How to obtain a Commercial Driving License in India?

Want to obtain a Commercial Driving License? Here�s all you need to know about categories, eligibility, and the application process for acquiring a commercial license in India.

What is a Commercial Driving License?

Commercial License is an official document that permits individuals to drive commercial vehicles. It is issued and authorized by Regional Transport Office (RTO) in different states in India. Any person willing to ply vehicles for freight or transportation of passengers has to obtain this license before hitting the public roads. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, no individual is allowed to drive a motor vehicle without a valid license.

What are the categories of Commercial Vehicle Licenses in India?

There are different types of commercial vehicles and so are their licenses. If a person wishes to acquire a commercial license, he has to apply for the relevant category of the commercial motor vehicle. | Category of License | Commercial Vehicle Class | |--- |--- | | LMV | Light Motor Vehicles (cars, jeeps, delivery vans, taxis, etc.) | | MGV | Medium Goods Vehicles | | HMV | Heavy Motor Vehicles (trucks, tankers, travelers, dumpers, etc. | | HGMV | Heavy Goods Motor Vehicles | | HPMV/ HTV | Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicles/ Heavy Transport Vehicles (Bus etc) | | Trailer | Heavy trailers | | LDRXCV | Big earth-moving equipment (Loader, Excavator, Hydraulic Equipment, etc.) |

Who is eligible to apply for a Commercial License?

The eligibility criteria are somewhat similar to that of obtaining a private driving license. Here are the basic requirements one needs to fulfill to get a commercial license: - Age: The minimum age to get a Commercial driving license is between 18 to 22 years. It varies according to the state and the category of commercial vehicle. - Qualification: The applicant should have cleared the 8th standard examination. He should be mentally fit to understand the basic traffic signs and rules. - Learner�s License: Before applying for a permanent license, one should have a learner�s license (LL). This is to authorize that the concerned person has formally learned to drive on public roads. A person can apply for a Commercial License between 30 to 180 days of holding the LL. - Training: It is mandatory to get training from a Government Motor School or a training school approved by the State Government. - Driving Test: Only after passing the driving test to the satisfaction of the inspector, can one apply for a commercial license.

What are the documents required to apply for a commercial license?

Here�s a list of documents you need to carry along with your application form while applying for a commercial license in India. | | Documents Required | |:--------------:|:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:| | Address Proof | Passport / PAN Card/ Voters ID Card/ Aadhar Card/ Utility bills under the name of the applicant/ Ration Card / LIC Policy Bond | | Identity Proof | PAN Card/ Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ Birth Certificate/ 10th standard mark sheet | | Photographs | 3 Passport size | | Forms | Form 1A/ Form 2/ Form 5 |

A person may choose to apply for Commercial License online or offline. In either case, he will be required to submit the above-mentioned documents.

How to apply for a Commercial License in India?

There are two ways of applying for an Indian commercial driving license - Online and Offline.

Applying for a Commercial Driving license Online:

You can easily apply for an Indian Commercial driving license online from the comfort of your home.

1. Visit the Sarathi website of the Government of India and select your state.
2. Click on the icon �Apply for Driving License�. The stages of the application process will be displayed on your screen. Click �Continue� to resume.
3. Enter your Learner�s License number and select �OK�
4. A downloadable application form i.e Form 4 will appear on your screen. Fill in all the personal details.
5. Then submit the required documents which include:
   • Form 1 (a) denoting your medical status i.e physical and mental fitness of the applicant.
   • Form 5 was issued by Government Motor School certifying that the applicant has undergone mandatory driving training.
   • A �Driver Refreshing Training Certificate� if one wants to drive an HMV.
   • Upload passport size photograph and signature, if required in your state.
6. Once everything is submitted, you will receive a serial number on your mobile as an acknowledgment of the submission.

You will then have to appear for a driving test on the scheduled date at the designated center. Once you pass the test, your application will be processed.

How to apply for a Commercial Driving License Offline:

1. Collect Form 2 from the RTO office in your jurisdiction. Complete the form by filling in your details and reason for applying for a license i.e- commercial use in this case.
2. Then fill Form 1(a) with your medical details to certify that you are medically fit to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
3. Also, furnish a �driver refreshing training certificate� if you wish to drive a heavy commercial vehicle.
4. Also, submit Form 5 which is issued by a Government Motor Driving School. This training from a Government approved driving school is mandatory to apply for a Commercial License.
5. Then submit all the above-mentioned forms along with your identity and address proof.
6. On successful submission of the documents, you will receive a serial number on your registered mobile.

You will then have to appear for a driving test on the scheduled date at the designated center. Once you pass the test, your application will be processed.