Driving Licence: Definition, Types & Application Process
A driving Licence is a legal approval for an individual to drive specific vehicles as checked by the relevant government authorities. RTO or RTA issues driving licence in accordance with the Rules of the Road Regulation and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The driving licence holder in India is bound to produce it in front of the Traffic Police. The State Government works with the Government of India to implement rules and regulations of the Motor Vehicles Act and impose fines and punishments in case of any discrepancies.
Types of Driving Licence in India
A driving Licence is one of the mandatory requirements to drive a vehicle on Indian roads. Let us look at the different types of driving licences issued in India for different use cases.
- Learners Licence: Before allowing a person to drive vehicles freely Government of India allows a person to learn to drive. They are provided with a time frame of 6 months. The legal authorization to do so is known as a learner’s licence in India.
- Permanent Licence: Within the specified period of a learner’s licence, an applicant has to go under a test to show his or her driving skills. Upon successful completion of the RTO Driving Test legal authorization of driving a vehicle is provided which is known as a permanent licence.
- Commercial Driving Licence: A commercial driving license is a type of driver’s licence that allows an individual to operate commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses on public roads in India.
- International Driving Permit: An international driving permit (IDP) is a document that allows an individual to drive a vehicle in another country. It is recognized in many countries around the world and serves as an official translation of the individual’s driver’s license.
Driving Licence Categories in India
In India, driving licenses are issued for various categories of vehicles, depending on the type of vehicle and the age of the driver. Some common categories of driving licenses in India include:
| Licence Class/Category | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|
| MC 50CC | Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less. This category includes small and lightweight motorcycles that are easy to maneuver. |
| MCWOG/FVG | Motorcycles with any engine capacity, but without gears, including mopeds and scooters. These vehicles are typically designed for short-range travel. |
| LMV | Light motor vehicles used for non-transport/transport purposes, such as cars, jeeps, and taxis. These vehicles are intended for personal or commercial use. |
| MC EX50CC | Motorcycles with gears and a capacity of 50CC or more. This category includes larger and more powerful motorcycles that require more skill to operate. |
| M/CYCL.WG | All motorcycles with gears, including those with a capacity of 50cc or more. These motorcycles are typically more powerful and require more skill to operate. |
| MGV | Medium goods vehicles, including vans and small trucks, that can transport goods weighing up to 7.5 tons. |
| HMV | Heavy Motor Vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers, that can carry heavy loads over long distances. |
| HGMV | Heavy Goods Motor Vehicles, including large trucks and lorries, that are designed to transport heavy cargo. |
| HPMV/HTV | Heavy passenger motor vehicle/heavy transport vehicle, including buses and coaches, that can transport large numbers of people over long distances. |
Eligibility for Driving Licence in India
To be eligible for a driving license in India, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- The individual must be at least 18 years old for a motorcycle without gear license and at least 20 years old for other categories of licenses.
- The individual must have a valid learner’s license.
- The individual must pass a written exam and a driving test.
In addition to these requirements, the individual must also be physically and mentally fit to drive, and must not have any criminal convictions that would disqualify them from holding a driving license. It is also important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a driving license may vary depending on the state in which the individual resides.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence?
To apply for a driving licence in India, an individual must follow these steps:
- Obtain a learner’s licence: The first step in applying for a driving licence is to obtain a learner’s licence. To do this, the individual must visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and fill out an application form or can apply online through SARATHI portal by The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The form must be accompanied by documents such as proof of identity, address, and age. The individual must also pass a written exam on traffic rules and regulations.
- Practice driving: After obtaining a learner’s licence, the individual must practice driving with a licensed driver who has had their licence for at least three years. The learner’s licence is valid for six months, and the individual must use this time to gain experience and confidence behind the wheel.
- Apply for a permanent licence: After practicing for at least 30 days, the individual can apply for a permanent licence. To do this, they must visit the RTO and fill out an application form or can apply online through SARATHI portal. The form must be accompanied by documents such as the learner’s licence, proof of age and address, and medical certificate. The individual must also pass a driving test to demonstrate their ability to safely operate the vehicle.
- Pay the fees: The final step in the process is to pay the fees for the permanent licence. The fees may vary depending on the type of licence and the state in which the individual resides.
Once the individual has completed these steps and paid the fees, they will be issued a permanent driving licence. It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for applying for a driving licence may vary depending on the state in which the individual resides.
Documents Required for Driving Licence Application
To apply for a driving licence in India, an individual must submit the following documents:
- Form 1: Declaration of Physical Fitness
- Form 1-A: Medical Certificate
- Two passport-sized photographs: Required for identification purposes.
- Proof of Address: Acceptable documents include a Ration Card, Voter’s ID Card, Aadhaar card, Passport, Electricity bill or telephone bill, or Life insurance policy.
- Proof of Age: Acceptable documents include a Birth certificate, PAN Card, Passport, 10th class mark sheet, Transfer certificate from any school, or Voter’s ID Card.