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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter II
Section 7
Restrictions on Driving of Motor Cab and Motor Cycle
Licensing of Drivers of Motor Vehicles
Fine: ₹5,000Compoundable: YesEndorsement: Yes
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
No person shall drive a motor cab unless he holds a driving licence specifically issued to him for the purpose or unless he holds a driving licence in Form 6 to drive a light motor vehicle, and no person shall drive a motor cycle unless he holds a driving licence issued to him to drive a motor cycle or a motor vehicle of any class or description.
Simplified Explanation
Section 7 addresses the specific driving authorisation requirements for motor cabs (taxis) and motorcycles — two of the most common vehicle types in India. For motorcycles, a person must hold either a motorcycle-specific licence or a licence covering motor vehicles generally. For motor cabs, either a specific motor cab licence or a general LMV licence in Form 6 suffices. This provision must be read alongside the Supreme Court's ruling in Mukund Dewangan (2017), which confirmed that an LMV licence holder can drive transport vehicles (including motor cabs) of the LMV category. The practical impact is that app-based delivery drivers and taxi drivers typically need to ensure their LMV licence covers the vehicle weight class they operate.
Historical Context
Section 7 reflects the policy of ensuring that the most common vehicle types (motorcycles and taxis) have clearly defined licensing requirements accessible to the large population of Indian drivers who operate them.Critical Changes
Digital licence in DigiLocker accepted as valid documentation.
Two-wheeler licences: minimum age 16 for gearless vehicles below 50cc; 18 for all other motorcycles.
Practical Scenarios
"A person with only a motorcycle licence driving a car — Section 3/7 violation."
"An Uber driver with a valid LMV licence — compliant with Section 7 for LMV-category vehicles."
Common Queries
No — a motorcycle-only licence (MC) does not authorise driving a car or any four-wheeled vehicle. A separate LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) licence is required for cars and light vehicles.
Yes — for cabs in the LMV weight category, an LMV driving licence is sufficient. The driver also needs a badge/permit for commercial driving in most states.