Want to know the Types of Driving Licence in India? There are multiple categories in driving licence to choose from. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you’ll need a license for driving a motorcycle. For cars, there are different car licence types and car licence categories. Understanding these driver’s licence categories is important before applying for a Driving License. You also need to know steps, eligibility, documents and fee required for each type of licence.
Types of Driving Licence in India
There are four different types of Driving Licence in India.
- Learner’s Licence
- Permanent Driving Licence for Private Vehicles
- Permanent Driving Licence for Commercial Vehicles
- International Driving Permit
Let’s discuss the types of Driving Licence in India in brief
Learner’s Licence
This is one of the types of driving licence in India, which means you are learning the basic skills of driving/ riding. This type of driver’s licence is valid for up to six months. You can apply for a permanent licence after 30 days from the date of issuance of a learner’s licence.
When a child learns to walk or run, there is always an elder who is watching him/her. In the same way, a person who is learning to drive/ ride a vehicle should be in under the vision of a person who is having a permanent licence. You must remember that this type of driver’s licence means that you have to follow certain rules. These are:
- You should be trained to drive/ ride a vehicle by an individual having a permanent driving licence.
- You are required to display the sign ‘L’ in red colour in the vehicle. The sign should be clearly visible.
- You should always remember the traffic rules and road signs.
- In the case of commercial vehicles, the holder of the licence has to undergo training from government motor driving institutes.
- In the case of riding a two-wheeler, no person except your trainer is allowed to sit on the back.
Permanent driving licence for private vehicles
A permanent driving license is one of the types of driving licence in India. Any person who is above the age of 18 years, who has passed the driving licence and has been issued with a leaner’s licence, can apply for a permanent driving licence.
- This type of a driver’s licence is generally issued in the form of a smartcard. The card displays the individual’s picture, his/her name, age and permanent address of the driver’s licence. It also mentions the type of vehicle an individual can drive. He/ she can drive two-wheeler or two- wheeler or both types of vehicles.
Permanent driving licence for commercial vehicles
The third among the types of Driving Licence in India is provided to drivers of commercial vehicles who transport goods or people. The eligibility for this type of licence is a bit different from a permanent driving licence. Drivers of commercial vehicles applying for this licence should have passed at least class VIII.
- The drivers should be trained either in a government training centre or a government-affiliated centre.
- There are strict rules about providing these types of licences in India because of safety concerns and the specialized knowledge required in operating heavy vehicles, either for transporting goods or passengers.
International driving permit
When an Indian citizen wants to drive a vehicle in a foreign country is required to have an international driving permit. The last among the types of Driving Licence in India, the international permit provides an opportunity to Indian citizens to drive or ride their own or rented vehicles in foreign countries.
- This licence is valid for one year and has to be renewed.
Class of Driving License
In India, there are several types of driving license different vehicle categories and uses.
Driving Licence Process: Maharashtra vs. Tamil Nadu vs. Delhi
| Aspect | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu | Delhi |
| Application Portal | Parivahan Transport Dept. Maharashtra | Parivahan TN Transport Dept. | Parivahan Delhi Transport |
| Learner’s Licence (LL) | Apply online; theory test at RTO | Online application; theory test at RTO | Apply online; LL test includes traffic signs and rules |
| LL to DL Waiting Period | Minimum 30 days after LL | Minimum 30 days after LL | Minimum 30 days after LL |
| Driving Test Booking | Online slot booking mandatory | Slot booking online or at RTO | Slot booking mandatory through portal |
| Driving Skill Test | Conducted at RTO on assigned date | Conducted at RTO; bring your own vehicle (except for LMV provided by RTOs) | Conducted at Automated Driving Test Tracks in most zones |
| DL Issuance Timeline | 7–14 working days after test | 10–15 working days post test | 7–10 working days post successful test |
