Commercial Driving Licence

Looking for a CDL License? If you are planning to drive a truck, bus, taxi or any other commercial vehicle in India, you need commercial driving license. CDL license is mandatory permit that allows you to work as driver for transport companies, logistics business or even run your own driving service. Without it, you cannot drive any heavy or passenger-carrying vehicles for commercial use. In this blog, you will learn how to apply for commercial driving license online, the CDL license requirements and other important details. This will help you get any heavy vehicle license like truck driver license without confusion.

Who needs Commercial Driving License?

Commercial Driving License is required if you drive any vehicle for commercial purposes. This is different from private driving license which only allows driving personal vehicles

You must have CDL licence if you drive:

• Heavy and medium commercial vehicles – Large trucks, buses (public or private), tankers and vehicles used for transporting heavy goods or large number of passengers
• Light commercial vehicles (Commercial LMV) – Taxis, auto rickshaws, delivery vans and small goods carriers
• Specialized vehicles – Cranes, forklifts, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Some of these require extra endorsements on CDL

Note: Even if you already have private LMV license, you cannot legally use it for commercial work. You must apply for the correct category of commercial license

CDL License Requirements

Minimum Age

• 18 years for most commercial vehicles
• 20 years (or higher in some states) for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) or passenger motor vehicles
• Some states may set 22 years for specific heavy categories

Existing Driving License

• Valid learning license for the category of commercial vehicle you want to drive
• Many RTOs require holding private LMV license for at least 1 year before applying for any heavy vehicle licence like – truck driver license or other CDL category

Educational Qualification

• Must have passed class 8
• Should have basic literacy for reading road signs and understanding traffic rules

Medical Fitness

• Must be physically and mentally fit
• Medical certificate (Form 1A) from registered medical practitioner is mandatory

Driver Training

• Completion of training from government-approved or affiliated motor driving school is often required
• Training covers driving skills, vehicle handling and safety rules

Categories of Commercial Driving License?

Commercial driving licenses come in different categories based on the type of vehicle a driver is authorized to drive. Choosing the correct category is important to meet legal requirements and ensure safe driving

1. LMV-TR (Light Motor Vehicle – Transport)
License for driving light motor vehicles used for commercial purposes, including taxis, cabs, delivery vans, and small goods carriers

2. MGV (Medium Goods Vehicle)
For driving medium-sized commercial vehicles, larger than light motor vehicles but smaller than heavy trucks

3. HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle)
Broad license category for heavy-duty vehicles, often required before applying for more specialized heavy vehicle license

4. HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle) / HTV (Heavy Transport Vehicle)
For driving large passenger vehicles such as buses, tourist coaches, and other heavy public transport vehicles

5. HGMV (Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle)
For driving heavy goods carriers, including trucks and lorries used for transporting goods

6. Trailer License
Endorsement for drivers holding HMV or HGMV licenses, allowing them to drive heavy vehicles with attached trailers

Each CDL license category has specific eligibility requirements, and drivers must pass driving test for that class of vehicle to qualify

Documents Required for Commercial Driving Licence

You will need to have scanned digital copies of the following documents ready to upload during the application process:

Proof of Age:

• Birth Certificate
• Class 10th/12th Mark Sheet
• Passport

Proof of Address:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Passport
• Utility Bill (e.g., electricity, water) no older than 3 months.

Medical Certificate (Form 1A):

• This is mandatory for all commercial license applications. It must be filled out and certified by a registered medical practitioner, confirming your physical and mental fitness to drive

Valid Learning License:

• Copy of existing learning license for the corresponding commercial vehicle category

Passport-sized Photograph and Signature:

• Recent photograph and scanned copy of signature in the specified format and size

How do I apply for commercial driving license online?

Follow these steps to apply for Commercial Driving License through the official Parivahan Sewa portal.

Step 1: Visit Official Parivahan Sewa Portal

• Go to parivahan.gov.
• Click Online Services > Driving License Related Services.
• Select your state from the list. You will be redirected to your state’s RTO portal within the Parivahan Sewa system.

