Motor Vehicles Act: Section 10 – Form and contents of licences to drive

Every learner’s license and driving license, except a driving license issued under section 18, shall be in such form and shall contain such information as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

A learner’s license or, as the case may be, driving license shall also be expressed as entitling the holder to drive a motor vehicle of one or more of the following classes, namely—

1. motor cycle without gear;
2. motor cycle with gear;
3. invalid carriage;
4. light motor vehicle;
5. transport vehicle;
6. —
7. —
8. —
9. road-roller;
10. motor vehicle of a specified description.

Simplified Explanation

Section 10 outlines the form and content of driving licences issued to drivers. It ensures uniformity in the information presented on licences and categorizes vehicle types for which the licence is valid. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Key Points of Section 10:

1. Form of the Licence:
   • The licence is issued in a prescribed format by the licensing authority. This format is uniform across the country and ensures that essential details are included.
   • It can be issued as a physical document (usually a plastic card) or a digital format, depending on the rules in the respective state or region.
2. Details on the Licence: The driving licence contains the following details:
   • Name and address of the licence holder.
   • Date of birth of the licence holder.
   • Photograph of the licence holder.
   • Signature or thumb impression of the licence holder.
   • Type or class of vehicle(s) the licence holder is authorized to drive (e.g., motorcycles, light motor vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, etc.).
   • Date of issue and the date of expiry of the licence.
3. Categories of Vehicles:
   • The licence specifies the categories of vehicles that the holder is permitted to drive. These categories are clearly defined, such as:
     • Motorcycles with or without gear
     • Light motor vehicles (LMVs) like cars
     • Transport vehicles such as buses or trucks
     • Heavy goods or passenger vehicles.
   • The classification ensures that a driver is only allowed to drive vehicles that they have been trained and tested to operate.
4. Endorsements:
   • Any penalties or disqualifications imposed on the driver, such as suspension or restrictions on driving, may be noted on the licence as endorsements.
5. Driving Licence Renewal:
   • The section also makes provisions for the renewal of licences, which must be done within a prescribed period. The validity period of the licence depends on the type of vehicle and the driver’s age.
6. Commercial Licence Requirements:
   • For commercial or transport vehicles, the licence may have additional endorsements regarding medical fitness, visual acuity, and special skills necessary for handling heavy or passenger vehicles.

Purpose of Section 10:

• To ensure that all driving licences contain standardized and relevant information about the driver, making it easier for law enforcement and regulatory bodies to identify the holder and verify their driving qualifications.
• To regulate the use of vehicles by classifying them into categories, ensuring that drivers operate only the vehicles for which they are trained and licensed.

Conclusion:

Section 10 standardizes the form and contents of the driving licence, ensuring it contains all necessary personal and vehicle-related information, including the categories of vehicles that the holder is authorized to drive.