If you are planning to ride a two-wheeler, you must have a permanent bike licence. But before you can obtain it, you must apply for and hold a two-wheeler learner’s licence. In this blog, we discuss the various types of two-wheeler learner's licences in India.
A two-wheeler learner's licence (LL) is a temporary licence issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is granted to the applicant so they can learn to ride a two-wheeler on public roads. Once the applicant, i.e., the LL holder, learns how to ride a bike or scooter, they can apply for their permanent bike licence (DL).
Here are the two types of LL available in India:
The MCWOG licence for learners stands for Motorcycle Without Gear.. Holders of a motorcycle without gear licence can only operate automatic scooters, mopeds and electric bikes/scooters, which don’t have a manual clutch or gears.
The learner’s licence for MCWG stands for Motorcycle With Gear. Holders of a motorcycle with gear licence can operate both geared and non-geared scooters and bikes.
The eligibility criteria to apply for a two-wheeler LL are as follows:
| Learner’s Licence Type | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence for Motorcycle Without Gear (MCWOG) Up To 50cc | 16 years old (with consent from parent/guardian) |
| Learner’s Licence for Motorcycle Without Gear (MCWOG) & Motorcycle With Gear (MCWG) Above 50cc | 18 years old |
Documents needed to apply for an MCWOG licence or an MCWG licence for learners are as follows:
1. Form 1
2. Applicant’s photos
3. Form 1-A (if applicable)
4. Form 2
5. Proof of address
6. Proof of age
7. Prescribed fee
In India, you can apply for your two-wheeler LL online by following these steps:
1. Open up the Parivahan Sewa website on a browser
2. Go to “Online Services” and tap on “Driving Licence-related Services”
3. Choose your state name, then click on “Apply for Learner Licence”
4. Carefully fill in the LL application details as requested
5. Upload your photo, signature and the required documents
6. Pay the application fee for the learner’s licence
7. Verify payment status and print the receipt
8. Finally, book your learner’s licence exam slot at the local RTO
For a beginner rider, a learner’s licence is a very crucial document. Here’s why it is important:
1. To apply for a permanent bike licence, the applicant must hold a valid learner’s licence.
2. It gives the applicant authorisation to learn to ride a two-wheeler on public roads.
3. It helps the LL holder to gain valuable experience in real road conditions.
4. Practising riding a two-wheeler on public roads without an LL is punishable by law.
If you are practising how to ride a two-wheeler with an MCWG or MCWOG licence for learners, here are some rules you need to follow:
1. You must hold and carry your valid learner’s licence when operating the two-wheeler.
2. You must have proper, red “L” plates on the front and rear of the vehicle.
3. You must be accompanied by a person holding a valid two-wheeler permanent bike licence on the pillion seat.
Before taking your two-wheeler out on the road for practice, ensure it has a valid two-wheeler insurance. Jio Insurance Broking offers hassle-free online solutions for all your two-wheeler insurance needs. You can compare policies from top providers in India and buy or renew your preferred bike insurance plan in four simple steps.
Here’s how you can convert an LL to a permanent bike licence:
1. Go to “Parivahan Sewa”, then pick “Driving Licence-related Services” under “Online Services”
2. Choose your state name and then tap on “Apply for Driving Licence”
3. Fill in the application form and applicant details, including learner’s licence number
4. Upload the necessary documents online for the permanent driving licence application
5. Pay the driving licence application fee online and download the receipt
6. Finally, book your driving licence (DL) test slot
7. Visit the RTO on the selected date and time with the necessary paperwork and take the test
8. If you pass the DL test, the RTO will issue the permanent DL and send it to your registered home address by post.
The validity of a two-wheeler LL is 6 months from the date of its original issuance. If your learner’s licence expires, you can apply for a re-issue or a fresh one online via the Parivahan Sewa portal.
Getting your learner’s licence is the essential first step before you can hit the road with your bike on your own. Whether you plan to ride a geared motorcycle or an automatic scooter, picking the correct learner’s licence category is very important to ensure a smooth conversion to a permanent driving licence later.
No. If your learner’s licence expires before you apply for a permanent driving licence, it cannot be renewed. You can apply for a fresh learner’s licence or request a reissue through the Parivahan Sewa portal or your local RTO.
No. An MCWOG (Motorcycle Without Gear) learner's licence allows you to ride only gearless two-wheelers. To legally ride a geared motorcycle, you must obtain an MCWG (Motorcycle With Gear) learner’s licence.
Yes. Riders holding a learner’s licence must display clearly visible 'L' plates (red on a white background) on both the front and rear of the two-wheeler, as required under Indian motor vehicle regulations.