| Document Requirements | – Aadhaar, PAN, Passport-size photo – Form 1 (self-declaration) – Form 1A (for >40 years or transport) | – Aadhaar, Birth Proof, Address Proof – Form 1A (transport/commercial only) | – Aadhaar, Address Proof – Form 1 and 1A if required |
| Fees | ₹150 for LL; ₹300 for DL; ₹50 for driving test | ₹150–200 LL; ₹300 for DL; Test ₹50 | ₹200 for LL; ₹300 for DL; ₹50 test fee |
| Unique Features | – Option for Smart Card DL – SMS updates on status | – eSeva centres help with offline applications | – Fully digitized process; Aadhaar integration – e-DL and QR-coded DL |
License for Driving a Motorcycle– Non-Transport Vehicles
Motor Cycle with Gear (MCWG) includes motorcycles with manual gear transmission (e.g., bikes with clutch and gear lever) Examples: Royal Enfield, Yamaha FZ, Honda Unicorn
Motor Cycle without Gear (MCWOG) includes motorcycles with automatic transmission. (e.g., scooters, mopeds) Examples: Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access
Here are the license for driving motorcycle
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| MCWG | Motor Cycle with Gear |
| MCWOG | Motor Cycle without Gear |
Car License Types – Transport Vehicles
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) includes vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 7500 kg
Examples:
- Cars: Maruti Suzuki Alto, Hyundai i10, Toyota Innova
- Vans: Maruti Suzuki Omni, Tata Magic
- Small trucks: Tata Ace, Mahindra Supro
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| LMV | Light Motor Vehicle |
Specialized Vehicles
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| ADPVEH | Adapted Vehicle |
| LDRXCV | Loader/Excavator |
| CRANE | Cranes |
| FLIFT | Forklift |
E-Vehicles
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| eCart | E-Cart |
| eRiksh | E-Rikshaw |
Agriculture & Construction
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| HARVST | Harvester |
| TRAILR | Trailers |
| AGRTLR | Agriculture Tractor and Power Tiller |
| CNEQP | Construction Equipments |
Towing & Recovery
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| TOWTRK | Tow Trucks |
| BRKREC | Breakdown Van and Recovery Van |
After understanding the different types of driving licenses in India. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) provides comprehensive online services related to driving licenses. Access their resources and services here to gain more insights or to begin your application process.
What Are DL Codes?
DL codes are license category classifications defined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to specify which types of vehicles a driver is legally permitted to operate. These are printed on your driving licence under the “Vehicle Class” or “Class of Vehicles (COV)” section.
Each code corresponds to a particular category based on vehicle type, purpose (private/commercial), and weight.
DL Code to Vehicle Type Mapping Chart
| DL Code | Full Form | Vehicle Type Description |
| LMV-NT | Light Motor Vehicle – Non-Transport | Private cars, jeeps, small vans used for personal use only |
| LMV-TR | Light Motor Vehicle – Transport | Commercial use of LMV vehicles like taxis, vans, and delivery vehicles |
| MC 50CC | Motorcycle 50cc | Motorcycles with engine capacity of up to 50cc |
| MC EX50CC | Motorcycle Exceeding 50cc | Motorcycles with engine capacity above 50cc, including geared two-wheelers |
| MCWG | Motorcycle With Gear | All geared two-wheelers (scooters, bikes of any engine capacity) |
| MCWOG | Motorcycle Without Gear | Non-geared two-wheelers like scooters (e.g., Activa) |
| MGV | Medium Goods Vehicle | Goods vehicles weighing between 7,500 kg and 12,000 kg |
| MPV | Medium Passenger Vehicle | Passenger transport vehicles (e.g., tempo travelers) with medium capacity |
| HGV | Heavy Goods Vehicle | Trucks and trailers for goods transport weighing above 12,000 kg |
| HPV/HPMV | Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle | Buses and coaches used for passenger transport |
| HTV | Heavy Transport Vehicle | Commonly used to combine both HGV and HPV categories |
| TRAILER | Trailer Vehicle | Vehicles with trailers (requires a base HTV licence) |
| AGRI | Agricultural Tractor | Tractors used for farming and related agricultural machinery |
| E-Rickshaw | Electric Rickshaw | Battery-operated three-wheelers (typically passenger rickshaws) |
| FVG | Fully Valid Gearless | Gearless two-wheelers (an older code; now often merged into MCWOG) |
Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence
Before applying for a driving license in India, it’s important to understand the age criteria. Eligibility varies depending on the types of Driving Licence in India you’re choosing. The eligibility age differs for each type of license, so make sure you meet the required age criteria.
