Driving Licence for Heavy Vehicles in India: Classes, Age, Validity and What Owners Must Check

Handing a truck to a driver whose licence does not cover that vehicle is one of the most expensive mistakes a fleet owner can make. The licence may be valid and still be the wrong one. This guide explains how the law classifies vehicles by weight, what a licence for heavy vehicles needs, how long it lasts and what you should check before a driver takes your truck.

Why does the licence class matter to the owner?

Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 says no one may drive a motor vehicle in a public place without an effective licence authorising them to drive that vehicle, and that a transport vehicle may be driven only by someone whose licence specifically entitles them to do so. Section 5 adds that an owner or person in charge must not cause or permit a person who does not meet the licence and age rules to drive. The responsibility sits with you as well as the driver.

How does the law classify vehicles by weight?

The Act's definitions in Section 2 use gross vehicle weight (GVW), the total weight of the vehicle and load as certified and registered by the registering authority. It is printed on the vehicle's registration documents.

So the registered GVW on your truck's RC decides which class of driver you need. Check the RC rather than assuming from the truck's size or body type.

What do the licence class names on the card mean?

Section 10 of the Act lists the classes a licence may entitle its holder to drive, including motor cycles, light motor vehicles and transport vehicles. The older sub-classes under transport vehicle appear as omitted in the current text, so the labels you see on a licence card, such as MGV, HGMV or HMV, can differ by state and by when the licence was issued. If you are unsure whether a driver's licence covers a particular truck, ask the RTO that issued it.

Can a driver with an LMV licence drive a goods truck?

On 6 November 2024, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that holders of a light motor vehicle licence can drive transport vehicles that qualify as light motor vehicles, meaning up to 7,500 kg GVW. The Court said the extra requirements apply to medium and heavy transport vehicles. An LMV licence therefore does not cover a medium or heavy goods vehicle. See the Supreme Court Observer's judgment summary for detail.

What does a driver need to get a transport licence?

• Age: no one under 20 may drive a transport vehicle (Section 4).
• Experience: a learner's licence for a transport vehicle is granted only to someone who has held a licence for a light motor vehicle for at least one year (Section 7).
• Medical certificate: an application for a transport licence needs a medical certificate in Form 1-A from a registered medical practitioner, valid for one year from issue (Rule 5, Central Motor Vehicles Rules).
• Education: the old Class 8 pass requirement was removed in 2019, according to news reports of the amendment that omitted Rule 8, in force from 23 September 2019. A skill test is still required.

How long is a transport licence valid, and how do you renew it?

Under Section 14, a licence to drive a transport vehicle is effective for three years. A licence for a vehicle carrying dangerous or hazardous goods is effective for one year, and its renewal requires a one-day refresher course.

• A licence stays effective for 30 days after expiry.
• If you apply for renewal more than 30 days after expiry, the renewal takes effect from the date of renewal, so the gap is a period without a valid licence.
• Renewal of a transport licence needs a medical certificate (Section 15).
• If more than five years have passed since the licence ceased to be effective, the authority may require the driver to pass a test of competence again.

What about drivers carrying hazardous goods?

Rule 9 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules says a driver of a goods carriage carrying dangerous or hazardous goods needs a transport licence plus a certificate from a specified three-day training course, and must be able to read and write an Indian language and English. Most mineral haulage is not covered, but check if your trucks ever carry such cargo.

What should a truck owner check before assigning a driver?

1. Find the registered GVW on the truck's RC and work out its class.
2. Check the driver's licence entitles them to that class, and is not expired.
3. Note the licence's expiry and set a reminder at least 60 days ahead.
4. Confirm the driver's age is at least 20 for a transport vehicle, and keep a copy of their medical certificate.
5. Verify the licence is genuine and matches the person. Our driver verification guide covers this step.
6. Keep scans of the licence with the truck's other papers, as in our document checklist.

Bohiba stores driver details and verification status in one place, so you can see who is cleared to drive which truck. Explore driver verification or start on the free plan.