How to Apply for a Heavy Vehicle Licence

How to Apply for a Heavy Vehicle Licence

Heavy-duty vehicles include buses, trucks or lorries, trailers, garbage haulers, tractors and cement mixers, among others. These heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) are an important part of India’s automobile sector and play a key role in our economy. Driving any vehicle would require a licence and so do heavy-duty vehicles. Driving lorries, trucks or trailers would need an individual to get a specific licence — a heavy driving licence — as the skills needed are different for those of the regular two or four-wheelers.

Even as you apply for a licence, also pay attention to getting yourself a motor insurance policy. Getting a motor insurance policy ensures protection from natural calamities which could lead to damage to your vehicle, or even certain man-made disasters. You will also get third-party liability insurance coverage, which is mandatory in India.

Eligibility criteria for a heavy vehicle driving licence

The first step would be to check your eligibility to get a heavy licence. A person who has completed 20 years of age is allowed to get a heavy licence to drive a transport vehicle. You need to be alert and in a sound mental state, and this applies not just to heavy duty vehicles but any driving.

If you want a heavy driving licence, you would also need to be trained in any motor coaching school authorised by the government or one that is affiliated to the state government.

A learning licence is mandated before you get a commercial vehicle licence. Only after that, when you want a heavy licence, apply in one of the two ways: offline by visiting the nearest RTO or online.

Documents required to apply for a heavy vehicle licence

The next step is to get your papers in place. If you want a heavy licence, apply with the following documents:

Document to prove your address: This could be your passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, ration card or a utility bill in your name.

Document for age proof: You would need to furnish your passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, your 10th standard pass certificate or birth certificate for proof of your age.

You would also need to fill some forms, including Form 2, 1A and 5, and enclose passport sized photographs. There is a mandated application fee for the process.

Once you have submitted the documents, you will be tested two times before you get the heavy driving licence. The first test is conducted at the RTO which is then followed by a practical exam where your driving skills will be tested.

You will get a licence only after all these processes are ticked off.

Steps to get a heavy vehicle driving licence

Applying online?

If you want a heavy licence, apply online by visiting sarathi.parivahan.gov.in which is the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways website. You can look up the ‘apply online’ section on the home page. Choose the ‘new driving licence’ option, and the instructions to fill in the form will appear on your screen. Once you have filed in all your personal details and information related to the vehicle, you can upload the requisite documents and book a time slot for the test. Make the necessary payment and print the form and receipt so you can carry it with you for the driving licence exam. Once your application is processed, you will be notified via a text message.

Meanwhile, you can check your driving licence status on the Sarathi website by typing in your date of birth, driving licence number and your state.

Applying for a heavy learning licence offline?

If you wish to take the offline route and get a heavy licence, apply by visiting your nearest RTO with all the documents required and the photographs. Once the officials concerned look into the documentation and accept your application, you will be given an acknowledgement receipt with the application number. Once the application is processed, you will be notified of the date of the examination. If you wish to check the status, you could go online and follow the instructions as mentioned in the online process above.

In conclusion

If you want to drive in India or anywhere in the world, it is mandatory that you need a driving licence. You will be penalized heavily for not carrying one, so make sure you have all the documents in place. You would also need either a car insurance or two wheeler insurance policy . Pick an appropriate policy, available on Finserv MARKETS, and drive without any worries. Getting one online ensures that you get an instant claim settlement, round-the-clock help via the call centre and cashless claims at over 4000 garages across India. Also, thanks to the absence of third-party involvement, verification and claim processing happen instantaneously.