained sufficient driving experience, they can apply for a permanent driving licence. This permanent driving licence allows them to drive without any restrictions that were imposed on a learner licence.
Types of Permanent Driving Licence:
- Personal vehicle driving licence
- Commercial vehicles Driving Licence
Personal vehicle driving licence
Personal vehicle driving licence – A personal vehicle driving licence is an official document issued by the regional transport office (RTO), which comes under the state government that authorizes you to drive non-commercial vehicles on public roads or highways. It’s a government’s way of ensuring that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to operate a motor vehicle safely and responsibly. The most common type of personal vehicle driving licence is for cars and motorcycles. There are different types of driving licences, each with its own set of restrictions and privileges.
Light Motor Vehicle – Non-Transport (LMV – NT) – The LMV-NT licence is a category of driving licence that allows you to drive light motor vehicles for personal purposes only. This means you can use your car for commuting to work, running errands, going on road trips and the like, but you cannot use LMV-NT licence for any commercial activity, such as taxi driving or delivery services.
Motorcycle without Gear (MCWOG/ FVG) – With this driving licence you can drive two-wheeler scooters or mopeds regardless of the engine power.
Motorcycle with Gear (MCWG/M. Cyl) – This type of driving licence allows you to drive two wheeler motorcycle with gear or without gear on public roads and highways.
MC EX50cc – This type of driving licence allows you to drive a two-wheeler with gear or gearless but the engine power must not be below 50 cc as well as it also allows drive light four wheelers for your personal use with personal vehicles.
Commercial vehicle driving licence
Commercial Driving Licence – This type of license is required for individuals who wish to drive commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, taxis, delivery vans and other types of commercial vehicles used for transporting goods or passengers. A commercial driving licence includes additional tests and qualifications specific to commercial driving. There are different types of commercial vehicles driving licences for numerous types of commercial vehicles.
Light Motor Vehicle-Transport (LMV/ LMV-T) – LMV/ LMV-T driving licence is for those types of commercial vehicles which come under the gross vehicle weight of 7500 kilograms not more than. The LMV/ LMV-T driving licence consists of cars, jeeps, taxis, autos and similar types of vehicles.
Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) – If the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle lies between 7500 kgs and 12000 kgs then individuals must have to apply for this MGV category driving licence. This MGV driving licence is only for cargo vehicles not for passenger vehicles.
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) – A driver who is already holding a light commercial vehicle driving licence, can apply only for this heavy motor vehicle licence. This HMV driving licence contains the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle should be more than 12000 kgs. HMV licence includes Trucks, buses, tippers, these types of heavy vehicles.
Heavy Goods Motor Vehicles (HGMV) – HGMV driving licence is for those, who wish to only operate transport vehicles for carrying goods. The applying criteria for this HGMV driving licence are, that the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle should not be below 12000 kilograms.
Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicles (HPMV/HTV) – This licence is for operating heavy passenger buses for long routes. Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicles are large vehicles designed to carry passengers. These are used for public transportation and can also be used for private transportation.
LDRXCV – if a person wants to operate JCB, HYDRA, CRANES, LOADERS and other types of construction machinery then they have to apply for LDRXCV licence. Before this, they should be an HMV licence holder.
TRAILER – The trailer licence permits to operate 22, 24, 30, 36 wheeler long trailer vehicles, long flatbed trailers etc. The applicant should have an HMV licence in order to be eligible for a Trailer licence.
Following the Digital India revolution, carrying a physical driving license is no longer obligatory. In accordance with the IT Act of 2000, driving licenses stored on the DigiLocker or mParivahan app hold the same legal status as their physical counterparts.
Understanding the different types of driving licenses in India is crucial for anyone stepping onto the country’s vibrant streets. By choosing the right license, you not only ensure legal compliance but also protect yourself and others on the road. Remember, a learner license is your first step, followed by a permanent license for everyday vehicles. For commercial ventures, heavy motor vehicles (HMV) or heavy passenger motor vehicles (HPMV) licenses are mandatory. So, if you are also thinking about applying for a driving licence, kindly visit your nearest Regional Transport Office or apply through the mParivahan app.
