PSV (Public Service Vehicle) Badge is a driving licence for a driver who wishes to operate public service vehicles. These commercial passenger vehicles include rickshaws, buses and taxis.

This licence ensures that the driver meets all the requirements regarding safety, training and operating a public service vehicle while following all the rules and regulations.
What is a PSV Badge Driving Licence?
In India, a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) Driving Licence is mandatory for all drivers operating a PSV. This badge is given to a driver who has passed the written test and the practical test for a PSV. The driver of the commercial vehicle used for public transport must carry this badge all the time while driving the vehicle and failing to do so may result in a fine. PSV badge driving licence allows the driver to operate vehicles like auto-rickshaws, taxis and buses.
Eligibility Criteria for PSV Badge Driving Licence
Certain requirements like age, education, ability to drive are required for applying for a PSV Badge Driving Licence. These criteria are:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
- Driving Licence: Applicants should have a valid DL at least for one year before applying for a PSV badge.
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must have basic education till 8th grade.
- Medical Fitness: Applicants must be physically fit (having proper eye sight, coordination, etc) and mentally able to drive a PSV.
Documents Required to Get a PSV Badge DL
Documents required to apply for a PSV Driving Licence are as follows:
- Valid Driving Licence
- Application Form
- Aadhaar Card (For Age and Address Proof)
- Address Proof if not providing Aadhar card (Voter ID, Passport, Electricity Bill, etc.)
- Educational Qualification Certificate (if required by state RTO)
- Medical Fitness Certificate (Form 1A, signed by a certified doctor)
- Badge Training Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size Photographs (as required by RTO)
Tests for PSV Badge Driving Licence
To obtain a PSV Badge Driving Licence, 2 tests have to be completed.
1.Written Test
A written test or rather a computerised test consisting of MCQs regarding traffic laws, road safety and signs, vehicle operation regulations ,etc. Is taken before the practical test. Applicants must pass this test in order to advance to the practical test.
2.Practical driving test
This test is conducted by an RTO official. This driving test is to assess the capability of the applicant of driving a public service vehicle, following the traffic rules and regulations. The RTO official determines whether the applicant passed or failed based on his performance in the test.
If the applicant passes both the tests, they will receive their PSV badge licence.
How to Apply for PSV Badge Driving Licence Online?
You can apply for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Badge Driving Licence online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Go to the Parivahan Sewa website
- Click on "Driving Licence Related Services".
Step 2: Select Your State
- Choose your state from the dropdown list.
- You will be redirected to the respective state's transport department portal.
Step 3: Apply for PSV Badge
- Click on "Apply for Driving Licence".
- Select "Services on Driving Licence"
- Choose the option to "Add PSV Badge" to your driving licence.
Step 4: Fill in the Application Form
- Enter your personal details, DL details, and vehicle category for which the PSV badge is required.
- Upload the necessary documents (Aadhaar, medical certificate, Education certificate,etc.).
- Pay the applicable fees online.
Step 5: Book a Slot for Tests (If Required)
- Book a test slot at your nearest RTO office.
Step 6: Attend Verification at RTO
- Visit the RTO on the scheduled date with original documents.
- Appear for the required tests (driving, medical, or written test).
Step 7: Receive Your PSV Badge
- Once approved, the PSV badge will be issued and added to your driving licence.
- You can download the updated DL from the Parivahan portal or collect it from the RTO.
How to Apply for PSV Badge Driving Licence Offline?
If you prefer to apply for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Badge Driving Licence offline, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Nearest RTO Office
- Go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your driving licence was issued.
- Request the PSV Badge application form.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
- Provide personal details, existing driving licence details, and vehicle category (auto-rickshaw, taxi, bus, etc.).
- Ensure all details match your existing Driving Licence (DL).
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
- Visit the fee counter at the RTO and pay the applicable PSV badge fee.
- Keep the payment receipt for future reference.
Step 4: Attend the Required Tests
- Medical Test (if required): A basic health checkup (vision, hearing, and general fitness)
- Driving Skill Test (scheduled based on the available slot you get)
- Written Test
Step 5: Receive the PSV Badge
- If your application is approved, the PSV badge will be endorsed on your driving licence.
- You will receive a sticker, card, or certificate confirming your PSV authorization.
Summing Up
Having a PSV Badge Licence is important for a driver who wishes to operate public service vehicles. These vehicles are a mode of public transport, and thus the lives of the passengers are in the driver’s hand. Therefore, the driver needs to go through thorough training, and need to be properly tested before getting a PSV Badge. The process for getting a badge is simple but thorough. But alongside having the right permits and following transport regulations, having valid car insurance is equally important. Even if you do trust a PSV Badge Driver, having a third-party car insurance is a must while driving a vehicle on Indian Roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of car is a PSV?
A PSV includes public transport vehicles like autorickshaws, taxis and buses
What is the validity of a PSV Badge licence?
The validity of a PSV badge licence is up to 5 years from the date of issuance.
Can I retake the driving tests if I fail once?
In most states, you can retake the driving test for PSV after proper learning.