Driving a vehicle in India is not just about knowing how to ride or drive—it is about legal eligibility, correct licence class, engine capacity compliance, and proper documentation. These factors become even more critical when dealing with vehicle registration, ownership transfer, RC cancellation, insurance claims, and vehicle scrapping.
This detailed guide explains:
- Minimum age for different driving licences in India
- Engine CC limits by age
- Licence classes explained clearly
- Differences in RTO procedures across Indian states
- Penalties for violations
- Why all this matters during vehicle scrapping with Carbasket
Legal Framework Governing Driving Licences in India
Driving licences in India are governed by:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989
- Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
These are central laws, meaning:
- Age limits
- Vehicle categories
- Engine capacity restrictions
- are uniform across India
👉 State governments and RTOs cannot alter these limits, but they can enforce them more strictly.
Minimum Age to Get a Driving Licence in India (Category-Wise)
1️⃣ Below 16 Years – Not Eligible
Any person below 16 years is strictly prohibited from driving any motor vehicle on public roads.
2️⃣ Age 16 to 18 – Learner Licence for Limited Two-Wheelers
At 16 years, an individual may apply for a Learner Licence (LL) under a special category.
Vehicles legally permitted:
- Two-wheelers without gear
- Engine capacity up to 50cc only
- Speed-restricted vehicles
Mandatory requirements:
- Written consent from parent/guardian
- Guardian held legally responsible for violations
Not permitted at this age:
- Gear motorcycles
- Vehicles above 50cc
- Cars or any four-wheelers
📌 This rule applies identically in all Indian states.
State-Wise RTO Practice for 16–18 Category
State Ground-Level Enforcement
Karnataka Strict CC verification, LL rejection if unclear
Kerala Very strict; rarely issues LLs for 50cc
Tamil Nadu LL test mandatory, parental affidavit checked
Maharashtra Online scrutiny + yard inspection
Delhi Heavy penalties for violations
UP / Bihar Enforcement varies by district
North-East Lenient issuance, strict challans later
3️⃣ Age 18 Years – Permanent Licence for Private Vehicles
At 18 years, a person becomes legally eligible for a permanent driving licence for non-commercial vehicles.
Vehicles allowed:
- Two-wheelers (with or without gear)
- Two-wheelers of any engine capacity
- Cars, jeeps, vans (LMV – Non-Transport)
🚨 There is NO engine CC limit after 18 years for private vehicles.
State-Wise Differences at 18+ (Procedural Only)
State Testing Method
Karnataka Track test + hill start
Kerala Fully CCTV-monitored
Tamil Nadu Driving school preference
Maharashtra Simulator + yard test
Delhi Automated testing tracks
Telangana Dual-stage test
West Bengal Manual road test
4️⃣ Age 20 Years – Commercial / Transport Vehicle Licence
To drive transport or commercial vehicles, the minimum age is 20 years.
Vehicles covered:
- Commercial LMV (taxi, goods vehicle)
- App-based cabs
- Commercial passenger vehicles
Additional requirements:
- LMV licence experience
- Medical fitness certificate
- Transport badge (state-specific)
5️⃣ Age 21 Years – Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV)
To drive heavy vehicles, minimum age is 21 years.
Includes:
- Trucks
- Buses
- Multi-axle vehicles
Some states require:
- 1–2 years LMV experience
- Advanced driving test
Engine CC Limits Explained Clearly
Is engine CC mentioned on the driving licence?
❌ No.
Driving licences mention vehicle class, not engine capacity.
CC Limits by Age (Nationwide Rule)
Age Vehicle Type CC Limit
Below 16 Any ❌ Not allowed
16–18 Two-wheeler (no gear)≤ 50cc
18+Two-wheeler (any) No limit
18+Car (private) No limit
Common RTO Misunderstandings Across India
❌ “12cc vehicle licence”
There is no such category under Indian law.
Usually means:
- Spoken shorthand for ≤125cc
- Data entry error
- Misinterpretation by vehicle owners
❌ “State RTO allows higher CC for minors”
Illegal in all states.
❌ “Gear bike allowed at 17”
Illegal everywhere, even if licence issued by mistake.
Penalties for Underage Driving (Uniform Nationwide)
As per Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019:
- Fine up to ₹25,000
- Guardian/vehicle owner held liable
- Vehicle registration may be cancelled
- Minor disqualified from licence until 25 years
States like Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra enforce this very strictly.
Why These Rules Matter During Vehicle Scrapping
Improper licence use can create serious future liabilities, especially when:
- Scrapping old vehicles
- Cancelling RC
- Settling insurance claims
- Transferring ownership
Common issues Carbasket handles:
- Vehicles used illegally by minors
- RC suspended due to violations
- Licence & RC mismatch
- Pending legal entries at RTO
At Carbasket, we ensure:
- Proper RC verification
- Legal RC cancellation
- Authorised scrapping
- Official Scrap Certificate
- Zero post-scrap liability
FAQs – Driving Licence Rules & Vehicle Scrapping in India
What is the minimum age for a driving licence in India?
16 for limited two-wheelers, 18 for private vehicles, 20–21 for commercial/heavy vehicles.
Is there any CC limit after 18 years?
No. CC limits apply only below 18.
Does any Indian state have different CC rules?
No. Only procedures differ, not eligibility.
Is a 12cc vehicle legal in India?
No. Such a category does not exist under Indian law.
Can I scrap a vehicle even if there were licence violations earlier?
Yes, but RC cancellation must be done correctly.
Does Carbasket help with RC cancellation and scrapping?
Yes. Carbasket provides complete legal assistance.
