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Applying for a Two-wheeler Driving Licence - A Complete Guide

By Vikas Chandra Das
28 July 2022, 11:54 AM

A two-wheeler is the most comfortable way to commute in India. However, learning how to ride doesn’t legally permit you to start riding a bike or scooter. 

The government mandates having a driving licence to be able to ride a two-wheeler, without which riders stand to face hefty penalties if caught. In case of accidents, a bike insurance policy might fail to honour commitments if an unlicenced individual was riding it. You can apply for a driving licence at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) located in various states. Either you can visit the branch of the RTO or visit its portal to apply for a driving licence.

As per the information sourced from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. a private driving licence remains valid for 20 years from the issuance date or till the time the holder becomes 40 years old, whichever happens, earlier. After the holder attains 40 years of age, the driving licence will be issued for 10 and 5 years.

In this post, we talk about how you can apply for a two-wheeler driving licence in India. 

Applying for a Two-wheeler Driving Licence

A driving licence is required to drive a bike or scooter on roads in India legally. However, you cannot get a permanent licence right away. People willing to ride any two-wheeler in the country should get their learner’s licence first.

Learner's permits come with restrictions, especially regarding speeds that can be traversed, and the number of passengers who can be carried on the bike. While riding with a learner's permit, you can still make third-party bike insurance claims. However, the rider must comply with restrictions imposed on learners, including the 'L' sign painted on the two-wheeler.

A month after this licence is issued, you need to appear for a driving test before the authorities who examine and declare the pass/fail result, after which you get a permanent driving licence. 

There are two modes to apply for a two-wheeler driving licence in India. 

Read more - Bike Insurance Claim without an RC or DL

Offline Application

In the offline mode of application, you need to visit the RTO office physically to get the licence application form. If you opt for a learner’s licence, you should get Form 1; you can take Form 4 for the permanent licence. You can also download these forms from the official website of the state transport office. 

Once you have the form, you can fill in the details and submit it to the office along with the required documents. After this, your application is reviewed, and you are allotted a time slot for a driving test which you must pass to get your licence at your registered address. 

Online Application

To apply online for a learner’s two-wheeler licence, you can visit the portal https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do where you can find all the details for the application. You are asked to follow a few steps on the portal:

  • Select your state.
  • Choose your licence type.
  • Fill in the details.
  • Upload documents as advised.
  • Make the payment.
  • Verify the status of the payment.
  • Print the receipt.
  • Book your driving test slot.
  • Give the written test.

You need to score a minimum of 60% on the written test to be eligible immediately for a learning licence. If you don’t score the minimum, you can choose to reapply. One of the most critical considerations is the choice of class of vehicle. You can select multiple COVs depending on your use. The most commonly selected options are Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and Motorcycle with Gear (MCWG). 

Once you get your learner’s licence, you can start riding a two-wheeler with an ‘L’ sticker pasted on your vehicle’s front and back. Moreover, you cannot carry other people with you. 

Applying for a Permanent Driving Licence

In India, the learner’s licence is valid for six months from the date of issue. You can brush up on your skills during this period and choose to apply for a permanent licence after a month. To apply for a permanent two-wheeler licence, you can follow these steps:

  • Visit the portal.
  • Select your state.
  • Choose your licence option.
  • Fill in the application form.
  • Upload required documents.
  • Book a driving test slot.
  • Pay fees.
  • Verify the status of the payment.
  • Print the receipt.
  • Pass the driving test.
  • Receive your licence.

If you fail to clear your driving test on the first attempt, you can reapply after 7 days. This licence type suits those who want to ride a two-wheeler for personal use. 

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence in India

The criteria you must fulfill for a two-wheeler licence depend on the type of licence and COV you select. One can ride a non-geared two-wheeler below 50cc without a licence after 16 years with the parents’ consent. You need a learner’s licence to ride geared two-wheelers with an engine capacity over 50cc. To apply for a learner’s licence, you should be at least 18 years old and have physical fitness and literacy. 

Read more - Everything You Need to Know About Traffic Fines in Delhi

Documents Required for Two-wheeler Driving Licence

Here are the documents you must produce to apply for a two-wheeler driving licence. 

  • Proof of Age 

You can produce any documents from PAN card, passport, birth certificate, mark sheet of class 10, and transfer certificate from school. 

  • Address Proof

You can present any documents from your passport, ration card, electricity bill, voter ID card, or house agreement for address proof. Before submitting, ensure that the address details on your document are visible. 

  • Other Requirements

Apart from these documents, your application form must be accompanied by six passport-sized photos and an application fee. Applicants over the age of 40 years must produce a medical certificate to prove their fitness.

Conclusion

Getting a two-wheeler driving licence is almost akin to a rite of passage in the lives of most young adults. With newer, simplified policies in place, the entire process is hassle-free, putting a valid licence within reach of most individuals. 

Read more - What Happens if You Drive on the Wrong Side in India?

FAQs

1. Is bike insurance for RC transfer necessary?

The bike insurance policy is required to complete the ownership transfer of the vehicle. Therefore, the RC transfer can be seen as a step in the overall ownership transfer procedure.

2. How do I transfer ownership of my bike in Vahan?

A Form-29 and Form-30 application for a change in ownership must be submitted with a pencil print of the chassis number. In addition, applications should be submitted in Form 32 for ownership transfers resulting from public auctions and Form 31 for ownership transfers resulting from inheritance.

3. Can I sell my bike without transferring the RC?

You must get a no-objection certificate or clearance certificate from the RTO where your vehicle is filed if you sell it within the state itself but beyond the authority of the RTO in which it is registered.

4. Can I modify my name on the RC for my bike?

You may modify your vehicle's RC name if you provide proof of identity. You can accomplish this by going to your local RTO and following their instructions.

5. How long is a two-wheeler registration certificate valid?

The two different sorts of registration certificates are temporary and permanent, respectively. Only one month is the duration of the temporary one. The next step is to make the transition to a permanent one. A long-term or permanent RC has a 15-year and five-year renewal period.

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