How to Get a Commercial Driving Licence in India

Published on 24 Jun, 2025, 10:02 AM IST

Updated on 24 Jun, 2025, 10:37 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

7 min read

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A commercial driving Licence (CDL) in India is crucial for those wishing to drive commercial vehicles. Running a commercial operation that involves hauling goods or ferrying passengers requires a special permit. As the logistics industry surges ahead, having a commercial driver's Licence (CDL) can lead to a truckload of job opportunities. This blog breaks down the entire process, from understanding the eligibility criteria to completing the application so you can confidently get behind the wheel.

Contents

What is a Commercial Driving Licence?

A commercial driving Licence is a specialised Licence allowing individuals to operate vehicles for commercial activities. Unlike a private driving Licence, which permits driving personal cars, a CDL is necessary for those who drive vehicles such as trucks, buses, and taxis for a living. This rigorous process ensures drivers possess the sharp skills, razor-sharp knowledge, and physical stamina needed to command heavy-duty vehicles with precision and care.

Types of Commercial Driving Licences in India

Commercial driving Licences are categorised based on the type of vehicle and its usage. Here is a table outlining the different types of commercial driving Licences available:

Licence Type	Vehicle Type	Description
LMV (Commercial)	Light Motor Vehicle (Commercial)	For vehicles like taxis, delivery vans, and small trucks.
HMV (Transport)	Heavy Motor Vehicle (Transport)	For heavy trucks, long-distance buses, and larger goods carriers.
Bus	Public Transport Bus	Specifically for driving passenger buses.
Driver cum Conductor	Bus	For roles combining driving and conducting duties.
Taxi	Taxi	Specifically for operating commercial taxis.

Eligibility to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence

To qualify for a commercial driving Licence in India, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Age Requirement: Those who want to apply for a commercial driving licence must be above the age of 18, and in some states, the age is 22. Also, candidates must have passed their 8th grade. Applicants will have to pass a written test in order to procure their Learner’s License.
Driving Experience: Candidates should have held a valid private driving Licence for at least one year.
Educational Qualification: There is no formal educational requirement; however, basic literacy and an understanding of vehicle operations are essential.
Medical Fitness: Applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are physically fit to drive commercial vehicles.
Knowledge Test: Candidates must pass a written test covering road safety, traffic rules, and vehicle maintenance.

Documents Required for Commercial Driving Licence

When applying for a commercial driving Licence, you must submit various documents. These include:

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID.
Proof of Address: Utility bill, rent agreement, or bank statement.
Age Proof: Birth certificate or educational certificate.
Driving Licence: Copy of a valid private driving Licence.
Medical Certificate: Form 1-A is certified by a registered medical practitioner.
Application Form: Completed application form as per the RTO requirements.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized pictures.
Fee Payment Receipt: Receipt of payment for the application fee.

How to Apply for a Commercial Driving Licence?

Applying for a commercial driving Licence involves several steps, which can be done either online or offline. Here’s a detailed guide on both methods:

Offline Application for a Commercial Driving Licence

Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO): Locate your nearest RTO office. The RTO is responsible for issuing driving licences and other vehicle-related services.
Obtain the Application Form: Collect the application form for a commercial driving Licence from the RTO or download it from the official RTO website.
Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the form with accurate details, including personal information, driving experience, and vehicle type.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather and attach all necessary documents to the application form.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form, the documents, and the RTO fee.
Medical Examination: Attend the medical examination at the designated health centre to obtain the required medical certificate.
Schedule a Driving Test: Schedule a driving test with the RTO after applying. This test assesses your driving skills and knowledge of road rules.
Attend the Driving Test: On the appointed date, appear for the driving test. Successfully pass the test to proceed with obtaining the Licence.
Pay the Fees: Pay the required fee for processing the driving Licence.
Receive the Licence: After clearing the driving test and completing all formalities, you will receive your commercial driving Licence.

Online Application for a Commercial Driving Licence

Here’s a closer look at how the online application works and the benefits it offers.

Visit the Official Portal: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website or your state’s transport department website. Many states have their portals where you can access the CDL application services.
Register and Login: Create an account on the portal by providing your basic details. Once registered, log in to access the CDL application form.
Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online application form with accurate personal details, driving experience, and the type of commercial vehicle you wish to drive. Make sure to double-check all information to avoid errors.
Upload Required Documents: Scan and upload necessary documents such as proof of identity, address proof, medical certificate, and your existing private driving Licence. Ensure that the documents are clear and meet the specified format and size requirements.
Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee online using various payment options like credit/debit cards, net banking, or other digital payment methods.
Schedule the Driving Test: After submitting the application, schedule your driving test date through the portal. You will receive a confirmation of your appointment.
Attend the Driving Test: On the scheduled date, attend the driving test at the designated Regional Transport Office (RTO) or testing centre. The test assesses your driving skills and knowledge of road rules.
Receive Your Licence: Upon successfully completing the driving test and verifying your documents, your commercial driving Licence will be processed and issued. You can track its status and receive updates through the online portal.

Conclusion

In India, getting a commercial driving Licence is no walk in the park - it demands total focus and an eagle eye for regulatory loops. Safely operating a commercial vehicle requires more than just getting a Licence. You'll need to check all the right boxes, from meeting the eligibility requirements to passing the driving test with flying colours. It's a behemoth of a task, but focusing on the three key areas - understanding Licence types, collecting the proper documents, and powering through the application process - will turn the key to unlocking your dream of becoming a commercial driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to Commercial Driving Licence.

What is the difference between a private driving Licence and a commercial driving Licence in India?

Think of a private driving Licence as your ticket to personal mobility - you can tool around town in your car or motorcycle, visit friends, running errands, or just enjoying the ride. In contrast, a commercial driving Licence (CDL) is required for operating vehicles used for commercial activities, such as trucks, buses, and taxis. A CDL ensures that the driver has the specialised skills and knowledge needed to handle commercial vehicles safely and efficiently.

What should I do if I fail the driving test for a commercial driving Licence?

If you fail the driving test, you can reapply for another test after addressing the areas where you struggled. You should review the feedback provided by the examiner, practise the skills you need to improve, and schedule a new test date with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Make sure to prepare thoroughly to increase your chances of passing on the next attempt.

Can I apply for a commercial driving licence if I wear glasses or have a vision impairment?

Yes, you can apply for a CDL even if you wear glasses, as long as you meet the vision requirements during your medical examination. The medical certificate will determine whether your vision is sufficient for safe driving, and any corrective measures such as glasses must be noted.

How long is a commercial driving Licence valid, and what is the renewal process?

A commercial driving Licence in India is typically valid for a period of five years. To renew your CDL, you need to apply for renewal before the Licence expires. The renewal process involves submitting an application along with the required documents and fees to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Don't forget to book a doctor's appointment – you'll need a clean bill of health to hit the road. It’s important to start the renewal process well in advance to avoid any lapses in your driving credentials.

Can I apply for multiple types of commercial driving licences at once (e.g., both LMV and HMV)?

You can apply for different types of commercial driving licences, but they will typically require separate training and testing, especially for heavier vehicle classes like HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle). It is advised to gain experience in one category before moving to another.

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