Transport Driving Licence Rules in India - Commercial Vehicle Licence Laws & Compliance
A Transport Driving Licence is mandatory in India for driving commercial and transport vehicles such as trucks, buses, taxis, goods carriers, and passenger vehicles used for hire or reward.
Transport licence rules in India are governed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended in 2019) and are enforced by:
- Regional Transport Offices (RTOs)
- Traffic Police
- Parivahan & Sarathi digital systems
This page acts as a national compliance guide and explains:
- What qualifies as a transport vehicle
- Eligibility rules for transport driving licence
- Commercial licence validity & renewal
- Badge requirements and endorsements
- Penalties for driving transport vehicles without authorisation
- Clear next steps using official licence services
Last Updated: 2026
(As per Motor Vehicles Act and Parivahan enforcement practices)
Quick Overview: Transport Driving Licence Rules (India)
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Amended 2019) |
| Vehicle Type | Commercial / Transport Vehicles |
| Licence Type | Transport Driving Licence |
| Minimum Age | 20 years (most categories) |
| Driving Test | Mandatory |
| Renewal Frequency | Every 5 years |
| Badge Requirement | Mandatory (State-wise) |
| Digital DL Validity | Fully accepted |
What Is a Transport Vehicle Under Indian Law?
A transport vehicle includes any motor vehicle used for:
- Carrying goods
- Carrying passengers for hire or reward
- Commercial operations
Examples include:
- Trucks & goods carriers
- Buses & school buses
- Taxis, autos, cabs
- Commercial vans and tempos
❗ Driving any of the above vehicles without a valid transport endorsement is illegal.
➡ Related licence type: Heavy Driving Licence.
Eligibility Criteria for Transport Driving Licence
To apply for a transport driving licence, the applicant must:
- Hold a valid Learner Licence for transport category (Learning Driving Licence)
- Be minimum 20 years old
- Complete the mandatory training period
- Pass the RTO driving test
- Meet medical fitness requirements (Form 1A)
➡ Apply online via: Apply for Transport Driving Licence Online.
Transport Driving Licence Validity Rules
Unlike private licences, transport licences have shorter validity:
| Age Group | Validity |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 years | 5 years |
| Above 50 years | 5 years (medical certificate mandatory) |
❗ Driving with an expired transport licence is a punishable offence.
➡ Check validity & renewal status here: Driving Licence Renewal Status.
Transport Licence Renewal Rules (India)
Key renewal rules:
- Renewal must be done before expiry
- Medical certificate (Form 1A) is compulsory
- Delay can attract penalties and test re-assessment
➡ Renew your licence online: Renew Transport Driving Licence Online.
Commercial Driving Badge Rules
Most states require a commercial driving badge for:
- Taxi drivers
- Auto-rickshaw drivers
- Bus drivers
- Goods transport drivers
Badge rules vary by state but generally include:
- Police verification
- Medical fitness
- Local address proof
❗ Driving a commercial vehicle without a badge may lead to challan or suspension.
Penalties for Violating Transport Licence Rules
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Driving transport vehicle without licence | ₹5,000 + court action |
| Expired transport licence | Fine + vehicle seizure |
| No commercial badge | Fine / suspension |
| Wrong vehicle category | Licence disqualification |
➡ Legal backing: Driving Without Valid Licence - Section 181.
Difference Between LMV & Transport Driving Licence
❗ A common misconception is that LMV licence allows commercial driving.
| Licence Type | Commercial Use Allowed |
|---|---|
| LMV (Private) | ❌ No |
| Transport DL | ✅ Yes |
➡ Detailed comparison: LMV vs Transport Driving Licence.
How Authorities Verify Transport Driving Licence
Authorities verify transport licences using:
- Parivahan database
- mParivahan app
- DigiLocker QR scan
- Vehicle-DL linkage
Fake or expired licences are detected instantly.
➡ Download your digital licence here: Driving Licence Download.
When Can a Transport Licence Be Suspended?
A transport driving licence may be suspended for:
- Repeated traffic violations
- Dangerous driving
- Overloading offences
- Drunk driving
- Court orders
➡ Read full rules: Driving Licence Suspension Rules in India.
Transport Driving Licence - Service Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is LMV licence valid for commercial driving?
No. A separate transport endorsement is mandatory.
2.Is transport licence validity shorter than private licence?
Yes. Transport licences are valid for 5 years only.
3.Is medical certificate compulsory?
Yes, for every renewal.
4.Can transport licence be renewed online?
Yes, via Parivahan services.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. Transport driving licence rules may vary by state and vehicle category. Always verify with official RTO or Parivahan notifications. Rules are based on the Motor Vehicles Act and current enforcement practices.