Types of Driving Licence in India - Covered

Different types of Driving Licence in India

Basically, there are four types of driver’s licence in India. Any adult citizen can apply for any of these, but must pass a driving exam before they are issued one. Here are the types of driving licences in India:

1. Learning Licence -

This is the foundation of getting an official licence to drive in India. This initial licence is issued to learners who are in training of how to drive a vehicle. A learner’s licence is valid for a period of six months (but can be renewed). Anytime after thirty days of a learner’s licence being issued, you are permitted to apply for a regular driving licence. Therefore, while you are learning how to drive any given vehicle, a learner’s licence is a required document and acts as a prerequisite for a formal permanent licence. A learner’s licence, however, has certain stipulations attached and these are:

1. You must be trained in driving or riding the vehicle by the holder of a permanent licence.

2. The vehicle that you are learning to drive in should have an ‘L’ displayed in the colour red. This sign should be visible to other drivers on the road.

3. You must not merely be trained in the physical operation of the vehicle, but also know traffic rules and regulations thoroughly.

4. Where commercial vehicles are concerned, the individual who holds a learning licence must undergo coaching from government-recognised vehicle training institutes.

5. With regard to two-wheelers, only trainers are allowed to ride pillion with the learner.

6. The category of driving licence for learning should be in accordance with the vehicle that is being learned with.

2. Permanent Licence (Private Vehicle) -

Individuals above the age of 18, in possession of a learning licence, who have passed their test of driving can get a permanent driving licence. When you have a learner’s licence and have completed your training, you have to make an application to the RTO for a permanent licence. You get a date to do your driving test and if you are successful, your permanent licence is issued.

3. Permanent Licence (Commercial Vehicle) -

Provided to individuals who drive vehicles for a commercial purpose, either to facilitate the transportation of people or goods, drivers of commercial vehicles applying for licences need to have passed the 8th grade in school. For the issuance of commercial vehicle licences, the government has established a separate class of rules. Regulations are stringent and drivers of such vehicles who want licences must mandatorily complete an operational heavy vehicle training course from a government-recognised training school. Strict adherence to safety on the road being the main aim of having regulations in place, the government has made it compulsory that drivers applying for licences of heavy motor vehicles (commercial transport vehicles) must have specialised knowledge in the functioning of heavy motor transport.

4. International Permit -

If you are an Indian driver wishing to drive abroad, you can do this with an international licence. Individuals travelling abroad may want to drive on their own on foreign shores in rental vehicles. This category of driving licence holder must hold a pre-existing permanent Indian driving licence. Such a licence has a maximum validity for a year, but can be renewed after this.

Category of Driving Licence and Vehicle Class

It is noteworthy to mention the categories of the holders of driving licences according to the corresponding vehicles being driven. Here is a table showing you the types of drivers licences in India:

Drawbacks of Not Owning a Driving Licence

A driver’s licence type and category is mentioned on all driving licences that the RTO issues. Having a valid licence is of prime importance as it is mandated by the Indian government. Here are the drawbacks of not having one:

• You cannot drive on any Indian roads without owning a valid licence.

• You may be refused services where it is mandatory to display your licence as a form of valid proof of identity/age.

• If you are caught without a valid licence, your car may be impounded.

• If you are discovered without a licence while driving, you may face severe fines and penalties, even a brief period of imprisonment.

• In case you are driving without a licence in the event of an accident, you will have to pay for damages to a third party from your own pocket, as insurance coverage is voided if you are driving without a licence.

Conclusion

Driving licence categories exist for every type of vehicle and driver in India. It is important that you drive with a licence to ensure you are aligned with the law. Protection comes with having a licence and a vehicle insurance policy which is also mandatory according to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. Feel free to find out about the various insurance plans from Acko Vehicle Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Vehicle Insurance you get at Finserv MARKETS.

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