Driving Licence Types in India 2025: All Classes Explained

Driving licenses come in various forms and types in India. And it’s up to you, the customer, to find out which one fits you the best. Especially, if you have different vehicles, and you need to find out the correct one to drive each time. Since a lot of the time, yes, they do require it.

In India, driving licenses are issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, are are often administered by at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the country. All types of driving license applications and renewals are managed through digital platforms like Parivahan and Sarathil

Considering a driving license for a while? Make sure to explore this blog. Whether you’re applying for your first learner’s permit or exploring a commercial driving career, understanding the types of driving licenses in India is essential for road legality and safety.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

Knowing which driving licence type matches your vehicle and purpose is not a formality. It is an official legal procedure that needs to be followed. Why is that? Well, explore the reasons below:

• Ensures legal compliance
• Protects against fines and disqualification
• Helps you choose the correct licence category when applying online
• Crucial for career-specific licences like those in transport or delivery services
  

Learning when you need a license and for what isn’t the only game in town. It’s also important to understand the various license types.

1. Learner’s Licence (LL)

A provisional licence is required when you first learn how to drive:

• Eligibility:
  • Age ≥16 years for motorcycles ≤50cc
  • Age ≥18 years for other vehicles
• Validity: 6 months (extendable once)

2. Permanent Driving Licence (DL)

Issued after passing both the learner’s theory and practical test. It is highly recommended that users obtain it as soon as possible.

• Eligibility: Must hold a valid LL for at least 30 days; age ≥18 years
• Validity:
  • Private Vehicles: Up to 20 years or until age 50
  • After age 50: Renewed every 5 years

3. Commercial Driving Licence (CDL)

Required for transporting goods or passengers. As discussed previously, it is necessary for transport and logistical operations (among others).

• Eligibility:
  • Age ≥20 years
  • Training from an RTO-certified driving school
• Validity: 5 years (renewable)

Popular among those searching types of driving licence in India for heavy vehicles

4. International Driving Permit (IDP)

It’s a driving permit that allows Indian license holders to legally drive abroad in foreign countries.

• Eligibility:
  • Must possess a valid Permanent DL
  • Age ≥18 years
• Validity: 1 year
• Required Forms: Form 6-A
  

When asking how many types of driving licences in India, it’s not just about learner or permanent. Each DL is linked to specific vehicle classes. It’s important to gain an overview of each one of them to understand it.

Licence Code	Vehicle Type	Capacity/Engine Info
MC 50CC	Motorcycles ≤50 cc	Basic gearless bikes
MCWOG / FVG	Scooters & mopeds (no gear)	Electric scooters, Activa
MCWG / EX50CC	Motorcycles with gear >50cc	Pulsar, Bullet, etc.
LMV-NT	Light motor vehicles for personal use	Cars, SUVs (≤1500 kg)
LMV-PT	Light transport vehicles	Autos, taxis
MMV	Medium motor vehicles	School vans, delivery trucks
HMV	Heavy vehicles	Buses, trucks (goods/passenger over 3,500 kg)

Being responsible informed means having an acute knowledge 

Licence Type	Minimum Age	Validity
Learner’s Licence	16/18 years	6 months
Permanent DL (Private)	≥18 years	20 years / until age 50
Commercial DL	≥20 years	5 years
International Permit	≥18 years	1 year

1. Forms You’ll Need

• Form 3: Learner’s Licence
• Form 4/5: Permanent or Commercial DL
• Form 6-A: International Driving Permit
  

Apply through sarathi.parivahan.gov.in for all DL types and categories.

2. Required Tests

1. LL Test: Theory-based exam on signs, signals, and road rules
2. DL Test: Practical driving assessment on a test track
   • Car or bike depending on licence class
   • Commercial test includes parking, gear shift, and loading demo
     

3. Renewal Process

• Private DL: Renew 30 days before expiry; late fee applies beyond this grace period
• LL to DL: Convert between 30 and 180 days after getting LL
• Commercial DL: Requires a medical test and employer proof if employed
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many types of driving licences are there in India?

1. Four main types:

• Learner’s Licence (LL)
• Permanent DL
• Commercial DL
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
  Each category is further divided by vehicle class.
  

2. Can I drive a car with an MCWG licence?

No. MCWG is for geared motorcycles only. To drive a car, you need an LMV-NT licence.

3. What licence do I need to drive a taxi or auto-rickshaw?

You need an LMV-PT under the Commercial DL category.

A Quick Recap of All Driving Licence Categories

• Learner’s Licence – Start here; age 16–18+
• Permanent DL – Non-commercial use of personal vehicles
• Commercial DL – For goods/passenger transport
• International Permit – Drive legally abroad for up to 1 year
• Subcategories – Choose based on vehicle type: MCWG, LMV, HMV, etc.
  

Conclusion

Understanding India’s driving licence categories isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. For various critical reasons. In a country this diverse, there are multiple vehicle types with differing license classes. Two-wheelers, family cars, delivery vans, and intercity buses—each class demands a different level of skill and a different license.

Whether you’re applying for your very first learner’s licence, renewing your permanent DL, or exploring a commercial driving career, choosing the right category ensures you’re road-ready and legally covered. 

If you enjoyed reading this blog and are on the lookout for more similar insight, reach out to us at Ecozaar to know more.