Complete Guide to Apply for HMV Driving Licence in India (Step-by-Step)
Applying for a Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving licence in India is now a streamlined process through the Parivahan Sewa portal. While part of the process is online, the driving test and verification are completed at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Below is the complete application process from start to finish. If you need to apply for an LMV licence first, check our guide.
Step 1: Check Eligibility Before Applying
Before starting the application, make sure you meet these conditions:
- You must hold a valid LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) licence
- Minimum LMV holding period: 1 year
- Minimum age: 20–22 years (depends on state rules)
- Must be medically fit for commercial driving
- Learner's Licence (LL) for HMV is mandatory
⚠️ If you do not have an LMV licence, you must apply for it first before proceeding.
Step 2: Apply for HMV Learner's Licence (LL)
You cannot directly apply for a permanent HMV licence. First, you must obtain an HMV Learner's Licence.
Process:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal
- Select Driving Licence Services
- Choose Apply for Learner's Licence
- Select Transport Vehicle / HMV category
- Fill personal details and upload documents
- Pay the learner's licence fee
- Appear for the learner's test (online or at RTO)
📌 The learner's licence is valid for 6 months.
Step 3: Complete Mandatory Training (If Required)
In many states, formal training from a recognized driving school is mandatory for HMV applicants.
You may be required to:
- Attend commercial vehicle training
- Practice heavy vehicle handling
- Submit a driving school certificate
This requirement depends on state RTO rules.
Step 4: Book Appointment for HMV Driving Test
After holding the HMV Learner's Licence for at least 30 days, you can apply for the permanent licence.
Steps:
- Log in to Parivahan Sewa
- Select Apply for Driving Licence
- Choose HMV / Transport Vehicle
- Book a driving test appointment
- Pay the licence application fee
Step 5: Appear for HMV Driving Test at RTO
The HMV driving test is strict and focuses on safety and control.
Test includes:
- Driving a heavy vehicle (truck/bus)
- Vehicle control and braking
- Reverse driving
- Road sign knowledge
- Traffic rule compliance
⚠️ You must bring:
- Original documents
- Test vehicle (as per RTO rules)
- Learner's Licence
Step 6: Medical Fitness Verification
A Medical Certificate (Form 1A) is compulsory for HMV licences.
Required for:
- All commercial vehicle drivers
- Applicants above 50 years
- Transport category licences
The certificate must be issued by a registered medical practitioner.
Step 7: Licence Approval & Dispatch
Once you:
- Pass the driving test
- Complete document verification
- Clear medical fitness
Your HMV Driving Licence will be:
- Approved by the RTO
- Issued digitally
- Sent to your registered address
You can also access it via:
Documents Required for HMV Licence Application
Keep these documents ready:
- Valid LMV Driving Licence
- Learner's Licence (HMV)
- Aadhaar Card / Identity Proof
- Address Proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A)
- Driving school certificate (if required)
HMV Licence Fees (Approximate)
Fees may vary by state, but usually include:
- Learner's Licence fee
- Driving test fee
- Licence issuance fee
💡 Always check the exact fee on Parivahan portal for your state.
Important Tips for HMV Applicants
- ✔ Practice with the same vehicle type used in the test
- ✔ Learn air brakes, clutch control, and turning radius
- ✔ Reach RTO early on test day
- ✔ Follow lane discipline strictly
- ✔ Avoid rushing – safety matters most
Can You Apply for HMV Licence Offline?
Yes. You can visit your local RTO, collect forms, and apply manually. However, online application via Parivahan is faster and preferred.
Summary: HMV Licence Application Process
LMV Licence → HMV Learner's Licence → Training → Driving Test → Medical → Approval
Following the correct steps ensures faster approval and fewer rejections. You can also track your DL status and download your licence once approved.