Heavy Vehicle Driving Licence Guide: Fees & Process–A Primer

A heavy driving license, also known as an HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) license, is pretty much a mandatory requirement for big commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, and large passenger carriers. First issued under the Motor Vehicles Act in 1988; this license is essential for people looking to start careers/businesses in logistics and passenger transportation.

Are you someone who is seeking that? Explore this blog to explore all the subtle, important details that will clear the air and propel you to apply for the license, offline or online.

Let’s start exploring.

Needless to say, it’s important to start with the basics first. A heavy license allows you to drive:

• Goods vehicles weighing over 3,500 kg
• Passenger vehicles with more than 12 seats
• Government or private transport vehicles listed in the heavy vehicle licence list

All of these are considered commercial vehicles, and the licence to drive them is distinct from your LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) licence.

Category	Description / Details
HTV (Heavy Transport Vehicle)	Commercial goods vehicles above 3,500 kg Long-haul trucks and trailers Cargo carriers for interstate transport
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle)	Similar to HTV but for state-specific operations Delivery trucks, container vehicles Weight range: 3,500 kg to 12,000 kg
HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle)	Buses with seating for 13+ passengers Tourist coaches and inter-state buses School buses and corporate shuttles
HGMV (Heavy Goods & Motor Vehicle)	Combined category for both goods and passenger transport Most versatile license type Allows driving both trucks and large buses

Before applying for the license, make sure to gain some of the most important criteria regarding it:

1. Heavy Licence Age Limit

• The minimum age to apply is 20 years. Some states, like Kerala, require 21 years.
  

 2. Prerequisite: Learner’s Licence

• You must have held a learner’s licence for HMV for at least 30 days before applying.
  

 3. Medical Fitness

• A Form 1A medical certificate is mandatory.
• This should be signed by a certified medical practitioner and uploaded digitally or submitted physically, depending on your application mode.
  

All applicants must undergo official HMV training at an RTO-approved driving school.

• Duration: 3–4 weeks
• Includes:
  • Theory – Road safety, signs, rules
  • Practical – Gear control, vehicle loading, manoeuvring

Looking to apply in Haryana? Check out the Haryana Roadways heavy licence training list to find certified centres near you.

How much does heavy licensing training cost? 

• Average fees range from ₹8,000–₹15,000, depending on your city and school
• Some refresher training costs ₹250/day + GST
  

Heavy Licence Fees in India: Base Application & Issue

Type	Fee
Manual HMV Licence	₹600
Smart Card HMV Licence	₹1,000
Learning Test	₹50–₹100
Skill Test	₹100–₹200

State-Specific Heavy Licence Fees

State	Application Fee	Smart Card Fee	Minimum Age	Average Processing Time
Haryana	₹600	₹1,000	20 years	30–45 days
Rajasthan	₹650	₹1,050	20 years	30–40 days
Punjab	₹600	₹1,200	20 years	35–50 days
Delhi	₹700	₹1,100	20 years	30–35 days
Uttar Pradesh	₹600	₹1,000	20 years	40–60 days
Maharashtra	₹750	₹1,200	20 years	30–45 days
Gujarat	₹650	₹1,000	20 years	35–45 days
Kerala	₹700	₹1,150	21 years	40–50 days
Tamil Nadu	₹650	₹1,100	20 years	30–40 days
Karnataka	₹700	₹1,200	20 years	35–45 days

Note: Fees exclude training costs (₹8,000–₹15,000). Processing time assumes no test failures or document issues.

Keep these ready before starting your application:

Section	Details
Mandatory Documents	Valid learner’s license for HMV (minimum 30 days old) Form 1A medical certificate (signed by RMP) Training certificate from RTO-approved driving school Proof of age (birth certificate, 10th marksheet, or passport) Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, or utility bill) Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport)
Photograph Requirements	4 passport-size photos (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm) White background, front-facing Clear, recent, without glasses
Biometric Submission	Fingerprints and retina scan at RTO Required for smart card issuance Done on test day or application submission
For LMV to HMV Upgrade	Original LMV license (must be 1+ year old) Form 7 for license endorsement No need to resubmit age/address proof

1. Online Application via Parivahan Sarathi

1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Click “Apply for Driving Licence”
3. Select Category: HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle)
4. Upload:
   • Learner’s Licence
   • Medical Certificate (Form 1A)
   • Photo & signature
5. Pay Fees online via UPI, card, or net banking
6. Book Test Slot for skill evaluation
   

2. Offline Application at RTO

1. Collect Form 4 and Form 5 from your local RTO
2. Submit your:
   • Learner’s licence
   • Address and ID proof
   • Two photos
   • Form 1A medical certificate
3. Pay the fee in cash
4. Appear for tests on the scheduled date
   

1. Learner’s Test

• Written or oral
• Covers rules, signs, and penalties
  

2. Skill Test

• Conducted on a heavy vehicle
• Includes:
  • Reverse parking
  • Uphill driving
  • Gear coordination
  • Braking control
    

 3. Licence Issuance

• Upon passing the test, your heavy licence smart card will be delivered in 30–45 days.
  

