Enter your date of birth to see which driving licence categories you can hold in India, and the date each remaining one opens up.
Want to know which driving licence you can apply for at your age? Just put in your date of birth and the tool shows you which categories you can apply for today, and the exact date each remaining one opens up. The ages all come from the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Section 4.
The lowest is 16, for a gearless moped up to 50cc, and that one needs a guardian’s consent. A geared two-wheeler or a car starts at 18, and a transport or commercial vehicle at 20.
Minimum age for a driving licence in India
These minimum ages are set across the country by the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Section 4. And just to clear a common doubt, Section 4 was not touched by the 2019 amendment, so these ages are still current.
| Vehicle category | Minimum age | Consent needed |
|---|---|---|
| Gearless moped up to 50cc (MCWOG) | 16 years | Yes, guardian consent |
| Geared two-wheeler, or above 50cc (MCWG) | 18 years | No |
| Light motor vehicle, car or jeep up to 7500 kg (LMV) | 18 years | No |
| Transport or commercial vehicle | 20 years | No |
Source: Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Section 4. A transport licence also needs prior driving experience in many States. The final call rests with your RTO.
How to apply for a driving licence
- First confirm your exact age with this tool, so you do not end up applying before the legal date.
- Go to the Sarathi Parivahan portal, select your State, and apply for a Learner’s Licence.
- Finish the Aadhaar eKYC and clear the online road-signs test to get your Learner’s Licence.
- After the waiting period, apply for the permanent Driving Licence and take the driving test.
The whole application happens on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Parivahan portal. This tool is only for the age check, it is not a government portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for a driving licence in India?
It depends on the vehicle. A gearless moped up to 50cc starts at 16 with guardian consent, a geared two-wheeler or a car at 18, and a transport vehicle at 20, all under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.
Can a 16-year-old get a driving licence?
Yes, but only for a gearless moped or scooter up to 50cc, and only with written consent from a parent or guardian. A car or geared two-wheeler is not allowed until 18.
Can I apply for a car licence at 17 years and 11 months?
No. The minimum age for a car or geared two-wheeler is 18, and the application gets rejected if you are even a day short. The tool shows you exactly how many days are left until you qualify.
What is the minimum age for a commercial or transport licence?
You need to be at least 20 to apply for a transport or commercial vehicle licence, and many States also ask for prior driving experience on a light motor vehicle.
Which documents work as age proof at the RTO?
The RTO usually accepts your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, birth certificate or Class 10 (matriculation) marksheet as age proof. It is best to confirm the accepted list with your local RTO.