Add a New Vehicle Class to Your Existing Driving License

If you’re looking to expand the scope of your driving license in India by adding a new vehicle class—such as upgrading from a motorcycle to a light motor vehicle (LMV), or adding a transport vehicle endorsement—the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has streamlined this process through the Parivahan Sewa portal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the steps, requirements, and rules involved in adding a new vehicle class to your existing driving license.

What Is Adding a Vehicle Class to Your Driving License?

In India, driving licenses are categorized based on the type of vehicle you are authorized to operate. If you wish to drive a different class of vehicle than what your current license permits, you need to apply for an endorsement or addition of that class. This process involves obtaining a Learner’s License (LL) for the new class, passing a driving test, and then updating your existing driving license to include the new category.

Why Add a New Vehicle Class?

There are several reasons why you may want to add a new vehicle class to your existing driving license:

• Legal Requirement: To drive a vehicle that falls under a different class (e.g., driving a transport vehicle when you initially held a non-transport vehicle license).
• Job Requirements: If your employment requires you to drive additional types of vehicles such as heavy motor vehicles or passenger transport.
• Personal Choice: Expanding your ability to drive different vehicles for personal or recreational purposes.

Eligibility Criteria

Before proceeding with the application process to add a new vehicle class, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Minimum Age: The minimum age required varies depending on the vehicle class:
  • 16 years for motorcycles without gears.
  • 18 years for light motor vehicles.
  • 20 years for transport vehicles.
• Existing Valid Driving License: You must already hold a valid driving license for the class of vehicle you currently drive.
• Medical Fitness: For transport vehicles, a medical certificate (Form 1A) is required.
• Learner’s License: You need to obtain a Learner’s License for the new vehicle class before you can apply for the endorsement.

Step-by-Step Process to Add a Vehicle Class

1. Visit the Parivahan Portal

To start the process, go to the official Parivahan portal:

• URL: Parivahan Official Portal
• How to Link Learner to Non-Transport Vehicle License Online

Once on the website, select your state from the dropdown menu to proceed with the services offered by your state’s transport office.

2. Navigate to License Services

• From the homepage, select “Driving License” and then click on “Services on Driving License”.
• Under this section, choose “Application for New Learners License”. This will allow you to add a new vehicle class to your existing license.

3. Select the Learner’s License Option

• In the application form, choose the option that states “Applicant holds Driving License”.
• Enter your Driving License Number and Date of Birth as per the records.
• Click “Submit” to proceed.

4. Fill in the Application Form

Once the system confirms your details, complete the application form with accurate information such as:

• Personal Information: Your full name, address, and contact information.
• Vehicle Class: Select the new vehicle class you wish to add (e.g., LMV, transport vehicle, etc.).
• Upload Photograph: Provide a recent passport-sized photograph (usually within 50 KB).

5. Schedule an Appointment

After completing the application, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment at your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) for document verification and the driving test. Be sure to choose an appointment slot that works for you.

6. Visit the RTO

On the day of your appointment, visit the RTO with the following documents:

• Original Driving License
• Learner’s License for the new vehicle class
• Form 2 (Application form for addition of class)
• Passport-sized Photograph
• Medical Certificate (Form 1A), if applicable (for transport vehicles)
• Application Fee Receipt

You will then need to undergo the driving test as per RTO guidelines.

7. Endorsement on Existing License

After successfully completing the driving test and document verification, your existing driving license will be updated to include the new vehicle class. You will receive a receipt, and the updated license will be sent to your registered address.

Required Documents

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Valid Driving License (for the class you already hold)
• Learner’s License for the new vehicle class
• Medical Certificate (Form 1A) (if applying for a transport vehicle class)
• Application Form 2
• Passport-sized Photograph
• Fee Payment Receipt

Fees and Payment

The following are the common fees associated with adding a new vehicle class to your driving license:

• Learner’s License Fee: Varies depending on the state and class of vehicle.
• Driving Test Fee: This fee is applicable based on your state’s transport department regulations.
• Endorsement Fee: For updating your driving license to reflect the new vehicle class.

These fees can be paid online via the Parivahan portal or at the RTO when you visit for document verification.

Processing Time

• Learner’s License: Typically issued within 2-3 working days after the application and test.
• Driving License Endorsement: The updated license is generally processed within 7-15 days after you pass the driving test.

What to Do If You Need to Modify or Withdraw Your Application?

If you need to make changes to your application or withdraw it, follow these steps:

• Visit the Parivahan portal and select your State.
• Under the “Others” section, click on “Add Class of Vehicles”.
• Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
• Follow the instructions to either modify or cancel your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)