If you already have an LMV licence, upgrading to HMV is straightforward. All you have to do is follow these steps:

1. Ensure your LMV licence is 1+ year old
2. Get a Form 1A medical certificate
3. Submit:
   • Copy of LMV licence
   • Form 7 (endorsement)
   • Training certificate
4. Pass the HMV driving test

Want to check your application progress?

• Go to “Check Application Status” on Sarathi Portal
• Enter your DL number & date of birth
• You’ll get real-time updates
  

One of the biggest motivations behind applying for a heavy motor vehicle licence is the direct entry into high-demand sectors. That’s right. Oftentimes, it is essential for some careers and businesses. Often those involving logistics, tourism, constructions, and public transport services:

• Public Transport: Join government-run bus services like state roadways (e.g., Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi Transport Corporation). These often offer stable, long-term employment with benefits.
• Logistics & Freight: Work with fleet operators, e-commerce logistics, or FMCG delivery networks that rely on truck and trailer drivers for intercity and intrastate delivery.
• Construction & Mining: Operate heavy-duty tippers, dumpers, and cement mixers in construction zones and mining operations.
• Private Tourism: Drive large passenger buses or luxury travel coaches for tour operators and travel agencies.

Why Training Matters More Than You Think

Formal training isn’t just a checkbox—it’s what prepares you to manage large vehicles responsibly:

• Safety First: Heavy vehicles are difficult to manoeuvre and can cause more damage in case of error. Training helps ensure road safety—for you and others.
• Road Readiness: Practical classes simulate real-world traffic, loading zones, and blind-spot management, giving you complete control over wide turns, rear drifts, and slopes.
• Compliance Confidence: With well-documented training, you’ll be better prepared for skill tests and won’t be blindsided by state compliance checks or fitness evaluations.
  

1. Take at least 15–20 practice sessions before test day

2. Practice with the same vehicle type you’ll test on

3. Study the RTO test route if publicly available

4. Stay calm—nervousness causes more mistakes than lack of skill

5. Arrive 30 minutes early to familiarize yourself with the test vehicle

If you fail, you can reappear after 7 days by paying the retest fee (₹100–₹200).

Initial Validity Period

• Valid for 20 years from date of issue

• Or until you turn 50 years old (whichever comes first)

• After age 50, validity reduces to 5 years per renewal

Renewal Requirements

 -> For Drivers Under 50

• Renew online via Parivahan Sarathi

• Submit fresh Form 1A medical certificate

• Fee: ₹200–₹400

• No driving test required

-> For Drivers Above 50

• Mandatory medical fitness test every 5 years

• More stringent vision and health checks

• May require physical RTO visit

• Fee: ₹400–₹600

Medical Fitness Certificate Renewal

• Required every 3 years for active commercial drivers

• Form 1A must be updated

• Includes vision test, blood pressure check, diabetes screening

• Cost: ₹300–₹500 at authorized medical centers

Late Renewal Penalties

• Within 30 days: No penalty

• 31–365 days: ₹200 late fee

• Beyond 1 year: May need to reappear for tests

1. What is the age limit for a heavy driving licence?

1. The minimum is 20 years, but it may be 21 in some states like Kerala.

2. What is the typical price or cost of a heavy licence?

1. It ranges between ₹600 to ₹1,500, excluding training. Costs vary based on your state and whether you’re applying manually or online.

3. Can I apply for a heavy licence online?

1. Yes, via the Parivahan Sarathi portal. You’ll need a scanned medical certificate, learner’s licence, and basic ID documents.

4. What’s Next After Getting Your Heavy Licence?

Once your smart card is issued, here are a few smart next steps:

• Apply for Badge/Endorsement: Many states require a driver badge for commercial employment. This involves a character certificate and police verification.
• Keep Fitness Up-to-Date: HMV drivers need to renew medical fitness regularly—typically every 3 to 5 years.
• Upgrade to Transport Permits: If you plan to own and operate vehicles, you’ll also need a commercial permit from the transport authority for route authorization.

Conclusion

Whether you’re applying in Haryana, Punjab, or Rajasthan, getting an HMV license is your first step towards heavy vehicle ownership and deployment.

Need help choosing the right HMV for your needs? Chat with an Ecozaar expert to get started on your own path.