Types of Driving Licences in India

Driving a vehicle in India requires a piece of documentation that is both a crucial and an important possession - The Driver’s License. One might be an expert or an amateur in driving, but both of them cannot take their vehicles out on the road if they don’t have a driving license.

In this article we would be shedding light on the types of driving licenses in India and their functions.

Types of Driving Licenses in India

There are many kinds of vehicles that ply on Indian roads and needless to say that one license cannot cater to all. In this section we will discuss the different kinds of driving licenses issued by the Regional Transport Authority.

1. Learner’s License

As mentioned earlier, this license is issued to an individual who wants to apply for a permanent driving license. After filling up the application at an RTO (Regional Transport Office) specific to the individual’s location, a learner’s or a provisional driving license is given. This license has a validity period of 6 months from the date of issuance. The sole purpose of this document is to make sure that the person brushes up his/her driving skills, learns the traffic signs, symbols and jargon, and applies for a permanent driving license. If (s)he is trained well, they can apply for a permanent driving license after a period of 30 days.

Also Read - Tips for Beginner Drivers

2. Permanent Driving License

This license is issued to the individual who has passed the written and the driving test conducted by the RTO. Having this kind of driving license certifies that the individual is well versed in driving a light motor vehicle on the road and has a sound understanding of traffic signs and symbols. This license is valid for a period of 20 years from the date of issuance, or till the license holder reaches the age of 50 years, whichever is earlier. Post this period they will have to renew their driving license, which is basically appearing for a driving test again.

One thing to note is that this license is also valid for individuals who drive light motor vehicles for ferrying passengers. Unlike previously, which required a separate commercial driving license for the same.

Also Read - How to Drive an Automatic

3. Commercial Driving License

This is a special driving license issued to individuals who drive Heavy Motor Vehicles, Medium Motor Vehicles and Light Goods Transport Motor Vehicles for business purposes like transporting passengers or goods. The eligibility criteria for obtaining this license is different from the above two. An individual needs to have passed standard 8th, be at least 18 years of age, 22 in some states, and must be trained from a government motor school or a school tied-up with a state government. Driving heavy vehicles requires a lot of skills and proper training as the onus of safety of goods and passengers is entirely on the driver. Since this license is issued to drivers based on their skill, it has a validity of 3 years, post which it has to be renewed. The application process is the same as the Permanent Driving License, only here they will apply specifically for a Commercial Driving License. People holding permanent driving licenses can also apply for this kind of license.

4. International Driving Permit

This permit is issued to individuals who wish to drive in foreign countries. This permit certifies that the individual is in possession of a valid driver’s license and is eligible to drive in foreign lands. This permit is printed in many languages to help authorities better understand the individual’s eligibility. To avail this license one must have a valid permanent driving license and file an application at the local RTO. This permit is valid for a period of one year post which reapplication is required, it cannot be renewed.

Why is a Driving License important?

A driver’s license is a document that permits one to drive on the road, the ownership of this document certifies that an individual is aware of the road laws, signs and is capable of driving a vehicle. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 having a valid driving license is mandatory by law. Not having a driver’s license whilst driving will inflict a heavy penalty and in some cases a prison sentence as well. One more advantage of the driving license is that it doubles up as an identity proof, so, in case you lose it, chances are that it might come back to you. However, we strongly recommend that you immediately file an FIR if you lose it as there is a possibility of misuse as well.

Eligibility Criteria for Availing Driving License in India

Not everyone can avail a driver’s license in India and for different types of vehicles, there are different licenses and different eligibility requirements. However, generally the LMV + MCWG license class suffices. LMV means Light Motor Vehicle while MCWG means Motorcycle With Gear.

Under this category, individuals are permitted to drive four wheeled vehicles weighing not more than 7500kg. Vehicles like motorcars, jeeps, taxis, delivery vans, motorcycles/scooters with/without gears also come under this class.

For those who are new to driving, a driver’s license is obtained in two phases. One is the learning phase and the other is when you earn the permanent driving license.

Let us learn more about them:

Phase - 1

• Before applying for a permanent driving license you apply for a learner’s license - this has a validity period of 6 months, implying that you’ve got a period of 6 months to fine tune your driving skills before you apply for a permanent driving license. However, you can apply for a permanent license after a month as well.
• During the time you have your learning license, it is necessary that you stick an ‘L’ sticker in red on the rear and front of your vehicle. Throughout the learning phase, you should not take any passengers and the only person who should accompany you must be the person who is teaching you how to drive. This applies to two wheelers as well.

Phase - 2

• Once your learning period is over, you can apply for a permanent driving license. To avail a permanent license one needs to pass an exam and a driving test. Post which they will be issued their permanent driving license. If you don’t pass the test, you can reapply in 7 days.
• The word permanent doesn’t mean that the license will be valid forever. The validity of a permanent driving license in India, is for 20 years from the issuance date or till the license holder reaches 50 years of age, either of which comes earlier. A driving license can be renewed before the expiry date.

Also Read: How to apply for driving licence

Documents Required for Obtaining Driving License in India

Like with any other government issued certificate, there are some documents that you need to submit for obtaining a driving license. Below is the list of documents required.

Driving License Categories and Class of Vehicles in India

Below given is a table specifying the license category and the class of vehicles one can drive in that category.

Disadvantages of not owning a valid Driving license

Owning a valid driving license states that the possessor has passed the driving test and is permitted to drive the respective vehicle on public roads. Not owning a driving license can land a driver in serious trouble.

Driving without a Driving license

Driving without a valid driving license is a legal offense and attracts a penalty of up to Rs. 5,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 months. The traffic police can also seize the vehicle, and it can only be repossessed after paying a fine to the concerned traffic police officials. Moreover, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, if you are driving without license, you can’t claim insurance in case of accidents.

Driving without Driving license and causing an accident

If you are driving without carrying your driving license, and cause an accident, your license will be canceled immediately. Moreover, you will be liable to pay the penalty of Rs. 5,000 or imprisonment or both. The imprisonment may extend up to 6 months for the first offense, and for the second time the driver might face imprisonment of up to 1 year and will be fined up to Rs. 10,000.

What to do in the following situations?

Lost Driver license

If you lose your driving license, file an F.I.R at the police station of your area, then, visit the notary office and get an affidavit signed which stipulates that you have lost your driving license. With the copies of the affidavit, F.I.R, and a few other necessary documents, you can apply for the duplicate license either online at the state transport website or directly at the RTO office.

Expired Driver license

If the validity of your driving license expires, for its renewal you can visit the RTO office and submit the duly filled Form 9 along with all the necessary documents. You can also apply for license renewal online at the state transport website.

Types of Driving licenses in India: Summary

The driving license is arguably the most essential legal requirement to drive a motor vehicle on Indian roads. Owning a driving license not only prevents you from hefty penalties and possible imprisonment but also makes you a responsible driver. In the age when people can online apply for a driving license, getting a driving license is much easier as compared to the earlier times. Hopefully, this article will guide you well to get your driving license, and answer your driving license-related queries

FAQs about types of Driving Licenses in India