Motor Vehicles Act: Section 3 – Necessity for driving licence

1. No person shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds an effective driving license issued to him authorising him to drive the vehicle; and no person shall so drive a transport vehicle other than a motor cab or motor cycle hired for his own use or rented under any scheme made under sub-section (2) of section 75 unless his driving license specifically entitles him so to do.
2. The conditions subject to which sub-section (1) shall not apply to a person receiving instructions in driving a motor vehicle shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

Simplified Explanation

Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act addresses the necessity for a driving license. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Key Points of Section 3:

1. Requirement to Hold a Valid Driving License:
   • No person is allowed to drive a motor vehicle in a public place unless they hold a valid driving license authorizing them to drive that specific type of vehicle.
   • This applies to all motor vehicles, whether it’s a private car, two-wheeler, bus, truck, or any other type of motorized vehicle.
2. Vehicle-Specific License:
   • A person must have a license that is specific to the category of vehicle they are driving. For example:
     • A license for a two-wheeler (like a motorcycle) cannot be used to drive a car.
     • Similarly, a heavy vehicle license (for trucks or buses) is different from a light motor vehicle (LMV) license.
   • This ensures that drivers are properly trained and authorized to handle the type of vehicle they are operating.
3. Licenses for Learners:
   • Section 3 also makes provisions for learner’s licenses. A person with a learner’s license can drive a vehicle, but they must follow certain conditions:
     • They must be supervised by someone who holds a valid license for the same type of vehicle.
     • The vehicle must display a ‘L’ sign to indicate that it is being driven by a learner.
     • The learner’s license is generally a temporary permit allowing new drivers to practice until they can obtain a permanent license.

Importance of Section 3:

• Ensuring Road Safety: The primary goal of requiring a valid driving license is to ensure that only those who are qualified and trained can operate motor vehicles. This helps reduce the risk of accidents caused by unskilled or untrained drivers.
• Legal Accountability: If someone drives without a valid license, they are committing an offense and can face legal penalties such as fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.
• Insurance and Liability: In case of an accident, insurance claims are often dependent on whether the driver had a valid license. Driving without a license can invalidate insurance claims and result in legal consequences.

Exceptions:

• Certain categories of vehicles, such as those used by the military or certain government vehicles, may have specific rules regarding licenses, but for the general public, Section 3 applies universally.

Conclusion:

Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act enforces the need for every driver to hold a valid license that is appropriate for the type of vehicle they are driving. This section is crucial for maintaining order on the roads and ensuring that only qualified individuals operate vehicles in public places.