MCWG in Driving License — Meaning, Eligibility Criteria & How to Apply Online

 MCWG in Driving License—Meaning, Eligibility Criteria & How to Apply Online

When applying for a driving license in India, you may have seen different types of categories mentioned on the license, like LMV, HMV, and MCWG. These codes represent the type of vehicles the license holder is legally allowed to drive.

In this blog, we’ll focus on MCWG for a driving license—what it means, who is eligible, and how to apply for it online. If you're planning to ride a motorcycle in India, understanding the MCWG category is essential.


What is MCWG in a driving license?

MCWG stands for Motorcycle With Gear. This category on a driving license allows a person to legally ride a two-wheeler with gears, regardless of its engine capacity.

If your license has the MCWG category, you are permitted to ride:

  • Motorcycles with manual gears
  • Scooters and bikes with an engine capacity above 50 cc
  • Two-wheelers used for both personal and commercial purposes (if endorsed)

In short, MCWG license holders can ride any geared two-wheeler on Indian roads.


Difference Between MCWG and MCWOG

To avoid confusion, it’s important to understand the difference between MCWG and MCWOG:

License Type

Full Form

Vehicle Allowed

MCWG

Motorcycle With Gear

Two-wheelers with gear (manual)

MCWOG

Motorcycle Without Gear

Two-wheelers without gear (like mopeds or scooters)

If you hold an MCWOG license, you can only ride gearless two-wheelers. But you can ride both geared and gearless motorcycles if you have an MCWG license.


Eligibility Criteria for MCWG License

Make sure you fulfill the requirements for an MCWG driving license in India before submitting an application.

Age Requirement:

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • MCWG is not available to applicants under the age of 18.

Education or Qualification:

  • No formal education is required.
  • However, you should be able to understand traffic rules and signs.

Medical Fitness:

  • A basic fitness certificate is required, especially if you're above 40 years of age.
  • You must not have any health condition that affects safe driving.

 Valid Documents:

  • Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.)
  • Age proof (Birth certificate, 10th certificate, etc.)
  • Passport-sized photos
  • A learner's license is required to apply for a permanent MCWG license.

Documents Required to Apply for MCWG Driving License

Here’s a list of documents you will need when applying:

  1. Proof of age (any one):
    • Birth certificate
    • School leaving certificate
    • Passport
  2. Proof of address (any one):
    • Aadhaar card
    • Voter ID
    • Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
    • Rental agreement
  3. Passport-sized photographs
  4. Learner’s license copy
  5. Medical certificate (Form 1A), especially if the applicant is above 40 years of age

Make sure all documents are original or self-attested copies when uploading online.


How to Apply for MCWG Driving License Online—Step-by-Step Process

Thanks to digital services, applying for an MCWG license online is easy. Below is the step-by-step process:


Step 1: Visit the Official Driving License Portal

Go to the government website where all transport-related services are available.


Step 2: Select Your State

Once the page opens, choose your state from the list. Each state has its own transport office (RTO) under the central portal.


Step 3: Apply for Learner’s License (If Not Already Done)

You must first have a current learner's license to apply for MCWG:

  • Select “Apply for Learner’s License”
  • Fill in your personal details
  • Choose MCWG as the vehicle class
  • Upload documents
  • Book a slot for the learner’s test
  • Appear for the test and get your learner’s license

Step 4: Apply for Permanent MCWG License

After holding your learner’s license for at least 30 days, you can apply for the permanent MCWG license.

  • Choose “Apply for Driving License.”
  • Enter the learner’s license number and details
  • Select MCWG as your vehicle category
  • Upload required documents and photos
  • Choose your preferred RTO
  • Book your driving test slot
  • Pay the application fee online

Step 5: Appear for the Driving Test

You will need to visit your chosen RTO on the scheduled date for a practical test:

  • Bring your own geared two-wheeler (or use one provided by a driving school)
  • You’ll be tested on balance, control, turning, and basic road awareness
  • If you pass, the RTO will process your license

Once approved, the driving license with MCWG will be issued and delivered to your registered address.


MCWG License Fees in India

Depending on your state, the fee schedule might change a little. However, the typical charges are:

Type

Approximate Fee

Learner’s License

₹150 – ₹200

Driving Test Fee

₹300 – ₹400

Permanent License Issue

₹200 – ₹300

Retest Fee (if failed)

₹50 – ₹100

 

For the most up-to-date fee information, always check with your local RTO.


Tips to Prepare for the MCWG Driving Test

  • Practice on the same bike that you'll use during the test
  • Wear a proper helmet for safety
  • Understand basic road signs and hand signals
  • Maintain balance and control at low speed
  • Follow the examiner’s instructions carefully

Passing the test is easy if you stay confident and follow the rules.


MCWG Endorsement on an Existing License

If you already hold a driving license for another class (like LMV) and want to add MCWG to your license, you can do so by:

  • Applying for an “Addition of Class” on the online portal
  • Selecting MCWG as the class of vehicle
  • Booking a test and submitting documents
  • Passing the driving test for a geared two-wheeler

Once approved, MCWG will be added to your existing license.


Final Thoughts

Anyone who wishes to ride a geared two-wheeler legally in India must comprehend what MCWG on a driver's license means. Whether you’re applying for a fresh license or upgrading your current one, knowing the eligibility criteria, documents required, and online application steps will make the process smooth and stress-free.

With digital services and simplified procedures, getting your MCWG driving license is easier than ever. Just make sure to follow the traffic rules, wear a helmet, and ride responsibly.

 

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