What is a Driving Licence?

Driving Licence is an official document permitting a person to drive a motor vehicle. A driving licence permits any individual having it to drive one or more types of motorized vehicles such as a motorcycle, car, truck or bus on a public road.

As per Section (3) of MV Act, 1989, no person is allowed, by laws, to drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds an effective driving licence issued to him by the Licensing Authority, authorising him to drive the vehicle.

Who is the Licensing Authority in India?

The Joint Commissioner/ Deputy Commissioner and the Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) are the Licensing Authorities in India. The Administrative Officers and Motor Vehicle Inspectors are the Additional Licensing Authorities.

Why do you need a Driving Licence in India?

Driving Licence is a mandatory legal requirement, if you want to drive the vehicle on a public road. It serves as proof of identity and proof of address

What is the Age Limit for Driving Licence in India?

• An applicant, who has completed 16 years of age, is eligible to apply for a driving licence to drive a two-wheeler with engine capacity below 50 cc subject to the condition that the parent or guardian should furnish a declaration in the manner prescribed.
• The applicant, who has completed the age of 18 years of age, is eligible to apply for a driving licence to drive a motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle.
• An applicant, who has completed 20 years of age, is eligible for applying for a licence to drive a transport vehicle as well.
• There is no upper age limit for getting a valid driving licence in India.
• The Motor Vehicle Act,1988 provides the condition for issuing driving licence to persons above 50 years of age. The driving licence is issued to a person of age above 50 years for 5 years and has to be renewed in every 5 years.

Forms for Driving Licence

Form Type	Particular
FORM 1	Application-cum-Declaration as to physical fitness
FORM 1A	Medical Certificate
FORM 2	Form of Applicant for the grant of Learner’s Licence
FORM 3	Learner's Licence
FORM 4	Form of Applicant for Licence to Drive a Motor Vehicle
Form 4A	Form of application for international licence
FORM 8	Form of Application for the addition of a new class of vehicle to a driving licence
FORM 9	Form of Application for the Renewal of Driving Licence

Driving Licence Categories

DL Category	Particulars
MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50cc)	motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less
MC EX50CC (Motorcycle more than 50cc)	motorcycles and Light Motor Vehicle
MC Without Gear or M/CYCL.WOG (Motorcycle Without Gear)	all motorcycles, Scooters
MC With Gear or M/CYCL.WG (Motorcycle With Gear)	all motorcycles
LMV-NT (Light Motor Vehicle Non Transport)	for personal use only
LMV-TR (Light Motor Vehicle Transport)	for commercial transportation including light goods carrier
LMV (Light Motor Vehicle)	including cars, jeeps, taxis, delivery vans
LDRXCV (Loader, Excavator, Hydraulic Equipments)	for Commercial application of all hydraulic heavy equipments
HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle)	a person holding a lmv vehicle driving licence can only apply for heavy licence
HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)
HTV Heavy Transport Vehicle (Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle, Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)
TRANS (Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle, Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)
TRAILERE	a person holding a heavy vehicle driving licence can only apply for heavy trailer licence

Types of Driving Licence

1. Learner's Licence
2. Permanent Licence