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Commercial Driving Licence India: Apply, Renew, Classes (2026)
What Is a Commercial Driving Licence
A commercial driving licence (also called transport licence) is the smart-card endorsement under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 that legally permits you to drive a vehicle for hire or reward. This includes taxis, autos, lorries, buses, school vans, ambulances, and any goods carrier used commercially.
It is distinct from the regular non-transport licence in five ways:
- 3-year validity: shorter than 20-year private licence
- Medical fitness every cycle: Form 1A mandatory at first issue and every renewal
- Stricter eligibility: minimum age 20, Class 8 pass certificate, often 1 year prior LMV holding
- Refresher training: some states require PSV refresher course before renewal
- Heavier vehicle classes: HMV, HGMV, HPMV are all transport-only classes
Types of Commercial Licences
| Class | Full Form | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMV-TR | Light Motor Vehicle Transport | Taxis, light commercial vans, small delivery vehicles | 20 years |
| HMV | Heavy Motor Vehicle | Lorries, buses, vehicles above 7,500 kg | 20 to 21 years |
| HGMV | Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle | Container lorries, heavy goods carriers | 20 years |
| HPMV | Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle | Commercial passenger buses | 20 years |
| MCWG (transport) | Geared Motorcycle Transport | Delivery motorcycles for commercial use | 20 years |
| 3-Wheeler (transport) | 3-Wheeler Transport | Autos, e-rickshaws used for hire | 18 to 20 years |
Eligibility and Pre-Conditions
- Minimum age: 20 years for LMV-TR, HMV, HPMV, HGMV; 18 years for some 3-wheeler transport
- Education: Class 8 pass certificate from a recognised school board in most states
- Prior LMV non-transport: held for at least 1 year before transport endorsement (in most states)
- Eyesight: minimum 6/6 vision in each eye with or without spectacles; Ishihara colour blindness test cleared
- Hearing: basic hearing test cleared at RTO or by MBBS doctor
- Form 1A medical certificate: mandatory at first issue
- No major criminal record: some states ask for police clearance or self-declaration
Documents Required
- Existing LMV non-transport licence: smart card with 1-year holding period in most states
- Age proof: Aadhaar, PAN, birth certificate, 10th marksheet
- Education proof: Class 8 pass certificate or higher
- Address proof: Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, utility bill under 3 months
- Form 1A medical certificate: signed by registered MBBS doctor
- Form 2: application form, downloadable from Sarathi
- Three passport-size photographs: recent, white background
- Refresher training certificate: only in states that mandate it (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
How to Apply
- Open Sarathi Parivahan: Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. Pick your state. Click Driver Licence Related Services.
- Choose Endorsement on DL: From the service list, select Endorsement to add a new class on existing DL. Pick the transport class (LMV-TR, HMV, HGMV, or HPMV).
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC: Verify identity via Aadhaar OTP. Confirm pre-filled details from your existing licence.
- Fill Form 2 and upload education: Add Class 8 certificate scan, address proof, Form 1A medical, and photos.
- Pay fees: Pay approximately Rs 500 endorsement fee plus Rs 300 driving test fee via UPI or net banking.
- Book practical test slot: Pick a date for the commercial vehicle driving test at the RTO heavy-vehicle track.
- Complete refresher training if required: Some states require a 7 to 30 day course at a notified PSV training institute.
- Take the practical test: Drive the relevant heavy or commercial vehicle on the RTO track; pass and the transport endorsement is added.
- Collect updated smart card: New card with transport endorsement is dispatched in 7 to 30 days.
Fees
| Service | Central Fee (Approx) | State Add-on | Total (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport class endorsement | Rs 500 | Rs 0 to Rs 200 | Rs 500 to Rs 700 |
| Driving test fee | Rs 300 | Rs 0 to Rs 100 | Rs 300 to Rs 400 |
| Smart card preparation | Rs 200 | Rs 0 to Rs 100 | Rs 200 to Rs 300 |
| Form 1A medical | Varies | Clinic fees | Rs 200 to Rs 500 |
| Refresher training | Institute fees | State PSV centre charges | Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 |
| Renewal (every 3 years) | Rs 200 + Rs 200 SC | Rs 0 to Rs 200 | Rs 400 to Rs 600 |
Medical Fitness and Training
Commercial drivers carry passengers and goods, often for long hours. The medical fitness regime reflects that responsibility:
- Form 1A at first issue: signed by registered MBBS doctor in approved Government list
- Eyesight check: 6/6 each eye with or without correction; lenses or spectacles allowed
- Colour vision: Ishihara plate test; deuteranopia and protanopia disqualify
- Hearing test: basic conversational hearing both ears
- Blood pressure and cardio: BP under 160/100 mmHg, resting heart rate normal
- Diabetes: disclosure required; insulin-dependent diabetes may need conditional licence
- Refresher course: 7 to 30 day course at a state-notified PSV training institute before HMV renewal in some states
Renewal Process
Transport licence renewal is due every 3 years. The process is similar to the fresh endorsement, minus the practical test (unless your medical fitness is borderline).
- Apply 30 days before expiry: Sarathi accepts renewal applications up to 1 year ahead
- Get Form 1A medical: visit registered MBBS doctor for fresh fitness certificate
- Complete refresher course: if your state requires it for the class (HMV, HGMV)
- Pay renewal fee: approximately Rs 500 to Rs 600 via Sarathi
- Submit at RTO: biometric refresh and fresh photo if asked
- Collect renewed smart card: dispatched in 15 to 30 days with updated 3-year validity
Insurance for Commercial Drivers
Insurance for commercial vehicles is priced differently from private cars. Premium is higher, third-party cover is mandatory under MV Act, and the licence-vehicle match is checked at every claim.
A commercial driver, a commercial vehicle, and a commercial policy must always line up. A non-transport licence holder driving a commercial taxi for hire risks total claim rejection, even if the vehicle and policy are correctly commercial. Equally, a commercial driver running a private car as an Ola taxi without commercial registration creates a triangle mismatch that the surveyor catches in 5 minutes. Match all three, every time. For your private vehicle, buy car insurance online with the right private-use cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Safe Driving and SmartDrive Pillar
- Safe Driving Complete Guide in India 2026. Pillar hub guide for Safe Driving.
- Zuno SmartDrive in India 2026. Pillar hub guide for SmartDrive.
Sources: Content based on information published by IRDAI, ARAI, MoRTH, Parivahan Sewa, General Insurance Council (GIC), and other relevant regulatory or industry sources, as applicable.
Disclaimer: Premiums and amounts shown are indicative and approximate reference figures only; the actual figure varies with the vehicle's age, No Claim Bonus, geography (RTO zone) and various other parameters. The company offers products under Motor, Health, and Commercial Insurance. For risk factors, terms and conditions, exclusions, and product features, please read the policy wording, sales brochure, and prospectus carefully before concluding a sale. Zuno General Insurance Limited | IRDAI Reg. No. 159 | CIN: U66000MH2016PLC273758 | Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Tower 3, Wing B, Kohinoor City Mall, Kohinoor City, Kirol Road, Kurla (West), Mumbai 400070 | Toll-Free: 1800 12000 | Landline: 022 42312000 (Call charges applicable) | Website: www.hizuno.com | Email: support@hizuno.com.
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