Have you turned 18 years old and are looking to set explore the world of two wheels? Firstly, we have to say welcome to the club. We can completely relate to the anticipation of growing up to legally ride a motorcycle. For those who are on a steady diet of power, pistons and performance, this is when everything changes. But before you go out and explore the amazing life of a motorcyclist, you first need to adhere law of the jungle. And in this case, it means getting a two-wheeler's licence.
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Applying for a driving licence should be one of the first things you do as soon as you turn 18. And while the process can be a little tedious, it's extremely rewarding. So on this World Motorcycle Day, we put together how you can apply for a two-wheeler's riding licence and what'll you need to consider.
Your first two-wheeler is special and will open to a whole new world of possibilities
A two-wheeler licence is divided into two eligibility categories - motorcycle without gear and motorcycle with gear. For the former, the cubic capacity is restricted to under 50 cc while the applicant must be at least 16 years old and must have the consent of the parent or guardian. For motorcycles with gear, the applicant needs to be at least 18 years old. Unlike Europe where there is an age limit for riding different displacement motorcycles, India allows you to ride any bike once you get the licence. So ride responsibly!
MoRTH's Sarathi website gives you access to fill and submit forms online and also schedule your driving test at the RTO office
Before you go out all guns blazing for a permanent driving licence, you first need to apply for a learner's licence. This essentially allows you to begin riding a two-wheeler under the supervision of an adult with a permanent licence. Applying for a learner's licence is a fairly simple process and can be done online. You need to log on to the Road Transport & Highways Ministry's Sarathi website and click on the option - Apply For Learner's Licence under 'Sarathi Services'. The website will then ask you to:
1. Fill Application Details
2. Upload Photo and Signature
3. Upload Documents
4. Pay the Fees
5. Verify pay status
7. Book a slot
The final section is for conducting a theoretical test that about your knowledge of road signs and driving. It's best that you learn about the different road traffic rules and regulations before proceeding with the learner's licence test.
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A learner's licence is valid for a period of six during which the applicant can apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days and before six months. Once you're back at the Sarathi website to apply for a permanent driver's licence, make sure to keep the following documents handy:
Here's what you need to do to submit the driving licence application online:
At the RTO centre, you will be asked to ride in a shape of '8' without putting your foot down.
Once you have applied the driving licence form online and selected the requisite categories, you will need to select a time slot for the actual driving test that will happen at the RTO centre.
In the case of two-wheelers, you will be asked to ride a two-wheeler on a path designed in the shape of the number '8'. The motor vehicle inspector will check if you've ridden the path without your legs touching the ground and if you've used turn indicators at the right time as well as the relevant hand signals. Once you've passed the test, you will be given a receipt of the same that will act as your licence until the actual licence is dispatched to you. This usually happens within a month after the completion of the test.
Welcome to motorcycling and do adhere to the road rules to safeguard your life and that of everyone around.
