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The Government of India provides a commercial vehicle driving licence as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 to the driver of a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles include trucks, cars, buses, etc., carrying passengers and goods through highways and roads.
To be eligible for a Commercial Driving Licence, the applicant must have a learner’s licence, must be between 18-22 years of age, pass the 8th grade and the written test to get a learner’s licence, and only then can they apply for a commercial one.
Applying for a commercial driving licence can either be done offline by visiting the nearest RTO or online by visiting the Parivahan Seva website and submitting your application.
There are several kinds of vehicles in existence, and whether for commercial use or personal use, many kinds exist within each of these two broad categories. As a result, within the classification of commercial vehicles, there exist distinct kinds and you need a different licence to drive each of these. Whether you want a licence to drive trucks or buses, you should know the different types of commercial vehicles you can get permits for. These are listed below:
Kind of Commercial Driving Licence (CDL) |
Categories of Vehicles |
MGV |
Medium Goods Vehicle |
HMV |
Heavy Motor Vehicle |
HGMV |
Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle |
LMV |
Light Motor Vehicle (hired motor cars, jeeps, taxis, delivery vans, etc.) |
HPMV |
Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle |
HTV |
Heavy Transport Vehicle |
LMV-NT |
Light Motor Vehicle for Non-Transport Purposes |
Trailer |
You need an HMV for a trailer licence |
To get a truck driving licence or any vehicle licence for commercial use, you need to fulfil certain criteria of eligibility before you formally apply for one. Here are the criteria:
You need to possess a learning licence.
You should be 18 years (in some states), and 22 years (in other states).
You should have passed the 8th grade in school.
You have to pass a written test to get a learner’s licence, and then apply for a commercial one.
You need to have had coaching from a commercial motor training institute that is recognised by the government.
Steps to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence
There are two ways in which you can apply for a commercial driving licence. Apply online easily, or physically apply at the office of the RTO (Regional Transport Office) closest to you. Here are the steps for the online and offline processes:
Online Process of Application for a Commercial Driving Licence
Visit the official website of road transport at Home | Parivahan Sewa | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.
You can pick the tab ‘Online Services’ and choose licence-related services. On the Home Page itself, there is also a section to opt for getting a licence.
You will be directed to fill up a form, Form 4.
You also have to select Forms 1A and 5, which are training and medical certificate forms.
You have to fill in these forms and upload them with proof of your age and residence, so keep your PAN and Aadhaar Cards ready too.
Upload all documents and you will get a registration number to appear for a test. You can choose the date and time.
On successful completion of the test, you will be delivered your commercial driving licence.
Offline Process of Application for a Commercial Driving Licence
Visit the RTO which is nearest to you and obtain Form 2.
Fill the form and submit it with documentation that is required. You should also submit a ‘Refresher Training Certificate’.
After submission, you will receive a registration number to attend a driving exam. You can choose your date and time.
On passing the exam, you will get your licence.
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When you have fulfilled eligibility criteria to apply for a commercial driving licence, you should collect the following documents for submission with your application:
Proof of Identity - Passport, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.
Proof of Residence - Passport, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.
Forms as applicable (duly filled)
Photographs of passport size
If you wish to drive a vehicle that is commercially used, you have to get an appropriate licence to do the same as mandated by the law of the land. However, this is not the only legal prerequisite you require to drive a commercial vehicle in India. The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 also stipulates that you must have insurance for your vehicle. This keeps you legally safe and financially protected from any road mishaps. You can explore comprehensive motor insurance plans at Bajaj Markets and opt for one that suits you.
FAQs on Commercial Driving Licence
If I already have a permanent driving licence for personal use, do I still require a commercial driving licence?
If you wish to drive a commercial vehicle, you must get a commercial driving licence accordingly.
In the event I lose my commercial driving permit, what should I do?
If you lose your commercial permit, you can apply for one again at your local RTO.
Is a commercial licence attained in one particular state valid across India?
A commercial driving permit procured in one state is valid across all states in India.
If I don’t pass the commercial licence exam, can I appear again?
If you don’t pass a commercial exam, you are able to appear for it again.
What size of photographs do I need to submit for my application for a commercial driving licence?
You have to provide passport size photographs with your application for a commercial licence.
What is the driving licence (DL) needed for a commercial vehicle?
Of all the types of driving licences in India, you will need a licence in the category of HPMY or HGMV to drive a commercial vehicle.
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