With the rapid growth of food delivery, e-commerce, and last-mile logistics in India, two-wheelers have become the backbone of daily delivery operations. Thousands of riders now use bikes and scooters to earn a regular income, but many are still unclear about one crucial requirement: the correct driving licence category.
In 2026, traffic authorities, insurers, and delivery platforms are paying closer attention to licence classification. Riders using a private two-wheeler licence for delivery work may face fines, rejected insurance claims, or deactivation from delivery platforms. This is no longer a grey area, especially as digital enforcement through RTO databases and insurance checks becomes more common.
For delivery partners working with organised logistics networks like MOVER, compliance plays a key role in uninterrupted operations. A valid commercial two-wheeler driving licence ensures that riders can accept delivery jobs legally, stay insured on the road, and avoid unexpected disruptions during checks.
This guide explains everything delivery riders and fleet owners need to know about commercial two-wheeler driving licences in India. Including eligibility, documents, application steps, and fees, which can be used in MOVER to earn extra income. So you can work confidently and stay fully compliant in 2026.
What Is a Commercial Two-Wheeler Driving Licence?
A commercial two-wheeler driving licence is a transport-category licence that legally allows a rider to use a bike or scooter for income-generating activities such as deliveries, courier services, and logistics work. It is different from a private two-wheeler licence, which is meant strictly for personal use.
This licence includes a transport endorsement issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The endorsement confirms that the rider is authorised to carry goods for business purposes. Without this endorsement, riding for paid delivery jobs may be considered a violation under transport regulations.
In practical terms, if a rider earns money per order, per trip, or per kilometre, the activity falls under commercial usage. Many delivery platforms, including MOVER, verify the licence category during onboarding to ensure riders meet legal and insurance requirements.
Holding a commercial two-wheeler licence protects riders from legal penalties, keeps insurance valid during delivery-related accidents, and allows uninterrupted access to delivery work across cities.
Is a Commercial Licence Required for Delivery Riders in India?
In most cases, yes, delivery riders in India are required to hold a registration for commercial vehicle and a driving licence. Riders transporting goods for food delivery, courier services, or logistics companies are considered transport workers under RTO regulations.
While enforcement may vary slightly by state, 2026 has seen stricter checks on licence type during traffic inspections and insurance verification. Riders using a private licence for delivery work risk fines, delayed insurance claims, or account suspension on delivery platforms.
Some states temporarily allow onboarding with a private licence, but this does not always protect riders during accidents or roadside checks. Insurance companies, in particular, often deny claims if a delivery rider does not hold a commercial licence.
To avoid operational disruptions, organised delivery networks such as MOVER prefer riders with proper commercial licensing. This ensures smooth onboarding, uninterrupted order allocation, and protection against compliance-related risks while working on daily delivery routes.
Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Two-Wheeler Licence
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Minimum age: The applicant must generally be between 18 and 20 years old, depending on state-specific RTO rules for transport-category licences.
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Existing licence requirement: Applicants must hold a valid private two-wheeler driving licence for at least one year before applying for a commercial endorsement.
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Educational qualification: Most states require the applicant to have completed at least the 8th standard, especially for transport-category driving licences.
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Medical fitness: A medical fitness certificate (Form 1A) from a registered medical practitioner is mandatory to confirm physical fitness for commercial riding.
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Driving training: Completion of training from a government-recognised driving school is required to apply for a commercial two-wheeler licence.
Documents Required for Commercial Two-Wheeler Driving Licence
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Existing private driving licence: The original private two-wheeler licence is required to prove eligibility for transport endorsement upgrade.
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Form 4 (Application Form): This is the official RTO application form used to apply for a commercial driving licence.
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Form 1A (Medical Certificate): Issued by a registered doctor, this certifies the rider’s medical fitness for commercial vehicle operation.
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Form 5 (Driving School Certificate): Proof of completion of training from a recognised motor driving school, mandatory for transport licences.
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Address and age proof: Documents such as Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID are required to verify identity and residential address.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Commercial Two-Wheeler Driving Licence
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility conditions. You must already hold a valid private two-wheeler driving licence for at least one year and meet the minimum age requirement. Medical fitness is mandatory for transport-category licences.
Step 2: Complete Driving School Training
Enrol in a recognised driving school approved by the RTO. After completing training, the school issues Form 5, which confirms that you are trained to operate a two-wheeler for commercial use.
Step 3: Submit Application (Online or Offline)
Fill Form 4 through the Sarathi Parivahan portal or submit it at your local RTO. Upload or attach documents such as a licence copy, address proof, a medical certificate, and photographs.
Step 4: Book and Appear for Driving Test
Select a driving test slot online or through the RTO. Appear for the two-wheeler transport driving test on the scheduled date with your own vehicle and safety gear.
