Different Types of Driving Licenses Available in India

[350Z]

The minimum permissible age to drive any vehicle in India is 18 years, although you can drive a 50cc or less engine capacity moped at the age of 16 years itself. To drive a car on public roads, it is required to attain a driving license, which is an official certificate of authorization given by government allowing that you can drive a vehicle on public roads and it is always important to carry this license while driving. Below mentioned are the types of licenses available in India;

Learner’s License:
This is the most primary license which is valid for six months once you have learnt basic driving. With this license, you may not be allowed to drive cross city borders and it is recommended to always take an expert co-driver along who could help whenever needed.

Permanent License:
After thirty days of issuance of Learner’s License, One becomes eligible to attain a Permanent License. Now you can freely drive your car anywhere in the country with valid documents but please note that as a permanent license holder, you are expected to be familiar with general road safety rules, driving etiquettes etc, so have fun enjoying the drive but always make sure to be responsible!

International Driving License:
A Permanent Driving license permits you to drive the car within India but if you plan cross country border trips, An international driving license is must. The international driving license requires to be validated each year and to attain one, you must have a valid passport, visa, address proof and birth certificate.

Light Motor Vehicle License:
This is more or less a commercial-type license which makes you eligible to drive the Light Motor-able vehicles (LMVs), Including vans, auto rickshaws etc.

Heavy Motor Vehicle License:
Yet another commercial-type vehicle license, a Heavy Motor vehicle license is specially assigned to the drivers of Buses, Trucks, and Cranes etc. after their special training in Heavy Motor Vehicle driving schools.

Duplicate Driving License:
Like previously mentioned, it is always important to carry your driving license while driving for very certain reasons but by chance in-case you loose yours, don’t panic! Fortunately, a duplicate copy of license can be issued by RTO. However, your first step should be to lodge an FIR as soon as possible. Thereafter, by producing a few necessary documents, you will be given a duplicate copy which will be valid and work just like your previous license.

Note: To be on safer side, we highly recommend you to keep a laminated photocopy of your original license safely, always. Which should be definitely helpful for authorities to issue you a duplicate copy much sooner in case your original driving license is misplaced. Happy Drivin’!



Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[sriharsha]

i think there is another type of license for commercial vehicles.

 

[350Z]

Which is it? Please share.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Akash]

i think there is another type of license for commercial vehicles.

which is it buddy?

 

[cooldhaya]

Good thread again 350Z! But in learner's driving license one always SHOULD take not only an experienced co-driver but one who also owns a valid driving license!

 

[sriharsha]

sorry guys. i meant there is a seperate license for driving yellow board vehicles. not sure though.

 

[RSM]

Good thread Vibhor (as always).

Related to - international driving, if you are going to USA on short business or holiday trip, Indian license can be used.
But if your stay is longer, you need international license.

 

[mukeshus]

Nice information Vibhor , Yes nowadays the bangalore licenses are issued as a smart card with a 16k chip embedded in it.
This is being replaced from the existing laminated one's.
This Smart card registers the infractions issued by a cop.
And if the same continues his license will be terminated and has to obtain the license again from the scratch.

 

[350Z]

Good thread Vibhor (as always).
Related to - international driving, if you are going to USA on short business or holiday trip, Indian license can be used.But if your stay is longer, you need international license.

Thanks for sharing the useful stuff.

Nice information Vibhor , Yes nowadays the bangalore licenses are issued as a smart card with a 16k chip embedded in it.
This is being replaced from the existing laminated one's.
This Smart card registers the infractions issued by a cop.
And if the same continues his license will be terminated and has to obtain the license again from the scratch.

That’s great! It looks that my wish has been granted much quicker. I had suggested very same earlier. I’m sure it’d help to clean up the reckless drivers which are the main cause for increasing road accidents in India. (http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...1047-traffic-rules-offending-2.html#post18147)

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[generalmax]

The validity /duration part of license can also be given.

Like Learners License- maximum 6 months
Ordinary driving license -15 years /till the age of 60 after that renewal every 5 years.
Heavy /Commercial driving license-5 years
Badge (for driving Taxi ,carrying people)-3 years

please add more info.

 

[Mahender Singh]

my licence will renew after some 20 years, and keeping a piece of paper safe for 20 years is really challenging, While my father have heavy licence he have to renew it every 5 years..

 

[Sidd7hartha]

Dear friends, pl comment on renewal procedure of D/License because my one expires by 2016

 

[Godfather]

Dear friends, pl comment on renewal procedure of D/License because my one expires by 2016

Its very simple, online options are available today to do any changes. Visit your state MVD website from where you could download the form for DL renewal.

**Pay the amount online, take a print of the e-receipt along with the forms
**You will have the To-do-list in the forms like Medical certificate etc which needs to be furnished
**Attested copies for address and age proof
**Submit the copies to the concerned RT office with your original DL

After these steps they will issue a fresh DL via post.

 

[anshuman8]

Its very simple, online options are available today to do any changes. Visit your state MVD website from where you could download the form for DL renewal.

**Pay the amount online, take a print of the e-receipt along with the forms
**You will have the To-do-list in the forms like Medical certificate etc which needs to be furnished
**Attested copies for address and age proof
**Submit the copies to the concerned RT office with your original DL

After these steps they will issue a fresh DL via post.

Oh no its not so advanced in Kolkata.

@Sidd7hartha, the process is same except the Test.

You need to fill form for renewal. Attach Address, Age proof (medical certificate if >50 years). Submit the form phycially at RTO and get photo clicked. Submit all docs with old DL and you will get new one by post.

Better contact any driving school, they will get it done easily.

Note - Your licence validity will only be till your 50th birthday. After that every 5 year renewal.

 

[dhoom9]

Thanks for the very essential information.

If I would have read this before 5 years, I could be saved of many bucks. Once on way to Shimla from Delhi, at Himachal Pradesh border, Police demanded from us the hill driving license, said it is a must to drive in hilly areas. Naturally we didn't have that, so he asked Rs. 2000 as fine. We settled the case in Rs. 500 & entourage nowhere this license was demanded. How stupid of us.