Commercial Driving Licence(CDL)

An official document provided by the government of India to its citizens, a driving license certifies the holder’s ability to operate a motor vehicle in public areas and on highways. This license is provided after individuals pass the written and practical tests. A Driving License also serves as a proof of identity. The required tests are administered, and the licenses are issued by the Regional Transport Offices of various states. There are different types of licenses provided based on the age of the candidate, as well as motor type. The most important ones are Learner’s License, Driving License, and Commercial Driving License.

Commercial Driving Licenses can be procured by individuals who wish to drive a commercial transport vehicle, for both light and heavy vehicle types.

Steps to Avail Transport Driving Licence|CDL

• In order to procure a commercial driving license, applicants must first avail a Learner’s License. For those who wish to drive a commercial vehicle, they must be above the age of 18 and in some states, the minimum 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. After a suitable period of owning their Learner’s License, applicants can apply for a Commercial Driving License.
• Individuals can apply for a Driving License online or offline. They will have to fill in the required forms and submit them along with the necessary documents.
• Once everything is submitted, they will be called for a test. The applicant’s driving skills will be tested and if they clear the test to the satisfaction of the presiding officer, he/she will receive his/her license.

How to Apply Online for Commercial License ?

Applicants now have the convenient option of applying for their driving license online, avoiding the hassle of waiting for a long time in never-ending queues. In order to do so, they will have to follow the steps mentioned below-

• Applicants will have to log in to the Sarathi website in India and download the required application form (Form 4).
• They will have to fill in the necessary details and upload the same, along with required documents and passport size photograph(s).
• Additionally, it is compulsory for applicants who wish to procure a Commercial Driving License to provide a medical certificate in Form No. 1A. In case the applicant wishes to drive a HMV, he/she will also have to furnish a ‘Driver Refreshing Training Certificate’.
• The applicant will also have to have compulsorily undergone training from a Government Driving School or one that has been authorized by the State Government as Form No.5, which is also required, is issued by the Driving School.
• Once everything has been submitted, applicants will receive a serial number along with notifications on their registered mobile number.
• On the designated day, applicants will have to arrive at their center well in advance to take their test.

How to Apply Offline for Commercial Driving Licence ?

Applicants can also apply for their license offline by following the steps mentioned below:

• They will have to visit the closest RTO or Regional Transport Office and procure Form No.2.
• This form will have to be filled and submitted along with the necessary documents such as proof of age and address.
• Additionally, it is compulsory for applicants who wish to procure a Commercial Driving License to provide a medical certificate in Form No. 1A. In case the applicant wishes to drive a HMV, he/she will also have to furnish a ‘Driver Refreshing Training Certificate’.
• The applicant will also have to have compulsorily undergone training from a Government Driving School or one that has been authorised by the State Government as Form No.5, which is also required, is issued by the Driving School.
• Once everything has been submitted, applicants will receive a serial number along with notifications on their registered mobile number.

Eligibility for Commercial Transport Licence

The eligibility criteria to avail a CDL is as follows:

• Applicants will have to be above the age of 18 (in certain States, the minimum age is 20) and must have cleared their 8th standard.
• They must also have a Learner’s License.
• Applicants will need to be trained from a Government Motor School or one that is affiliated to the State Government.
• Applicants will need to have all the required documents.

However, as per recent reports, there has been a recent proposal by the Centre to reduce the education requirement. Also, taxi drivers may not have to show a year’s experience of driving prior to procuring a commercial driving license, as long as they have been trained under a driving school that has been accredited by the government.

The Centre may also empower a specific body to certify schools to provide training in driving to aspirants throughout the country. The curriculum will also be decided by the government. Remedial training courses may also have to be provided to those aspirants who have previously failed their tests.

These courses would be of a short term duration and will cover the basic and important aspects of driving so that individuals will gain a thorough knowledge, enabling them to become better drivers. As per government records, there is currently a shortage of drivers in the country.

Documents Required for CDL License

The documents required to procure a Commercial Driving License are as follows:

• Proof of Address (any of the following)
  • Passport
  • Aadhaar card
  • Voter ID
  • Ration card
  • Utility bills that have been issued in the applicant’s name
• Proof of Identity (any of the following)
  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card
  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • 10th Grade mark sheet
• Duly filled Form 2, Form 1A and Form 5
• Passport size photographs
• Application Fee

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CDL

1. Will a medical certificate be required?Yes, in order to drive a commercial vehicle, applicants will have to provide a medical certificate.
2. Will the Driving License procured in one State be valid in other States?Yes, a Driving License issued in one State is valid throughout the country.
3. What happens in case an applicant fails the test?In case an applicant fails a test, the presiding officer will brief the applicant regarding the next steps to be taken.

information credit : bankbazzar