Step 5: Licence Issuance
After passing the test, the RTO adds a commercial endorsement to your licence. The updated commercial two-wheeler driving licence is issued digitally and delivered to your registered address.
RTO Driving Test for Commercial Two-Wheeler Licence
The RTO driving test for a commercial two-wheeler licence is stricter than a private licence test. The focus is on balance, control, and traffic awareness rather than speed. Riders are usually tested on a figure-8 track to assess handling skills without putting feet on the ground.
Examiners also observe indicator usage, smooth braking, turning control, and overall road discipline. Since delivery riders operate daily in traffic, the test ensures the applicant can handle frequent stops, congestion, and long riding hours safely. Passing this test confirms readiness for commercial delivery work.
Commercial Two-Wheeler Driving Licence Fees (Approx.)
The cost of obtaining a commercial two-wheeler driving licence varies slightly by state, but the average expense remains affordable.
|
Fee Type |
Approximate Cost |
|
Application Fee |
₹200 – ₹300 |
|
Driving Test Fee |
₹300 – ₹400 |
|
Licence Issuance Fee |
₹200 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
₹700 – ₹1,200 |
Additional expenses may include driving school training fees, medical certificate charges, and document photocopies. These are one-time costs that allow riders to legally earn through delivery work without regulatory or insurance issues.
However, these charges may vary from state to state. Here are some of the major cities' charges:
|
Fee Component |
Delhi |
Haryana |
Telangana |
|
Application/DL Fee |
₹200 |
₹200 |
₹200 |
|
Driving Test Fee |
₹300 |
₹300 |
₹300 |
|
Smart Card Fee |
₹200 |
₹200 |
₹200 |
|
Total |
₹700 |
₹700 |
₹700 |
Validity of Commercial Two-Wheeler Driving Licence
A commercial two-wheeler driving licence is usually valid for 3 to 5 years, depending on the rider’s age and state-specific RTO rules. For younger applicants, licences are often issued for longer durations, while older riders may receive shorter validity periods.
Renewal requires a valid medical fitness certificate and payment of renewal fees. Keeping the licence active is important for uninterrupted delivery work, as expired licences can lead to penalties, insurance issues, and temporary suspension from delivery platforms.
Private vs Commercial Two-Wheeler Licence: Key Differences
|
Factor |
Private Two-Wheeler Licence |
Commercial Two-Wheeler Licence |
|
Purpose |
Personal use only |
Delivery & income-generating work |
|
Allowed for Delivery |
Not permitted |
Mandatory |
|
Driving Test Level |
Basic riding skills |
Stricter traffic & control checks |
|
Insurance Validity |
Personal use only |
Covers delivery-related risks |
|
RTO Category |
Non-transport |
Transport / Commercial |
|
Platform Eligibility |
Limited or restricted |
Required for regular delivery work |
Conclusion
A commercial two-wheeler driving licence is more than a formality; it is a legal requirement for anyone earning through deliveries in India. As delivery volumes increase in 2026 and compliance checks become more digital, holding the correct licence protects riders from fines, insurance rejection, and work interruptions.
Whether you are a full-time delivery partner or planning to join logistics platforms like MOVER, having a valid commercial licence ensures you can accept orders, ride legally, and work without risk. Getting licensed once saves repeated trouble later and creates a strong foundation for long-term delivery work.
FAQs on Commercial Two-wheeler Licence
1. What is a commercial two-wheeler driving licence?
It is a transport-category driving licence that legally allows a rider to use a bike or scooter for delivery, courier, or other income-generating work.
2. Is a commercial licence mandatory for delivery riders?
Yes. For regular delivery work, a commercial two-wheeler licence is required to remain legally compliant and insured during work hours.
3. Can I use my private bike licence for deliveries?
No. A private licence is meant only for personal use. Using it for deliveries can lead to fines and insurance claim rejection.
4. How long must I hold a private licence before applying for a commercial one?
In most states, you must hold a valid private two-wheeler licence for at least one year before applying for a commercial licence.
5. What documents are required for a commercial bike licence?
You need your existing licence, Form 4, Form 1A (medical certificate), Form 5 (driving school certificate), address proof, age proof, and photographs.
6. How much does a commercial two-wheeler licence cost?
The total cost usually ranges between ₹700 and ₹1,200, excluding driving school training or medical certificate charges.
7. What is the validity of a commercial two-wheeler driving licence?
Commercial licences are typically valid for 3 to 5 years, after which renewal with a medical fitness certificate is required.
8. Do delivery platforms require a commercial licence?
Yes. Most organised delivery platforms, including MOVER, require riders to hold a valid commercial two-wheeler driving licence to stay active and compliant.
