Commercial Driving Licence (CDL)

Applicants now have the convenient option of applying for their driving licence 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-

1. Applicants will have to log in to the Sarathi website in India and download the required application form (Form 4).
2. They will have to fill in the necessary details and upload the same, along with required documents and passport size photograph(s).
3. Additionally, it is compulsory for applicants who wish to procure a Commercial Driving Licence 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'.
4. 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.
5. Once everything has been submitted, applicants will receive a serial number along with notifications on their registered mobile number.
6. On the designated day, applicants will have to arrive at their center well in advance to take their test.

How to Apply for Commercial Driving Licence Offline

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

1. They will have to visit the closest RTO or Regional Transport Office and procure Form No.2.
2. This form will have to be filled and submitted along with the necessary documents such as proof of age and address.
3. Additionally, it is compulsory for applicants who wish to procure a Commercial Driving Licence 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'.
4. 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.
5. Once everything has been submitted, applicants will receive a serial number along with notifications on their registered mobile number.

Eligibility for Commercial Driving Licence

The eligibility criteria to avail a CDL is as follows:

1. 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.
2. They must also have a Learner's License.
3. Applicants will need to be trained from a Government Motor School or one that is affiliated to the State Government.
4. 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 licence, 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 Commercial Driving Licence

The documents required to procure a Commercial Driving Licence 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