How to Get a Two-Wheeler Driving License in India: Steps & Requirements

A driving license is a documented proof that you have passed the standards required to be allowed to drive a vehicle. A two-wheeler license is nothing different and is essential to ride a bike or scooter on the road. Getting a license is better and easier than riding while continuously looking for traffic police to hide from. The challan for riding a two-wheeler without a license is Rs. 5,000 and can get your bike confiscated as well. This article will help you understand the types of licenses and how to apply for a two-wheeler license.

What is A Two-wheeler Driving License?

A two-wheeler driving license is an official document that permits you to ride legally on a motorcycle or scooter. The license proves that you have passed the riding test and you have the ability to ride safely on public roads. 

Types of Driving Licenses in India

There are 3 main types of licenses In India:

1. Learner's License: This is a temporary license for beginners which is valid for 6 months. People with this license can drive but only in the presence of a permanent license holder. Driving without a permanent license holder is a punishable offense. 
2. Permanent License: This is the main license that tells you that you have passed the driving test. 
3. Commercial License: This license is for people who drive professionally, like taxi or truck drivers.
4. LMV (Light Motor Vehicle)  license:   For cars, taxis, and pickup trucks, you have to get an LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) license.
5. B. MCWG (Motor Cycle With Gear) license: For bikes, scooters, mopeds, and other two-wheeled vehicles, you need an MCWG (Motor Cycle With Gear) license. 
6. HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) License: This license is for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. 

Eligibility Criteria for Learner’s and Permanent Two-Wheeler License

Eligibility Criteria For Learner’s License For Two-Wheelers

Age limit to obtain Driving Licence

1. An applicant under the age of eighteen years shall be granted a learner's license to drive a motor cycle without gear except with the consent in writing of the person having the care of the person desiring a learner's license.
2. The applicant who has completed the age of eighteen years of age is eligible to apply for a driving licence to drive a motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle.
3. An applicant who has completed twenty years of age will be eligible for applying for a licence to drive a transport vehicle.
4.  

Eligibility Criteria For Permanent License For Two-Wheelers

Different states in India have prescribed different eligibility criteria for permanent driving license. However, certain basic rules persist.

Age Limit

1. Gearless two-wheelers (Scooters/Scooty): Age must be 16 years and above.
2. Geared Two-Wheelers (Motorcycle/Bike): Age must be 18 years and above.

Other criteria

• Applicants must possess a learner’s licence for at least 30 days before applying for a permanent driving license.
• Applicants must pass a driving test, 30 days after receiving their learner’s licence.
• Applicants must possess basic knowledge of the traffic rules and regulations of the concerned state before applying.
• If the applicant is under 18, they must submit a valid consent letter from their parents.
• Submit accurate documents representing the applicant’s residential address, like Aadhar card or passport as proof of residence to the RTO.

How to Apply For A Two-Wheeler Driving Licence?

In a nutshell, the process starts by applying for a learner's license, and then only you are qualified to apply for a permanent driving license. You can apply for a two-wheeler driving license either online or offline. 

Online Process

1. Visit the National Government Service Portal, services.india.gov.in, and go to ‘services’.
2. Click on ‘Apply for a Driving License’.
3. Select your state from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on ‘Apply for Learner License’.
5. Continue using either your AADHAR card or registered mobile number.
6. Select the MCWG license and fill out the application details.
7. Upload the required documents.
8. Upload photo and signature (in the case of eKYC through Aadhaar, only the Signature needs to be uploaded)
9. E-sign the document
10. Complete the payment of the fee
11. Book a slot for the learner's online test, (some RTOs might only have offline tests available)
12. Take the learners' license test.

After passing the test, you will be issued your learner's license.  This learner's license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. In case you fail to clear the test, you will have to take the test again which includes paying the test fee as well. You can give a maximum of 3 attempts consecutively. 

After 30 days of getting a learner license, you can apply for a permanent license by following the given steps: 

1. Visit the National Government Service Portal, services.india.gov.in, and go to ‘services’.
2. Click on ‘Apply for a Driving License’.
3. Select your state from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on ‘Apply for Driving License’.
5. Continue using either your AADHAR card or registered mobile number.
6. Select the MCWG license and fill out the application details.
7. Upload the required documents.
8. Upload photo and signature (In the case of eKYC through Aadhaar, only the Signature needs to be uploaded)
9. E-sign the document.
10. Enter your learner license number.
11. Book a slot ( some states might not give the option of choosing a slot)
12. Complete the payment of the fee.
13. Visit the RTO with your two-wheeler according to the booked slot for the test.

Note that there should be a red L sign on your two-wheeler and you must wear your helmet. Not doing any of them will make you fail instantly.

After passing the test you will be issued your permanent driving license which will be valid for 20 years. And if unfortunately, you fail the test, you will have to complete the whole application process for a permanent license again including paying for the slot.

Offline Process

1. Visit your local RTO office.
2. Collect the application form for a two-wheeler license.
3. Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
4. Submit the form and documents at the RTO counter.
5. Pay the application fee.
6. Get a date for the license test.
7. Return on the scheduled date to take the test and complete the process.

You will have to go through the same process for both learner and permanent driving license.  

Documents Required to Get a Driving Licence

• Proof of age and identity (Aadhar card, PAN card, or passport)
• Proof of address (electricity bill, rental agreement, etc.)
• Medical certificate (Form 1A)
• Application form (Form 2)

How to Check Your Driving License Application Status Online ?

Checking the status of your driving license application status is easier as one can do so, online. Here are the steps to follow to check your driving license application status online.

To check the status of your driving license online, 

1. Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
2. Hover over the ‘Online Services’ tab and click on the same.
3. In the drop-down list, select ‘Driving licence-related services’ and click on the option.
4. In the next page,  select your state of residence from the drop-down list, located at the bottom of the page.
5. The driving licence service page specific to your state will be displayed next.
6. Click on ‘Application Status’ button located on the right side of the page.
7. Enter your application number, correct date of birth and the captcha code and click on ‘Submit’.

Also Read:

How To Increase Concentration While Riding Your Motorcycle?

Benefits of Buying Long-Term Two Wheeler Insurance

FAQs

Q. What's the minimum age to get a two-wheeler license?

Ans. A person should be at least 18 years old to apply for a two-wheeler license.

Q. How long does it take to get a license?

Ans. The learner's license is issued within 24 hours of clearing the assessment. After getting the learner license you can book a permanent license test after 30 days. After clearing the permanent license test, it can take 15-30 days to courier the license. 

Q. Do I need to know how to ride before applying?

Ans. You don't necessarily need riding skills to apply for a learner license, but after getting the learner license you must learn how to ride as the permanent license test is completely practical.

Q. How much does it cost to get a license?

Fees vary by state but usually fall between ₹500 to ₹1500 for the entire process.

Q. How long is a two-wheeler license valid?

A permanent license is usually valid for 20 years or until you turn 50 years old, whichever comes later. Different RTOs can have different rules, so it is best to check with your RTO.