India has seen a rise in LMVs since the past few years. LMVs (Light Motor Vehicles) are vehicles that are under 7500kg used for non-commercial purposes only. LMVs include passenger cars, small vans, jeeps, rickshaws, taxis, etc. Transport has become one of the basic amenities required for day to day life. In India, you can only drive a vehicle if you possess the appropriate license for driving it. Which type of license do I need? Which type of vehicles come under LMVs? How can I apply for a driving license? All your questions will be answered here.
What is a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)?
In India, a LMV is typically a vehicle that is made for personal use. As per SC Ruling in 2024, the gross weight of the vehicle (GVW) of an LMV cannot be over 7500 Kg. In most LMVs the engine capacity limit ranges from 50CC up to 1500CC. These vehicles include personal cars, jeeps, small vans, taxis, rickshaws, etc. You need to own a LMV license in order to drive a car on a public road. LMVs come with unique number plates that include:
- Black letters with a White number plate: Private LMVs (Personal cars)
- Black letters with a Yellow number plate: Taxis, good carriers, rickshaws
- White/Yellow letters on a Green number plate: Electric vehicles (White for private, yellow for commercial)
Types of LMV Driving License in India
Depending on personal usage or commercial usage, LMV driving license in India can be categorized into 2 categories. The 2 categories of licenses issued by the Regional Traffic Office (RTO) are as follows:
1. LMV-NT License (Non Transport)
LMV-NT type of license is issued for personal/private cars only. Anyone above the age of 18 can apply for this license. Vehicles that can be driven legally under this license are: Cars, SUVs, jeeps, hatchbacks, sedans, etc. These cars should have a Black Lettered white coloured number plate.
2. LMV-TR License (Transport)
LMV-TR license is issued for commercial and transport LMVs. 18 years is the minimum age requirement for applying for a license under this category as well. Vehicles that can be driven under this category are rickshaws. Taxis, small transport vehicles, etc. Number plates of these vehicles should be Yellow in color with Black letters.
Importance of a LMV License & Benefits
Owning a LMV license has its own importance and benefits. RTO issues a license based on the type of vehicle you are driving or going to drive. This license is particularly important because:
Legal Requirement:
It is legally required for you to own a LMV driving license if you want to drive a car on the public road in India. Driving without a license will cause serious penalties and fines.
Understanding of Road Rules:
Learning road rules and signs are a part of RTO’s curriculum while applying for a license. It ensures the driver undergoes proper training, reducing accidents and reckless driving.
Official Identification Document:
A license serves as a government approved official identification document, that you may require to provide for official and legal purposes for verification.
Traffic Rule Awareness
As a part of the learner's license exam, a written test is taken to make sure the driver learns and goes through all the necessary traffic signs and rules, to avoid reckless driving, unnecessary traffic, or worse, accidents.
Obtaining an Indian driving license has its own benefits as well. These benefits include:
Driving Different Vehicles:
By owning a LMV license, you are able to drive any vehicle that is below 7500kg and permitted engine capacity. You will no longer be restricted to using only public transport, and can operate a vehicle whenever required.
Applying for Higher Licensing:
It makes it easier to apply for a Heavy Motor Vehicle License if you already own a LMV License.
International Benefits:
An Indian LMV license can be used as a stepping stone to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you can drive abroad with this.
Employment Opportunities:
A LMV-TR License gives you employment opportunities as a chauffeur, taxi driver, delivery services, etc. Also many companies prefer candidates with a LMV license for certain job roles that require travel.
Key Differences Between LMV and MCWG
In India, driving licenses are issued based on the vehicle type. LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) generally represents a 4-wheeler vehicle and MCWG (MotorCycle With Gear) represents a 2-wheeler vehicle with manual gear or transmission, which is above 50CC. Here's a table highlighting key differences between the two:
| Feature | LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) | MCWG (Motorcycle with Gear) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Four-wheelers (cars, jeeps, vans, small transport vehicles) | Two-wheelers with gears (Above 50CC) |
| License Type | Private (LMV-NT) & Commercial (LMV-TR) | Only for motorcycles with gears |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (private), 20 years (commercial) | 18 years |
| Purpose | Used for personal and commercial 4 wheelers | Used for personal and professional 2 wheelers |
License Applying Process for LMV in India 2025
The applying process for an LMV license in India is a several step process, but it has been made easier in 2025. Here’s a step by step guide that will help you with your application process:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website and Under Online Services, Select Driving License Services.
