The class of vehicle (COV) endorsed on a driving licence defines what the holder is authorised to drive. A DL that is active but lacks the correct class does not authorise that vehicle merely because it looks similar or is used privately.
Open Official Sarathi Vehicle-Class Services
Common Licence Class Codes
| Code/label | Common meaning | What to verify before driving |
|---|---|---|
| MCWOG | Motorcycle without gear | Engine/power limits, age eligibility and exact endorsement shown by the authority |
| MCWG | Motorcycle with gear | Whether the endorsed class covers the motorcycle being used |
| LMV | Light Motor Vehicle | Vehicle's registration class/use and any transport authorisation requirement |
| Transport | Transport-vehicle entitlement/authorisation under the applicable framework | Training, medical, badge/authorisation and state requirements |
| Adapted vehicle | Vehicle adapted for the holder's needs | The restriction/adaptation recorded on the licence |
| Legacy class codes | Older goods/passenger/heavy or state labels | Current validity and mapping confirmed by the licensing authority |
This table explains common labels; the live Sarathi application and licence record are decisive. Do not expand an ambiguous abbreviation based only on a third-party infographic.
MCWOG vs MCWG
- MCWOG identifies the applicable motorcycle-without-gear class.
- MCWG identifies motorcycle-with-gear authorisation.
The name “scooter” does not settle the licence question: scooters can have different specifications, and electric two-wheelers can fall under different legal/registration treatment. Match the vehicle's official registration/specification and the class on the DL.
What Does LMV Cover?
LMV describes a light-motor-vehicle class, not every possible use of a car-sized vehicle. Check:
- The vehicle category in its registration record
- Private versus transport/commercial use
- Any additional authorisation required for paid passenger/goods work
- The exact class and restrictions printed in the DL
Do not tell a driver that “LMV means all cars and taxis” without evaluating the registered vehicle and use.
Electric Vehicles and Driving-Licence Class
“Electric” describes propulsion, not by itself the driving-licence class. Some low-speed vehicles may be treated differently under current registration/licensing rules, while registered higher-speed electric scooters, motorcycles and cars require the applicable class. Use the vehicle's approved specifications and registration category—not an advertisement's “no licence” badge.
How to Add a Class of Vehicle
- Confirm the target vehicle class in the official state workflow.
- Use Addition of Class/the relevant LL-DL service on Sarathi.
- Enter the existing DL details.
- Apply for the class-specific learner entitlement where required.
- Complete documents, fee, training and test stages.
- Track the application until the new class is endorsed.
- Refresh the DigiLocker/mParivahan record after the source update.
Owning or learning on a vehicle does not add the class automatically.
Related guide: driving licence test.
Read the COV Section on Your DL
Check the class code together with:
- Date of issue for that class
- Validity associated with the entitlement
- Badge/transport details where applicable
- Restrictions or adaptation codes
- Current licence status
When the physical card, DigiLocker record and Sarathi record differ, treat it as a source-record issue and obtain authority clarification/correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MCWG include gearless scooters?
Do not infer coverage from the letters alone. Confirm the current class mapping and the vehicle's legal category through the licensing authority.
Can an LMV holder drive a commercial vehicle?
Vehicle weight/class, registration and commercial/transport use can trigger additional requirements. Check the precise vehicle and use rather than relying on a yes/no slogan.
Do I need a new DL to add a vehicle class?
Use the addition-of-class process on the existing record. After approval, the new entitlement is endorsed on that DL.
Why is an old code missing in Sarathi?
Legacy records can need digitisation, mapping or verification by the issuing RTO before a modern service recognises them.
Official Sources
Page review and safety note
This guide was reviewed on 23 September 2026. Government menus, state availability and required documents can change. Confirm the live requirement on the linked official service before submitting an application or payment.