Two Wheelers
| License Type | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| MCWOG (up to 50cc) | 16 years or above |
| MCWOG (above 50cc) | 18 years or above |
| MCWG | 18 years or above |
For MCWOG your parent or guardian needs to give a written declaration
Cars/Jeeps/Vans (Non-commercial light motor vehicles)
- For any non commercial vehicles like car, you need to be at least 18 years old
Heavy Vehicles Like Trucks/Buses (Commercial transport vehicles)
- To drive heavy vehicles minimum age should be at least 20 years old
Documents Required for Driving License
Documents required for the application of driver’s licence
- Address proof
- Date of birth proof
- Passport size photograph
- ID proof
Proof of Address Required for Driving licence
Permanent proof of address: (anyone of the following document is required)
- Passport
- Aadhaar
- Electricity bill (issued in applicants name)
- LIC bond
- Voters ID
- Ration card
- Rental agreement
- LPG Bill
Other Requirements
- Duly filled application form (to get the application form for a driver’s licence, visit the nearest RTO or download it from the online portal for your state form4a)
- Application fees
- If you are staying in other cities, as current address proof, you can present the rental agreement with one recent utility bill copy which can be a gas bill or an electricity bill.
- Medical Certificate is mandatory for all applicants over the age of 40 years.
- A certified government doctor can issue a medical certificate by Form 1 A and 1
Please note that these are general requirements and may vary depending on the specific categories in driving licence you choose. It’s important to verify the requirements with the official authorities to ensure accuracy.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information on the required documents for each driver’s licence categories, such as MCWG, MCWOG, LMV we recommend you to check the official Parivahan website or visiting your local RTO office.
Fees for Driving Licence
| License | Amount |
| Learning License (per vehicle class) | 150 |
| Learning License test fee (or repeat test fee) | 50 |
| Driving test fee (or repeat test, per vehicle class) | 300 |
| Permanent Driving License | 200 |
| Addition of another vehicle class to license | 500 |
Green/Color-Coded Driving Licence Cards – Explained
India uses color-coded driving licences to easily distinguish between the type of vehicle authorization, purpose of usage, and category of the licence holder. These colors are part of the smart card DL format adopted across many states.
| Color | Licence Type | Who Gets It |
| White | Private Vehicle Licence (LMV-NT) | Issued to individuals driving personal-use vehicles like cars, bikes, scooters |
| Yellow | Commercial/Transport Licence (LMV-TR, HGV, HPV) | Issued to drivers of commercial vehicles like taxis, trucks, buses, delivery vans |
| Blue | International Driving Permit (IDP) | Temporary permit for Indians to drive abroad (valid for 1 year, based on DL) |
| Green | Electric Vehicle Licence (optional) | Used in select states to denote drivers of electric vehicles (pilot/indicative only) |
| Red | Learning Licence (LL) | Issued to new drivers during the learner phase (typically valid for 6 months) |
| Pink | Duplicate or Retired Licences | Some states use this color for duplicate cards or retired personnel licences (not universal) |
How to Apply for a Driving License in India
Applying for a driving license in India involves two main stages:
- Apply for a Learning License
- Get Permanent Driving License
Step 1: Learning License
- Go to the Parivahan Portal
- Click on “Drivers/ Learners License”
- Select your state from the dropdown menu
- Click on “Application for New Learner’s License”
- Fill out the application form >Choose the driver’s licence categories >
- Upload Documents > Make payment
- Visit the Road Transport Office (RTO) on the scheduled date with your original documents and fee receipt
Step 2: Permanent Driving License
- Make sure you have your learning license for at least 30 days
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa website
- Go to “Online Services” > “Driving License” > Select your state > Click “Apply for New License”
- Fill out the application form and upload required documents
- Pay the fee and note your application number
- Book your test slot and get test confirmation details
- Visit the RTO for the test with original documents and receipt
- Take the driving test
- If you pass, you will receive your license, which will be posted and available for download
Tips to Pass the Learner’s Licence (LL) Written Test
The LL test is computer-based, with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices.
✅ Preparation Tips:
- Study Traffic Signs: Learn all common signs — mandatory, cautionary, and informative.
👉 Use the official “Know Your Road Signs” guide onParivahan Portal. - Use Practice Apps or Online Tests: Try mock tests available on:
- https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- State transport websites
- Android/iOS apps like RTO Exam India (Driving Licence Test)
- Focus on Key Topics:
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Penalties for offenses
- Drunk driving laws
- Lane discipline and overtaking
- Practice Timed Quizzes: The LL test has a time limit (often 10–15 minutes for 10–15 questions), so time yourself while practicing.
Common LL Test Mistakes to Avoid:
| Mistake | Tip |
| Guessing answers blindly | Use elimination to choose the most logical option |
| Ignoring road signs | At least 3–5 questions are sign-based |
| Leaving answers blank | There’s no negative marking, so attempt all questions |
Tips to Pass the Driving Licence (DL) Practical Test
The DL test involves demonstrating your ability to safely operate a vehicle, usually under the supervision of an RTO inspector.
