According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a valid driving licence is mandatory for anyone who wants to ride a bike or scooty on Indian roads. Riding on Indian roads without a valid licence is a punishable offence that draws legal repercussions and hefty fines.
Earlier, applicants had to visit their nearest RTO to apply for a two-wheeler licence. However, with digitisation, online two-wheeler licence applications are now accepted 24/7. You can apply for a learner’s permit or a permanent driving licence online, depending on your training level, and existing licence. Before applying for a two-wheeler licence online, you must know about the different types of licences, their eligibility, and the documentation process.
What is a two-wheeler driving licence?
A two-wheeler licence is a legal document that allows an individual to ride a two-wheeler vehicle, including motorcycles and scooters, on Indian roads. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) after completing the necessary tests and meeting the eligibility criteria.
With a valid two-wheeler licence, you can enjoy riding some of the best two-wheelers available in the market. When you go two-wheeler shopping, you can choose from stylish sports bikes to modern electric scooters.
Types of two-wheeler driving licences in India
Before you apply for a two-wheele7r licence online, you should familiarise yourself with the types of licences issued in India.
- Learner’s licence: A learner’s licence (LL) is a temporary driving permit issued to help the applicant learn how to ride a two-wheeler. A learner’s licence comes with a six-month validity window. Those above 16 can apply for an LL to ride two-wheelers under 50cc under the supervision of a person with a valid driver’s licence.
- Permanent driver’s licence: A permanent driver’s licence replaces an LL after the applicant has completed training and passed a driving test. For a DL, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must hold a valid LL for at least 30 days.
Additionally, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which allows you to rent and ride two-wheelers abroad. IDPs come with a 1-year validity and are solely issued to those with valid DLs. India also offers commercial driving licences required for driving heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
How to apply for a two-wheeler licence offline
To apply for a two-wheeler licence offline, visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and submit an application form, along with the required documents like identity proof, address proof, age proof, and passport-sized photographs. Once submitted, you will need to pass the necessary evaluation exam to obtain the two-wheeler licence.
Steps to apply for a learner’s licence online
Follow these steps to apply for a 2-wheeler licence online:
- Visit the official Parivahan website at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
- Go to the ‘Online Services’ option. From the drop-drop menu, select the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ option
- Specify the state from which you are applying
- Choose the ‘Apply for Learner’s License’ option
- Select the ‘Applicant with Aadhaar’ option to take the test from anywhere and obtain an e-learner’s licence instantly
- Click on the ‘Applicant does not have a driving licence issued in India’ option and click ‘Submit’
- Next, click on the ‘Submit with Aadhaar Authentication’ option
- Click on the ‘Generate OTP’ option after inputting your Aadhaar Card details and mobile number
- Enter the OTP and click on the terms and conditions box, along with the authentication button
- Pick a preferred payment option and watch the mandatory 10-minute driving instruction video
- You will receive an OTP and password after the video for the test
- Complete the form to proceed with the test. Ensure that the front camera of your device is switched on
- Answer six out of the ten questions correctly to receive your e-learner’s permit
Steps to apply for a permanent driving licence online
Follow these steps to apply for a two-wheeler driving licence online.
- Visit the official Parivahan website at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
- Go to the ‘Online Services’ option. From the drop-drop menu, select the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ option
- Specify the state from which you are applying
- Select the ‘Apply for Driving License’ option
- Enter your LL number and date of birth and click ‘OK’
- Fill up the online 2-wheeler licence application form with the required details
- Scan and upload copies of the necessary documents
- Pay the application fee online
- Book a preferred slot for your driver’s test
- Appear for the test as per the given schedule with physical copies of the documents and the fee slip
- If you pass, your driver’s licence will be mailed to your residential address
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Eligibility for two-wheeler licence in India
Before you start the two-wheeler driving licence process, here is a quick overview of the different eligibility criteria for two-wheeler licences in India.
Types of two-wheelers |
Eligibility criteria |
Two-wheelers without gears with up to 50cc engines |
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Two-wheelers with gears |
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Documents needed when applying for a two-wheeler licence
You must keep the relevant documents handy when applying for a two-wheeler driving licence online. Here is a comprehensive list of the documents required for a two-wheeler driving licence in India.
Address proof |
Acceptable address proof documents include your PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, electricity bill, passport, voter ID, rental agreement with a recent utility bill, LIC certificate, and ration card. |
Age proof |
Acceptable age proof documents include birth certificate, PAN Card, passport, class X mark sheet, and school transfer certificate. |
Other documents |
Additional documents include six self-attested passport-size photos for a learner’s licence, one self-attested passport-size photo for a permanent driver’s licence, and a medical certificate for applicants over 40 years of age. |
Fee for a learner’s two-wheeler licence
The fee for a learner's two-wheeler licence varies from state to state in India. Generally, the fee ranges from Rs. 150 to Rs. 300. It is advisable to check with your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the exact fee for the learner's two-wheeler licence.
Wrapping It Up
The roll-out of online two-wheeler driving licence application procedures has streamlined the entire process. Digitisation has helped make the process hassle-free, allowing two-wheeler owners to apply for permits from anywhere without making frequent trips to the local RTO. The streamlined online application process provides a convenient way for individuals to obtain a two-wheeler licence. It also plays a crucial role in helping people carry valid licences, ultimately assisting them in avoiding potential fines and ensuring a safer and law-abiding riding experience.
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