Types of Driving Licence in India

Do you want to drive a vehicle in India? If so, you need a valid driving licence. But with so many different types of driving licences available, it can be confusing to know which one you need.

This article will explain the different types of driving licence in India, the eligibility criteria for each type, the required documents, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which driving licence you need to drive in India.

Once you know which driving licence you need, you can start the application process. The application process is different for each type of driving licence, but we will provide you with the necessary information.

So what are you waiting for? Start reading this article to learn more about the different types of driving licence in India!

What is a Driving Licence?

A driving licence is an official document issued by the government of India, permitting an individual to drive a vehicle on Indian roads. This document certifies that the individual is eligible to drive or ride motorized vehicles such as a car, truck, bike, bus, etc. without any supervision.

A driving licence (DL) specifies that you have undergone the required training and tests and are well aware of all the traffic rules and regulations. Without this official document, one can be liable to hefty fines and other consequences.

Now let’s dive into the what are types of Driving Licence in India

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

1. Leaner’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.

Learning license download

How to track learning license application status through online

Learning license fees in India 2022

2. 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.

3. 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.

Driving Licence search by Name and Address

How to apply for driving licence in India

How to download a driving license soft copy

4. 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.

International Driving Licence

Driving Licence| DL Online apply | Driving licence renewal

Commercial Driving Licence

After understanding the different types of driving licenses in India and their eligibility criteria, you might want to explore further information or initiate the application process. 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.

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence in India

Here are the eligibility criteria for the different types of Driving Licence in India.

Types of vehicles allowed	Criteria
Vehicles without gears with engine capacity up to 50cc	16 years of age and parental consent
Vehicles with gears	18 years of age Must be aware of the traffic rules and regulations.
Commercial vehicles	20 years of age (18 years of age in some states) Should have completed formal education till 8th grade. Train from government or government- affiliated training centres.
International driving permit	Should be above 18 years of age Proof of Indian Citizen A valid driving licence issued by the Government of India

 

Driving licence categories and class of vehicles in India

As you are aware, there are different types of Driving Licence in India. There are some vehicle categories and classes within these. Let’s have a look at them.

Licence class	Vehicle type
MC 50cc	The vehicles that have an engine capacity of 50cc or less than that.
LMV- NT	The vehicles like jeep and motor cars fall under the Light Motor Vehicle Category but these are of no – transport class.
FVG	The vehicles without gears fall under this category like scooter and mopeds.
MC EX50CC	The vehicles like motorcycles with gears whose engine capacity is of 50CC or more.
MCWG	The vehicles like motorcycles, both with or without gear fall under this category.
HGMV	The vehicles like tractors, large trucks, and other similar vehicles used for transport of goods fall under the category HGMV.
HPMV	The Vehicles that run for commercial purpose and has an All India Permit to carry passengers falls under the HPMV category.

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

How long does the validity of a licence last?

The validity of a licence lasts up to 20 years from the date of issuance.

Which licence will I need if I want to drive commercial vehicles?

You will have to get a commercial licence under the category of HGMV or HPMY.

What if I drive the vehicle without a driving licence?

You need to pay a huge fine to break the law. Not having a driving licence can attract a traffic fine of Rs. 5000 under the recently amended Motor Vehicles Act.

How many types of driving licence are there in India?

There are 4 types of driving licence in India, namely learner's, private, commercial, and international