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What is a Driving Licence?
In India, a driving licence is a permit to drive a specific vehicle on the road. It can be a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or commercial vehicle within territorial limits.Driving provides us comfort and convenience, but it should not cause harm to others. Keeping this in mind, mature adults over 18 are eligible to obtain a driver's licence. Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted to drive. In a violation, the candidate's parents may be held legally accountable.Your driving licence is an official document the Government of India provides, allowing you to drive your car, truck, bus, bike and other vehicles. It authorises or explicitly states that the owner knows how to operate the car and has passed traffic rules and regulations tests. Also read: What Is Two Wheeler Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
Why is a Driving Licence important?
A driver's licence (DL) is a necessary document that proves the holder's eligibility to operate a vehicle on public roads. As stated earlier, a government-issued identity card acts as identification and confirmation of residency. The driving licence includes the individual's name, photograph, age, and residence. It is an important document that is required for the reasons listed below.
- Legal prerequisite: Driving a motor vehicle without a driving licence in India is punishable under The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Identification: A driver's licence is considered legitimate proof of identification and residence by many governments and private organisations.
- Safety: Having a driver's licence assures that the holder has the necessary understanding and abilities to ride/drive a vehicle safely on the road.
Different Types of Driving licence in India
There are four types of driving licences the RTO offers in India. Here are they:
1. Learner’s licence
The first type of driving licence in India is a learner’s licence. The Road Transport Authority issues you a learner's licence before you receive your permanent licence. The validity period is only six months, so you must perfect your driving skills within that time frame.Even when a youngster takes his or her first steps, we do not leave them alone. We keep an eye on each step and educate them on balancing their bodies. Similarly, a learner driver should not be left alone to drive. They should always be accompanied by an experienced driver.
2. Permanent licence
The next type of driving licence in India is a permanent one. When the 6-month waiting period expires, the RTO awards the applicant a permanent licence. The applicant must be 18 years old and have passed the driving test. Because the application is done online, the entire process is straightforward.The permanent licence is provided for private vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. Issuing a permanent driving licence indicates that the RTO is confident in the applicant's driving abilities.When we discover that the infant can walk, we leave him to explore the world. Until then, we take precautions to avoid any damage.
3. Commercial Driving licence
This sort of licence allows the driver to operate heavy machinery. This type of vehicle transports passengers or products. The minimal eligibility conditions for applying for a commercial driver's licence range slightly. In this case, the candidate must have passed the eighth-grade examination.
4. International Driving Permit
When a person searches for an international driving licence, it means the person is eligible to rent and drive any vehicle in a foreign country.It can, however, only be issued if you already hold a valid driver's licence. Unlike your driver's licence, the IDP is only valid for one year. And upon expiration, one would have to reapply. Also read: How To Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) From a Regional Transport Office (RTO)
Driving Licence Categories and Class of Vehicles in India
| Categories | Vehicle Type |
| MC 50cc | Vehicles with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc. |
| LMV-NT | Jeeps and cars belong to the Light Motor Vehicle Category, specifically falling into the non-transport class. |
| FVG | Vehicles in this category, such as scooters and mopeds, are characterised by the absence of gears. |
| MC EX50CC | Motorcycles with a gear system and an engine capacity of 50cc or greater fall into this category. |
| MCWG | Motorcycles, whether equipped with gears or without gears, are encompassed within this category. |
| HGMV | Trailers, larger trucks, and similar vehicles utilised for the transportation of goods are classified under the category of Heavy Goods Motor Vehicles (HGMV). |
| HPMV | Vehicles operating for commercial purposes with an All India Permit for passenger transportation are categorised under the Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle (HPMV) classification. |
| MGV | Medium goods vehicles |
| HMV | Heavy motor vehicles |
| Trailer | You can apply if you hold driving licences for heavy motor vehicles. |
| LMV | Light goods vehicles |
What is an Adapted Vehicle Licence?
An adapted vehicle Driving Licence is issued for operating vehicles modified or designed to accommodate the needs of a person with a physical disability. The adapted vehicles must be modified by a reputable vendor and be presented at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) during the registration process. The driving licence issued for the operation of such vehicles is known as an adapted vehicle licence.
Disadvantages of not having a valid Driving Licence in India
Driving without a valid driving licence is a crime in India. The consequences of not having a valid driving licence in India are discussed in the following sections.Heavy penalties: Driving or riding a vehicle without a valid driver's licence, you could risk a hefty punishment. For this infraction, the traffic police have the ability to levy a heavy fine.Legal issues: Not possessing a valid driver's licence can get you in legal jeopardy. If you are involved in an accident, the other party has the right to submit a complaint against you for driving without a licence. It can result in legal proceedings and court appearances, which can be time-consuming and expensive.Driving without a legal driving licence can potentially terminate your insurance coverage. If you are involved in an accident while driving without a licence, your insurance company may refuse to provide financial aid. It implies you'll be responsible for the whole expense of any damage or harm caused by an accident.Concerns about safety: Driving without a valid licence might also jeopardise your safety. You may be unable to handle some scenarios when driving if you lack sufficient training and expertise, which can lead to accidents. Also read: How To Pay Road Tax In India
Conclusion
Hopefully, you understand the four basic licences and what they do, as well as the LMV and MCWG complete forms and MCWG vehicle categories. Remember that driving without a licence is a criminal violation, and you should never be caught doing so. Also, remember to carry your auto insurance policy with you when you acquire your licence because driving without it is also illegal. Also read: Different Types of Car Insurance Policies and Their Coverage
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For what duration is a permanent licence valid ?
A permanent driving licence has a 20-year expiration date.
For what duration is a learner's licence valid ?
A learner's permit has a six-month expiration date.
Which kind of licence is necessary to operate a business vehicle ?
To operate a business vehicle, you must have an HGMV or HPMV licence.
Will there be an application fee to obtain a driver's licence ?
In order to apply for a driving licence, you do need to pay a charge.
Where can I go to apply online for a driver's licence ?
To apply for a driving licence, go to https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.
