Types of Driving Licence in India Explained (Complete Guide)
There are different types of driving licences in India, and each licence allows you to drive only specific vehicle categories such as bikes, cars, or commercial vehicles. Driving a vehicle without the correct licence type is illegal.
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Why Are There Different Types of Driving Licences in India?
India has different driving licence categories to ensure road safety. Each vehicle type requires different driving skills. A person trained to ride a bike may not be ready to drive a heavy truck.
Why this matters: If you drive a vehicle not mentioned on your licence, it is treated as driving without a licence.
Who Decides Driving Licence Categories in India?
Driving licence types are defined under Indian motor vehicle laws and implemented by RTOs across states. These rules are uniform across India, so licence categories remain the same everywhere.
If you are new to driving, understanding these categories will help you apply for the correct licence from the beginning.
Types of Driving Licence in India
Below are the main driving licence categories issued in India.
1. Two-Wheeler Licence (Without Gear)
This licence allows you to ride:
- Scooters
- Mopeds
It does not allow motorcycles with gears.
Minimum age: 16 years (with guardian consent)
2. Two-Wheeler Licence (With Gear - MCWG)
This licence allows you to ride:
- Motorcycles with gears
- Scooters with higher engine capacity
Why this matters: If you have only a non-gear licence, you cannot legally ride a geared bike.
3. Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Licence
An LMV licence allows you to drive:
- Cars
- Jeeps
- Small private vehicles
This is the most common licence for personal car owners in India.
If you want to understand licence rules before applying, you can learn more here from our beginner-friendly guide.
4. Transport Vehicle Licence (Commercial)
This licence is required for:
- Taxis
- Trucks
- Buses
- Commercial delivery vehicles
Additional requirements may include:
- Higher minimum age
- Medical fitness certificate
- Professional driving test
Difference Between Private and Commercial Driving Licence
| Point | Private Licence | Transport Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Personal use | Commercial use |
| Vehicle Type | Car, bike | Taxi, truck, bus |
| Validity | Longer | Shorter |
| Extra Tests | No | Yes |
Why this matters: Using a private licence for commercial driving is illegal.
How to Choose the Correct Driving Licence Type?
Before applying, ask yourself:
- What vehicle will I drive?
- Is it for personal or commercial use?
- Does the vehicle have gears?
Choosing the correct category avoids future legal problems.
If you're ready to start, you can apply for the correct driving licence online without visiting the RTO repeatedly.
Is Digital Driving Licence Valid for All Types?
Yes. A digital driving licence is valid for all vehicle categories as long as it is officially issued.
Many users prefer to download their driving licence online and keep it on their phone.
What Happens If You Drive the Wrong Vehicle Type?
Driving a vehicle not covered by your licence may result in:
- Heavy fines
- Legal penalties
- Insurance claim rejection
After applying or upgrading your licence, always check the application status to ensure approval.
For a better understanding of traffic responsibilities, you can also read traffic law explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How many types of driving licence are there in India?
India has multiple licence types based on vehicle category and usage.
2.Can I drive a car with a bike licence?
No, you need an LMV licence to drive a car.
3.Is LMV licence valid for commercial vehicles?
No, commercial vehicles require a transport licence.
4.Is MCWG licence different from scooter licence?
Yes, MCWG allows geared motorcycles, while scooter licence does not.
5.Can I upgrade my driving licence later?
Yes, you can add new vehicle categories after passing the required tests.
6.Is a digital driving licence valid for all vehicles?
Yes, if issued officially, it is valid for all permitted categories.