- Select Your State in the next page.
- Select “Apply for Driving License”.
- Click on “Continue” and Fill in the Learner’s License details.
- Click “Ok” and Fill out the application for “LMV license”
- Upload all the necessary documents.
- Upload your signature and photograph.
- Choose the time and date to take the test.
- Pay the fees next (Varies from state to state).
- Visit the RTO on the allotted date and time, and give the test.
After passing the test, you will receive your driving license at your home address via post.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for LMV Driving License
There are certain eligibility criteria before you can apply for an LMV license directly. They include:
- Minimum 18 years of age (20 if LMV-TR).
- A Learner’s License that is at least 30 days old.
- Understanding Traffic and Road Rules.
- Ability to drive (License exam will be a practical driving test).
- Having a standard eye vision score.
Documents Required to Apply for LMV Driving License
There are several documents that you need to prepare before applying for LMV driving license which include:
- Age Proof (Aadhar Card, Birth Certificate)
- Address Proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, Ration Card, etc)
- Learner’s License
- Application Form for LMV driving License
- Fitness Certificate for Commercial License
- At least 3 passport size photographs
List of Vehicles That Come Under LMVs
Generally 4 wheeler vehicles come under LMVs, that are below 7500Kg This list includes all of the following:
1. Private Light Motor Vehicles (LMV-NT Non-Transport)
- Hatchbacks
- Sedans
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- MPVs/MUVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles)
- Pickup Trucks (Private Use)
2. Commercial Light Motor Vehicles (LMV-TR Transport)
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing Vehicles
- Passenger Vans & Mini Buses
- Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs)
- Delivery & Cargo Vehicles
What Types of Insurance are Available for Different Types of LMV’s?
In India, in order to legally drive a vehicle on a public road, the vehicle must have insurance. Be it for personal use or commercial use, LMVs need to be insured before the vehicle can be driven on the public roads, or else heft fines and penalties may be imposed on the driver or owner of the vehicle. Types of insurance depends on the usage of the vehicle, that is for personal use or commercial use.
For Personal use:
Third Party Liability Insurance:
This is the compulsory insurance required in India. It covers financial liabilities that come from an accident that was caused by you to a third party.
Comprehensive Insurance:
Along with third party liability insurance, this type of insurance also covers the damage caused to you by yourself, or own-damage insurance. It broadens the financial protection for you and your vehicle.
Add-On Covers:
Add ons like zero-depreciation over, roadside-assistance cover, Engine protection over, enhances the car insurance policy you choose to protect yourself.
For Commercial Use:
Third Party Liability Insurance:
This is also mandatory for commercial vehicles as well.
Comprehensive Insurance:
Similar to LMVs with personal use, Commercial use vehicles can have a comprehensive insurance policy to add the extra layer of protection.
Driver Cover Insurance:
This insurance specifically covers the driver of the commercial vehicle. It is essential to have this over insurance to ensure the financial safety of the driver of the LMV.
Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance:
This protects the goods inside the LMV in case of theft, natural disaster or accident.
Passenger Cover Insurance:
This insurance is mainly opted by taxi-service types of commercial LMV owners. This provides safety to the passenger or the customer of the vehicle and also sells a USP for the business.
Final Thoughts
With the growing number of vehicles in India, learning about LMVs and owning a drivers license has become a necessity today. The process for applying and obtaining a driver’s license has never been this much easier. Driving without a license is a violation of traffic rules, and will cause you a financial loss in penalties and fees. LMV license has tons of benefits, benefits you surely should not miss out on! Apply for your license now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we drive a private vehicle using an LMV-TR licence?
Yes, You can. LMV-TR represents the class of vehicle and not the type of vehicle.
If I hold an LMV licence, can I drive an Ola or Uber cab?
No, you would require a proper commercial license or LMV-TR license in order to drive a commercial type of LMVs.
What is the fee required to get a LMV license?
It varies from state to state, check on Parivahan website for details.
What is the minimum age to apply for an LMV driving licence?
18 years old for LMV-NT and 20 years old for LMV-TR.