✅ Preparation Tips:
- Take a Driving School Course (if new): They’ll help you get used to road conditions and RTO test formats.
- Practice Basic Manoeuvres:
- “H” or “8” track (for two-wheelers)
- “S” bend, reverse, parallel parking, and hill start (for cars)
- Follow These Golden Rules on Test Day:
- Check mirrors before turning or moving
- Use indicators properly
- Obey stop lines and speed limits
- Keep both hands on the wheel
- Use clutch, brake, and accelerator smoothly
- Always wear your seatbelt/helmet
- Carry All Required Documents:
- Learner’s Licence (original)
- Application printout and fee receipt
- ID/address proof
- Passport-size photos
- Form 1A (medical) if required
Common DL Test Mistakes to Avoid:
| Mistake | What to Do Instead |
| Not adjusting mirrors/seat | Always adjust before starting the engine |
| Sudden braking or jerky clutch use | Practice smooth gear-shifting and braking |
| Failing to look both ways at intersections | Always look left-right-left before moving |
| Forgetting to use turn indicators | Signal at every turn, even during the test track |
| Touching boundaries (in “H” or “8” track) | Practice until you can complete tracks cleanly |
Validity of Driving License in India
The validity period of a driving license in India varies based on the applicant’s age. This applies to different categories in driving licence. These categories include private vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles and non-transport vehicles. Here are the validity for different types of Driving Licence in India.
Private Vehicle License Validity:
- Initial 20 years or till you turn 40, whichever is earlier
- After 40, valid for 10 years
- After that, renewed every 5 years
Non-Transport Vehicle License Validity:
| Age | Validity Period |
|---|---|
| Below 30 years | Valid till age 40 |
| 30 – 50 years | Valid for 10 years |
| 50 – 55 years | Valid till age 60 |
| 55 years or above | Valid for 5 years only |
How to download a driving license soft copy
Documents required for renewal of driving licence
How to track learning license application status through online
FAQs
1. What is LMV and MCWG?
LMV stands for Light Motor Vehicle. This category includes vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 7500 kg:
- Cars (private or public)
- Jeeps
- Taxis
- Auto-rickshaws
- Delivery vans
MCWG stands for Motorcycle With Gear. This category includes motorcycles with gears:
- Geared motorcycles (e.g., sports bikes, cruisers)
- Scooters with gears
2. Can an LMV license drive a SUV?
Yes, you can drive SUV with LMV license holder as long as the SUV’s gross vehicle weight does not exceed 7500 kg.
Most SUVs fall under this weight category so LMV license holder can drive a SUV. But, it’s important to note that some heavier SUVs might exceed this weight limit, in that case, you need different.
3. Which vehicles come under LMV?
According to the Indian driving licence categories, the following vehicles come under the LMV category:
- Cars (private or public)
- Jeeps
- Taxis
- Auto-rickshaws
- Delivery vans
- Maxi-cabs
- Mini-buses (with a seating capacity of up to 15 people)
- Ambulances
- Motorized vehicles used for carrying goods (with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 7500 kg)
These vehicles are considered light motor vehicles because they have a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 7500 kg.
4. Can I drive a bike with MCWG?
Yes, you can drive bike with an MCWG license.
5. How many types of driving licence are there in India?
Here are the list of different types of driving license in India
Non-Transport Vehicles:
- Motor Cycle with Gear (MCWG)
- Motor Cycle without Gear (MCWOG)
Transport Vehicles:
- Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
Specialized Vehicles:
- Adapted Vehicle (ADPVEH)
- Loader/Excavator (LDRXCV)
- Cranes (CRANE)
- Forklift (FLIFT)
- Construction Equipments (CNEQP)
- E-Cart (eCart)
- E-Rikshaw (eRiksh)
- Harvester (HARVST)
- Trailers (TRAILR)
- Agriculture Tractor and Power Tiller (AGRTLR)
- Tow Trucks (TOWTRK)
- Breakdown Van and Recovery Van (BRKREC)
Satish
Equipment used for construction such as jcb, bulldozer, road roller, cranceconcrete mixer, bouzer. What type of licence required for ther operator
itzeazy
A person who has a light motor vehicle driving licence can drive a JCB, bulldozer