Step 2: Fill Online Application Form

• On the state portal > select Apply for Driving License.
• Fill in personal details, address, and the category of commercial vehicle (truck, bus, taxi, etc.).
• Enter learner’s license details for the specific commercial category you are applying for.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Upload clear, scanned copies (PDF or JPEG) of:

• Proof of Age
• Proof of Address
• Medical Certificate – Form 1A
• Learner’s License
• Passport-size photograph and digital sign

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

• Fee amount depends on CDL category.
• Pay online via debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.
• Save payment receipt or transaction ID for future reference.

Step 5: Book Driving Test Slot

• After payment, choose a date and time for your driving test at the nearest RTO.
• Book early to get a convenient slot.

Step 6: Attend Driving Test

• Visit RTO on scheduled date with original documents and application acknowledgment.
• Appear for:
  • Knowledge Test – Traffic rules and road safety
  • Practical Test – Driving commercial vehicle of the category you applied for
• Passing both tests is mandatory for license approval.

Step 7: Receive CDL Licence

• After verification, your Commercial Driving License will be issued
• It will be sent by post to your registered address
• You may also download a digital copy from Parivahan Sewa or DigiLocker

Preparing for commercial driving license tests

After submitting your application for commercial driving license, you will need to pass two important tests: the knowledge test and the driving test. Clearing both is important to get your CDL licence.

Tips for the Knowledge Test

The knowledge test checks your understanding of road safety, traffic rules and commercial vehicle regulations.

• Study road signs – Pay attention to signs specific to heavy vehicles, parking restrictions, and weight limits.
• Learn traffic rules – Speed limits for different vehicle types, right of way and lane discipline.
• Understand safety protocols – Rules for loading/unloading goods, passenger safety, and carrying hazardous materials.
• Practice mock tests – Use online practice exams available on state RTO portals or driving school materials.

What to expect in the commercial driving test

The driving test evaluates your practical skills in handling a commercial vehicle, whether it’s a truck, bus, or other heavy/light commercial category.

During the test, you may be asked to:

• Start and stop the vehicle smoothly.
• Reverse into a designated parking spot.
• Drive through traffic cones or narrow paths to test control.
• Demonstrate gear shifting and clutch control for heavy vehicles.
• Follow hand signals or instructions from the examiner.
• Show emergency braking and hazard response.

Tips to pass the driving test:

• Practice on the same type of vehicle you applied for (truck, bus, taxi, etc.).
• Arrive early and stay calm — nervousness can lead to mistakes.
• Keep both hands on the wheel and check mirrors regularly.
• Follow examiner’s instructions carefully.
• Avoid sudden acceleration or harsh braking unless required

What if I fail the driving test?

Failing a driving test is common and not the end of the road. If you fail the practical test, RTO official will tell you areas to improve. Next steps are simple:

• Waiting period: You must wait before re-applying, usually 7 days in most states. Use this time to practice and work on feedback.
• Re-booking test: After waiting period, go to Parivahan Sewa portal and book a new slot.
• Paying fee: Pay re-test fee, usually around ₹300 for test of competence.
• No limit on attempts: You can try as many times as needed, but it’s best to use each waiting period to improve skills and build confidence.

Tracking CDL license application status online is quick and simple

How to check commercial driving license status?

Steps to check status:

1. Visit Parivahan Sewa Portal
2. Go to Driving License Services – Select Online Services > Driving License Related Services.
3. Select state – Choose state from dropdown to proceed.
4. Click application status
5. Enter required details
6. Submit to view – System displays status: under processing, approved, awaiting driving test, or dispatched.

Conclusion

Getting a commercial driving license in India is a step-by-step process, but it’s easier when you know the requirements. Choose the right license category, prepare for the tests, and follow the official application steps. Stay updated on your status and meet all eligibility rules. Once you get your CDL, you can start driving legally for work and explore better career opportunities in the transport sector.