Light Motor Vehicle Licence in India

LMVs are a common class of small, light vehicles carrying passengers and goods. As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, LMVs can be categorised into LMV TR and LMV NT.

LMV TR full form is light motor vehicle transport, which means this category of LMVs is used for commercial work like transportation of goods. The validity of TR in driving licence is 3 years, after which it requires renewal.

LMV NT, on the other hand, is light motor vehicle non-transport, meaning vehicles used for personal use like work commutes, family trips, etc. Given that only a personal driving licence is required for this type of LMV, the validity is between 20 years or until the driver reaches the age of 50.

Here is an example of an LMV vehicle list in India:

• Hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20

• Sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna

• Compact SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Brezza

• Mini trucks or pick-up trucks

• Auto rickshaws

• Delivery vans

• Taxis like Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Toyota Innova

For both LMV TR and LMV NT, a valid permanent licence, also called a light motor vehicle licence, is required. The basic LMV meaning in a driving licence stands for Light Motor Vehicle. It refers to small, lightweight passenger and goods vehicles up to 7,500 kg gross weight - like hatchbacks, sedans, small SUVs, taxis, tempos, etc.

There are two types of LMV licence issued in India:

1. LMV Licence for Private Vehicles

This allows you to drive LMVs registered for private, non-commercial purposes only. For example, driving your own hatchback or SUV for personal use.

2. LMV Commercial Driving Licence

This permit lets you drive LMVs registered for personal and commercial purposes - like taxis, trucks, delivery vans, and other passenger or goods transport vehicles.

To get an LMV commercial licence, you must be at least 20 years old and undergo additional fitness and road tests compared to the private LMV licence.

The eligibility criteria for getting an LMV licence include:

• The minimum age for both private and commercial LMV licence is 18 years. However, in some states, for a commercial LMV licence, the age is above 20 years.

• Pass a driving test conducted by the RTO to prove you can control and drive an LMV safely.

• Clear a written exam with traffic rules, regulations, and signals.

• Submit valid ID and age-proof documents like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and passport.

• Provide residential address proof.

• Be physically fit with good eyesight and no serious medical conditions that impact driving ability.

• Pay the applicable LMV driving licence fees.

• Pass additional fitness and road tests for commercial LMV licence.

The documents required when applying for an LMV licence include:

• Application form for LMV licence

• Age proof like Aadhaar, PAN card, birth certificate

• Address proof

• Three passport-size photographs

• Medical fitness certificate

• Proof of clearance of written exam

Additional documents may be required in some cases. Visit your local RTO or use the state transport department's website to get the exact list of documents needed.

Having an LMV class vehicle licence comes with several advantages:**

Freedom to drive small private vehicles: With an LMV licence for private vehicles, you can drive hatchbacks, sedans, and compact SUVs registered for non-commercial use. This covers most small cars owned by individuals.

Flexibility to upgrade: It is easier to upgrade your existing private LMV licence to a commercial one later. You do not have to apply from scratch. You just need to pass a list of extra tests.

Added mobility for commercial use: An LMV commercial licence allows one to drive taxis, auto rickshaws, and delivery vans for a company or one's own venture. This provides extra income sources.

Wider career opportunities: From chauffeurs, taxi drivers, and delivery personnel to drivers working for e-commerce firms, an LMV commercial licence provides access to various professional driving roles.

Financial benefits: Availing two-wheeler insurance and claiming tax deductions become easier with a valid LMV licence.

So, in summary, having an LMV licence unlocks the flexibility of driving smaller motor vehicles for regular transportation needs. Those wanting commercial benefits can also upgrade to an LMV commercial permit.

You can get an LMV licence by passing the required tests at your RTO offline. Many RTOs now offer the option to apply for a new LMV licence or renew an existing one online. This saves you the hassle of visiting the RTO office.

To apply for an LMV licence online, follow these steps:

• Visit the portal Parivahan Sewa and create an account.

• Select the LMV licence application or renewal option.

• Fill details in the online form and upload documents.

• Pay fees via net banking, UPI, or card.

• Take a printout of the form.

• Visit the RTO for a driving test on the scheduled date.

• On passing tests, the licence is issued and sent via mail.

• Applying online speeds up the application process. Just ensure you study well for the LMV driving test beforehand.

To renew your LMV driving licence, you need to:

• Submit a renewal application at your RTO 45-60 days before licence expiry.

• Provide age and address proof documents.

• Pass a vision test to confirm eyesight standards are met.

• Pay the licence renewal fees.

• Get a new licence card with updated validity.

• The RTO may ask you to take a driving test, too, if they feel it necessary.

Overall, renewing an LMV licence is quick and straightforward if you apply for renewal on time.

LMV stands for light motor vehicles that can be used for personal and commercial use per guidelines. MCWG stands for MotorCycle with Gear. The key differences between LMV and MCWG when it comes to licences are:

• MCWG licence only permits riders to drive a motorcycle with or without gear. LMV licence only permits light vehicles on the road up to 7,500 kg.

• To get an MCWG or LMV driving licence, you must be at least 18 years old.

• MCWG licence only allows specific two-wheelers, like motorcycles. LMV is for cars, taxis, pick-up trucks, and autos.

A light motor vehicle licence offers the flexibility and benefits of driving small, lightweight vehicles for personal or commercial transportation. It opens up a convenient mode of transport for individuals and businesses alike.

• LMV and MCWG licence allows individuals to drive vehicles on the road without hesitation. However, the risk factor of two and four-wheelers on the road is growing with rash drivers. The right way to safeguard your vehicle is via the right four or two-wheeler insurance.

• Tata AIG is here to provide tailored solutions for purchasing insurance policy for bikes and four-wheelers. You can easily choose a valid third-party bike insurance or car insurance and complete the purchase process for the 4-wheeler or 2-wheeler insurance online in a few quick steps.

• Drive confidently and with peace of mind with a valid LMV or MCWG licence and the correct insurance policy.