How to Apply for an HMV Licence in India: The Complete Guide for Truck & Bus Drivers
A Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licence is your professional key to the Indian transport industry. It is a mandatory certification for anyone who wants to legally operate large vehicles like trucks, buses, tankers, and trailers. Unlike a standard car licence, the HMV licence signals that you have the advanced skills and medical fitness required to operate the vehicles that keep logistics and public transport running.
Obtaining this licence involves stricter eligibility, mandatory training, and thorough testing. This guide explains every step, highlights the new rules that simplify the process, and lists the documents, costs, and career opportunities that await you.
A Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licence is your professional key to the Indian transport industry. It is a mandatory certification for anyone who wants to legally operate large vehicles like trucks, buses, tankers, and trailers. Unlike a standard car licence, the HMV licence signals that you have the advanced skills and medical fitness required to operate the vehicles that keep logistics and public transport running.
Obtaining this licence involves stricter eligibility, mandatory training, and thorough testing. This guide explains every step, highlights the new rules that simplify the process, and lists the documents, costs, and career opportunities that await you.
What is a Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV)?
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 categorises vehicles by their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Any motor vehicle whose GVW exceeds 12,000 kg is classed as a Heavy Motor Vehicle.
When you apply for an HMV licence you must select a class:
- Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle (HGMV): For transporting goods using trucks, lorries, tankers, and trailers.
- Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle (HPMV): For transporting passengers using buses, tourist coaches, and any vehicle carrying more than 12 passengers (excluding the driver).
Eligibility Criteria - Do You Qualify?
Make sure you meet these four mandatory requirements before you start the application:
- Minimum Age: 20 years for all transport/commercial licences.
- Existing Licence: A valid permanent LMV licence held for at least one year.
- Education: Minimum 8th standard pass, evidenced by a school leaving certificate or marksheet.
- Medical Fitness: A registered medical practitioner must sign Form 1A declaring you fit for commercial driving.
Why Medical Fitness Is Mandatory for HMV Licences
Heavy motor vehicles require long driving hours, alertness, and physical endurance.
Medical fitness checks help ensure drivers are capable of safely operating large vehicles and reducing accident risks.
Application Process (Latest Rules)
You can now choose between two paths. Accredited driving training centres let you skip the RTO skill test, while the traditional path relies on an RTO-approved school and the RTO test track.
Path A (Recommended): Accredited Driving Training Centre (ADTC)
- Enrol at a government-accredited HMV training centre in your state.
- Complete a structured 38-hour HMV course (16 hours of theory and 22 hours of practical driving).
- Pass the centre’s in-house driving test on its dedicated track.
- Receive the ADTC completion certificate.
- Apply for a new Driving Licence on the Parivahan Sewa portal and upload the certificate.
- After document verification, your HMV licence is issued without an RTO driving test.
Path B: Traditional RTO Route
- Join a government-approved HMV driving school and obtain Form 5 (training certificate).
- Apply online for an HMV Learner’s Licence (LL) on Parivahan Sewa, upload documents (Aadhaar, LMV licence, 8th pass proof, Form 1A, Form 5, photo, signature), pay the fee (~₹200), and pass the computer-based LL test.
- Wait at least 30 days while practising with your LL.
- Apply online for the permanent HMV licence, pay the driving test fee (~₹300-₹500), and book an RTO test slot.
- Take the RTO skill test using an HMV vehicle (truck or bus). Pass the manoeuvres under the inspector’s supervision.
- Once you clear the test, biometrics are captured and the HMV licence is dispatched to your address.
Document Checklist & Estimated Costs
📋 Document Checklist
- Application Forms: Form 2 (DL application), Form 1A (medical certificate), and Form 5 (training certificate for the traditional route).
- Proof of Identity & Address: Aadhaar Card (preferred), Passport, or Voter ID.
- Proof of Age: 8th pass certificate, school leaving certificate, or birth certificate.
- Existing Licence: Valid LMV licence held for a minimum of one year.
- Photographs & Fee Receipts: Recent passport photos and online payment proofs.
💰 Estimated Costs
| Service | Estimated Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HMV Training School Fee | ₹10,000 - ₹20,000+ | Major expense; varies by city, centre, and equipment quality. |
| Learner’s Licence (LL) Fee | ₹150 - ₹200 | Includes computer-based LL test. |
| Permanent Licence (DL) Fee | ₹200 - ₹400 | Smart card and issuance cost. |
| RTO Driving Test Fee | ₹300 | Payable only if you choose the traditional RTO route. |
| Total (Govt. Fees) | ₹700 - ₹900 | |
| Total (Including Training) | ₹11,000 - ₹21,000+ |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete Form 1A: Doctors must sign, stamp, and fill all sections of the medical certificate.
- Applying Too Early: Your LMV licence must be at least 365 days old.
- Unrecognised Education Proof: Ensure your 8th pass certificate is from a recognised board.
- Underestimating the Skill Test: Practice reversing in an "S", uphill starts, and tight parking.
- Letting the LL Expire: The HMV LL is valid for 6 months; finish the process within that window.
What Happens If You Fail the HMV Driving Test
If an applicant fails the HMV driving test:
- A re-test may be scheduled after a waiting period
- Additional training may be recommended
- Fees may need to be paid again depending on state rules
Applicants should follow instructions shown on the official portal.
Validity, Renewal, and International Use
Licence Validity & Renewal
- An HMV licence is typically valid for 3 to 5 years.
- Renew online through Parivahan using Form 9 and a fresh Form 1A medical. Letting it lapse for more than a year means repeating the driving skill test.
Driving Abroad (International Driving Permit)
Indian HMV licences are not valid overseas. To drive heavy vehicles abroad you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Apply on Parivahan (Form 4A) with your HMV licence, passport, visa, and Form 1A.
- Pay ₹1,000 and visit the RTO for verification.
- The IDP is valid for one year and must be carried along with your Indian licence.
Career Opportunities
With an HMV licence you can build a long-term career in the transport industry. Popular pathways include:
- Truck driver for national logistics firms or e-commerce fleets.
- Bus driver for state transport undertakings, tourism companies, or schools.
- Heavy machinery operator in construction, mining, or infrastructure projects (extra certification may apply).
- Specialised transporter handling tankers, hazardous materials, or oversized cargo.
- Fleet supervisor or transport manager after gaining experience on the road.
Conclusion
Securing your HMV licence is challenging but incredibly rewarding. With accredited training centres and streamlined online services, the process is clearer than ever. Confirm your eligibility, pick the path that suits you, and start working toward a reliable career on India’s highways.
Driving Licence Related Services On Parivahan Sewa
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the new rule for the HMV driving test?
If you complete the mandatory 38-hour HMV course at any government-accredited driving training centre and pass their internal test, you no longer have to take the RTO driving test. The accredited centre’s certificate is enough for licence approval.
2.What is the minimum age to apply for an HMV licence in India?
You must be at least 20 years old to apply for any transport or commercial driving licence, including the HMV licence.
3.Do I need a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence first?
Yes. You must hold a valid permanent LMV licence for at least one year before you can apply for an HMV licence.
4.How much does it cost to get an HMV licence?
Government fees are roughly ₹700-₹900, but the HMV training school fee can range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 or more depending on the city and the centre you choose.
5.Do I really need to be 8th pass?
Yes, an 8th standard pass certificate (school leaving certificate or marksheet) is mandatory proof of educational qualification for all HMV applicants.