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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter II
Section 14
Currency of Licences to Drive Motor Vehicles
Licensing of Drivers of Motor Vehicles
Fine: ₹5,000Compoundable: YesEndorsement: Yes
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
(1) A driving licence issued or renewed under this Act shall — (a) in the case of a licence to drive a transport vehicle, be effective for a period of three years or, where the holder of such licence has attained the age of fifty years at the time of issue or renewal of the licence, for a period of one year, and shall on each renewal be effective for a further period of three years or one year, as the case may be; (b) in the case of a licence to drive a motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle, be effective for a period of twenty years from the date of issue of the licence or until the date on which the holder of the licence attains the age of fifty years, whichever is earlier, and shall on each renewal be effective for a period of five years.
Simplified Explanation
Section 14 establishes the validity periods for different types of driving licences. For ordinary motor vehicle licences (cars, two-wheelers, etc.): valid for 20 years from issue date, or until the holder turns 50, whichever is earlier. After 50, renewals are for 5-year periods. For transport vehicle licences (buses, trucks, taxis): valid for 3 years only, then renewable in 3-year blocks — reflecting the heightened scrutiny of commercial drivers' continued fitness. Transport vehicle drivers over 50 get only 1-year renewals, reflecting age-related fitness concerns. An expired licence must be renewed before driving — driving with an expired licence is treated the same as driving without a licence under Section 3, attracting the Section 181 penalty. A grace period of 30 days after expiry is generally allowed for renewal applications.
Historical Context
The shorter validity for transport vehicle licences reflects the public safety dimension of commercial vehicle operations — regular renewal ensures continued medical fitness checks and discourages lapsed professionals from continuing to operate without updated credentials.Critical Changes
Grace period for renewal explicitly acknowledged in rules — 30 days after expiry.
Online renewal via Sarathi portal available — reduces RTO visits.
Medical certificate required at renewal for transport vehicle licences.
Practical Scenarios
"A 35-year-old who obtained a car licence in 2010 — valid until 2030 (20 years) or when they turn 50, whichever comes first."
"A 52-year-old truck driver — transport licence renewable in 1-year blocks; must pass annual medical check."
Common Queries
For non-transport vehicles (cars, bikes): 20 years from issue or until age 50, whichever comes first. After 50, renewals are for 5-year periods. For transport vehicles (trucks, buses, taxis): 3-year validity, renewable in 3-year blocks; only 1-year periods for drivers above 50.
Driving with an expired licence is treated as driving without a valid licence under Section 3, attracting a fine of up to ₹5,000 under Section 181. Renewal within 30 days of expiry typically avoids additional penalties.