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How to Get a Commercial Driving Licence in India

Team AckoFeb 16, 2024

Obtaining a commercial Driving Licence (DL) in India is a crucial step for individuals seeking to pursue a career in the transportation industry. A commercial DL enables drivers to operate a wide range of commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, taxis, and heavy goods vehicles. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the requirements, application process, and essential information regarding obtaining a commercial Driving Licence in India.

Contents

What is a Commercial Driving Licence?
Types of Commercial Driving Licences
Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Driving Licence
Documents Required for Commercial Driving Licence
How to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence Online
How to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence Offline
What to do If You Lose your Commercial Driving Licence?
How to get a Duplicate Commercial Driving Licence
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Commercial Driving Licence?

A commercial Driving Licence, also known as a CDL, is a crucial document that enables individuals to legally operate commercial vehicles on roads. Unlike a regular DL, a CDL requires additional knowledge, skills, and training to ensure safety and proficiency while driving larger, heavier vehicles.

Types of Commercial Driving Licences

In India, commercial Driving Licences are categorised based on the types of vehicles you are authorised to operate. The following table denotes the different types of commercial DLs in the country.

Commercial Driving Licence	Vehicle Category
LMV (Light Motor Vehicle)	Motorcars, taxis, delivery vans, jeeps, etc.
LMV (Non-transport)	Light commercial vehicle
MGV	Medium goods vehicle
HMV	Heavy motor vehicles
HTV	Heavy transport vehicle
Trailer	HMV licence is required to get a trailer licence.
HPMV	Heavy passenger motor vehicle
HGMV	Heavy goods motor vehicle

Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Driving Licence

In order to apply for a commercial Driving Licence, you must meet the following requirements.

You must be a citizen of India.
The minimum age for CDL eligibility is 18 years, although it may vary in certain states of India to 20 or 22 years.
You should have completed at least 8th grade or possess a higher educational qualification.
You need to possess a Learner's Licence.
To apply for a CDL, you are required to receive training from either a government motor training school or a school affiliated with the government.

Documents Required for Commercial Driving Licence

To apply for a Commercial Driving License, you should have the following documents readily available.

Proof of residence (such as Passport, Voter ID, Ration card, etc.)
Identity proof (such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, birth certificate, etc.)
Completely filled out application Form 1A, Form 2, and Form 5
Valid Learner's Licence
Passport-size photograph

How to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence Online

Here are the steps to apply for a commercial DL online.

Visit the official website of road transport, Parivahan Sewa.
Navigate to the 'Online Services’ tab and select ‘Licence-Related Services’. Alternatively, on the Home Page, there is also a section where you can choose to apply for a licence.
You will be redirected to a form called Form 2, which needs to be filled out.
Additionally, you will need to select Forms 1A and 5, which are the training and medical certificate forms.
Complete these forms and upload them along with proof of your age and residence. Make sure to have your PAN and Aadhaar cards readily available.
After uploading all the required documents, you will receive a registration number to schedule your test. You will have the option to choose a convenient date and time.
Upon successful completion of the test, your commercial DL will be issued to you.

How to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence Offline

Following are the steps to apply for a Commercial DL offline.

Visit your nearby Regional Transport Office.
Obtain Form No. 2 from the office.
Submit the duly completed form along with the required documents.
Submit all the forms, documents, and the required fees.
Upon successful submission, you will receive a serial number on your registered mobile.
You will have the option to choose the date and time for your driving test. Once you pass the examination, you will be granted a Driving Licence.

What to do If You Lose your Commercial Driving Licence?

In the event of losing your Commercial DL, it is recommended to file a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station and report the loss. Subsequently, you should visit the zonal regional transport authority to initiate the process of renewing your CDL. It is advisable to submit a written notification stating the loss of your Commercial license. Additionally, obtaining a stamped affidavit affirming the loss of your commercial license is also recommended.

How to get a Duplicate Commercial Driving Licence

If you have misplaced or lost your original commercial DL, you have the option to obtain a duplicate license from zonal transport offices located throughout India. Similarly, if your original license is torn or has been stolen, you can also acquire a duplicate commercial license.

It is necessary to have the affidavit and FIR prepared to obtain a duplicate license. Simply present all the required documents to the RTO and request a duplicate license. In any of these situations, the following documents will be required to obtain a duplicate license.

Application form 2
First Information Report (FIR). If your commercial license was stolen or torn, you will need to submit an NCR form.
If the original license is torn, soiled, or mutilated, you will need to present the original licence.
Photocopies of your original commercial licence. Therefore, it is advisable to make photocopies once you receive the licence.
Provide all the necessary details of the licence, including the serial numbers, birth details, issuance time, and description of how it was lost.
Passport-size photographs
Age proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions and their answers related to the commercial Driving Licence.

Can I apply for a commercial driving licence if I do not have any driving experience?

No, to apply for a commercial DL, you are generally required to have at least one year of driving experience with a light motor vehicle.

Can I apply for a commercial Driving Licence online?

Yes, the online application process for a commercial DL is available in India. You can visit the Parivahan website and follow the online application steps as per the guidelines provided.

What documents are required for obtaining a commercial Driving Licence?

The required documents may include identity proof, age proof, address proof, medical certificate, passport-sized photographs, and a copy of the existing Driving Licence (if applicable).

What is the process for renewing a commercial DL?

To renew a commercial Driving Licence, you need to visit the RTO office, fill out the renewal application form, submit the required documents, pay the renewal fee, and undergo any necessary tests or medical examinations.

Can I drive a commercial vehicle with a private vehicle Driving Licence?

No, a private vehicle DL does not authorise you to drive a commercial vehicle. You need to obtain a commercial Driving Licence specifically for operating commercial vehicles.

What are the penalties for driving without a valid commercial Driving Licence?

Driving without a valid commercial DL can result in penalties such as fines, suspension of licence, and legal consequences as per the Motor Vehicles Act and the respective state regulations.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making a decision.

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