In the world of transportation, the efficient movement of goods is incredibly important. No matter what kind of transportation business you’re in, it’s important to understand the importance of staying relevant with the transportation regulations to maintain smooth operations. One of the prime things that you need to take care of is holding a valid heavy motor vehicle license. This license not only ensures compliance with legal traffic regulations but also guarantees road safety for you and others on the road.
A heavy motor vehicle license, also known as a commercial heavy vehicle license, is a specific type of driving license that allows the individual to operate a heavy vehicle. These kinds of heavy vehicles generally include buses, large trucks, trailers, tractors, and more, that exceed a certain weight limit.
If you want to operate a heavy motor vehicle, then you must hold a valid license as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It helps to maintain road safety, prevent accidents, and ensure only qualified individuals are allowed to operate heavy vehicles.
Types of Heavy Motor Licences Available in India
The heavy motor vehicle licenses are categorized on the basis of the vehicle type and their weight class. Listed below are some of the common types of heavy motor vehicle licenses in India.
| Types of Heavy Motor Vehicle Licenses | Type of Vehicle |
| Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) License | Include cars, jeeps, small trucks, and vans |
| MGV | Medium goods vehicles include trucks and lorries |
| HTV | Heavy transport vehicle |
| HPMV | Heavy goods motor vehicle |
| HCE | Heavy construction equipment |
| HSV | Heavy Special Vehicle |
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Licence:
This licence category is for individuals who wish to operate heavy goods vehicles for commercial purposes. It includes vehicles such as trucks, trailers, tankers, and other goods carriers.
Heavy Passenger Vehicle (HPV) Licence:
The HPV licence is necessary for individuals interested in driving heavy passenger vehicles. It covers vehicles like buses, minibuses, and coaches used for public transportation or private hire.
Heavy Construction Equipment (HCE) Licence:
This licence category focuses on operating heavy construction equipment used in the construction industry. It includes vehicles like cranes, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and concrete mixers.
Heavy Special Vehicle (HSV) Licence:
The HSV licence is for individuals operating specialised heavy vehicles that don’t fall under the HGV, HPV, or HCE categories. It may include vehicles like mobile cranes, fire trucks, emergency response vehicles, and other specialised heavy-duty vehicles.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a heavy motor driving licence in India, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria to be fulfilled are mentioned below:
- Age – The applicant must be 18 years, or 18 years of age to apply for a heavy vehicle licence.
- Educational Qualification – The applicant must have a minimum educational qualification of passing standard 8th and should be able to read and understand the basic road and traffic signs and symbols.
- Health and mental Conditions – To apply for a heavy vehicle licence, the applicant must be in sound mental and physical health.
- Driver’s Training –The applicant should have been trained at a government-authorised motor vehicle training school in India. The training institute should either be authorised by the state government or the central government.
- Learner’s licence – Before the applicant attains a heavy vehicle driving licence, it is compulsory to have a learner’s licence.
How To Obtain a Heavy Motor Vehicle Licence in India?
After knowing the different types of heavy motor vehicle licenses in India, it’s time to learn the process to apply it via both online and offline methods.
Online Process:
Step 1: In the first step, you will need to visit the official website of Parivahan Seva.
Step 2: After that, you will need to take your cursor over “Online Services” on the top and then click on “Driving License Related Services”
Step 3: The moment you click on it, you will need to select “the state from where the service is to be taken”. From the drop-down menu, select the state name.
Step 4: Once you select the state name, a pop-up will appear “Contactless License Services”, close it without thinking twice. Then, you will see an icon “Apply for Driving License”. Click on it.
Step 5: In the next step, you will need to click on the “Continue” button. Then, ensure you enter your learner’s license number, date of birth, and captcha code to proceed with the driving license process.
Step 6: Once you are done entering the correct details, click on the “OK” details. After that, you are required to fill in the complete application form and select the license category you require. Click on the “Next” button.
Step 7: After that, you will need to schedule a slot for the driving test/examination and pay the fee. On the scheduled date, appear for the driving test/examination at the designated location. Ensure you demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge of road safety rules during the test/examination.
Step 8: If you pass the driving test/examination, your heavy motor vehicle license will be approved. Ensure you collect the acknowledgement receipt to track the status of your license application.
Offline Process:
If you want to get a heavy motor vehicle license in India via the offline method, then you will need to perform the following series of steps.
Step 1: In the first step, you will need to visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and ask any of the customer representatives for Form 2, which is the application form for a driving license.
Step 2: In the next step, you will need to ask for Form 1A, which is the medical form required for the license application. On the other hand, if you want to apply for an HMV license, then the RTO will ask you to fill out Form 5, as well. It will ensure you have undergone training.
Step 3: After that, you are required to submit Form 2, Form 1A, & Form 5 along with the necessary supporting documents (mentioned below). Ensure you fill in the details correctly to avoid running into mistakes later.
Step 4: Once you have submitted the forms and documents, you will receive a serial number for your application. Additionally, you will receive notifications and updates regarding your application on your registered mobile number.
Step 5: If your license work is done, you will get your heavy motor vehicle license either directly at your residence address or you will need to collect it directly from the RTO office.
Documents Required to Apply for a Heavy Motor Vehicle License in India
If you are looking to apply for a heavy motor vehicle license in India, the following are the documents required along with your application. Let’s take a look at them.
- Address Proof (Any One): Aadhar card, Voter ID card, Passport, Ration Card, PAN Card, Utility Bills under the individual’s name.
- Identity proof/Age Proof: Birth Certificate, 10th standard mark sheet, PAN Card, Passport, Aadhar Card, Voter ID card
- Passport-sized photographs
- Medical Certificate
- RTO forms (Form 1A, Form 2, & Form 5)
Frequently Asked Questions
No, driving a heavy motor vehicle isn’t allowed by a private vehicle driver’s license.
If you misplace your heavy motor vehicle license, you have to go to the nearest RTO to register a formal complaint and get your license reissued right away.
If you fail your driving test, then you can easily retake it after 7 days. It is important to know that a candidate may retake the test an unlimited number of times.
Yes, to prove that you are medically fit to operate heavy motor vehicles, you must submit Form 1A along with a medical certificate when applying for a heavy motor vehicle license.
