Driving Licence: MCWG Full Form

For most of us, motorcycles are the first upgrade from bicycles to automobiles. Learning to ride a motorcycle is a memorable, exciting, and challenging affair for everyone. Still, the actual challenge comes when we want to acquire a licence which allows us to ride a motorcycle on public roads. This licence, called MCWG – Motorcycle with gear, is our pass to use our motorcycles or any other two-wheelers on public roads. What makes the MCWG even more important is the fact that almost all car driving licences have the MCWG as a mandatory requirement. So, if you aren’t licensed to ride a motorcycle with gear, you can’t be licensed to drive a car.  In this article, we explain every important detail regarding MCWG and how you can get one.

What is MCWG Full Form?

MCWG, which stands for Motorcycle with Gear, is a driving licence issued for riding two-wheelers with gears, for example, motorcycles, scooters, or mopeds, regardless of their engine capacity. This licence is a must-have for anyone willing to ride geared motorcycles on public roads in India.

Types of MCWG License

The MCWG Learner’s Licence and the MCWG Permanent Licence are the two primary types of MCWG licence. The granting of these licences depends on your level of expertise in riding motorcycles with gears.

MCWG Learner’s Licence

To ride a motorbike with gears, you must first obtain an MCWG Learner’s Licence. This is a temporary licence and is issued to learners so they can practise and obtain experience driving. However, the MCWG Learner’s Licence comes with certain limitations, including the requirement to ride with an “L” (Learner’s) sign and the prohibition to carry a pillion rider. Moreover, this licence is valid for only six months, and in this duration, the learner must practise and prepare for the permanent licence test.

To get hold of an MCWG learner licence, you can either visit the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) or apply online on the Parivahan website: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan

MCWG Permanent License

You can apply for the MCWG Permanent License once you’ve gained enough experience with the learner’s licence. With MCWG Permanent Licence, you are authorised to ride motorcycles with gears on public roads. To obtain this licence, you must pass the RTO’s driving test, which evaluates your riding skills and knowledge of traffic rules. After passing the exam, you will receive a permanent MCWG licence, which is good for 20 years from the date of issuance or until the holder becomes 40, whichever comes first. After the age of 40 the licence-holder, the licence is issued for 10 years & then 5 years subsequently.

Also read: Types of Driving Licences in India

Eligibility Criteria for MCWG Licence

To be qualified for an MCWG licence, you must fulfil the following requirements:

Age: To apply for an MCWG licence in India, you must be between the ages of 18 and 70.

Medical Fitness: Riding a motorcycle requires both mental and physical health. In certain situations, a medical certificate could be needed to prove fitness.

Traffic Rules: You must possess a fundamental awareness of traffic laws and regulations before applying for an MCWG learner licence.

Learner’s Licence: You must have a valid MCWG learner’s licence for at least 30 days and no more than 6 months to apply for a permanent MCWG licence.

How to Apply for MCWG Licence

You can apply for an MCWG licence either online or offline.

Offline

• Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) closest to your residence and ask for an application for a driver’s licence.
• Fill out the form and submit it with all necessary documents such as the learner licence.
• Select the time and day that work best for you for the driving test.
• Pay the fee for the application and test
• On the appointed date, visit the RTO with payment receipts.
• If you clear the test, your MCWG Permanent Licence will be mailed to you.

Online

• Visit Parivahan Sarathi.
• Select your state from the options on the site.
• Click on “Apply for Driving License,” and then click “Continue.”
• Enter your learner’s licence number and date of birth.
• Verify the learner’s licence number and personal information.
• Choose the type of licence you want and submit the form.
• Download the filled-in application form, Form 1 (physical fitness), Form 1A, and the acknowledgement slip.
• Upload the essential documents including your learner licence and address proof.
• Choose the date and time for the test.
• Pay the fee.
• On the appointed date and time, take the test and if you pass the test your MCWG Permanent Licence will be delivered to your address.

Also read: How to Apply for a Driver’s License in India – Everything you need to know

Differences between MCWG and other Licence Categories

The MCWG licence is different from the other categories of licence in terms of the type of vehicle and transmission system. Here are some types.

• MCWOG (Motorcycle without Gear): This licence is for the lighter & automatic two-wheelers; essentially the scooters and mopeds without gears.
• LMV (Light Motor Vehicle): The licence is for light motor vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
• HGMV (Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle): This licence is for heavy vehicles used for transporting goods and other commodities. To get an HGMV, you need special training and certification.
• HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle): This licence is for heavy passenger vehicles like buses, and like the HGMV, you need special training and certification to get an HPMV.

Conclusion

Anyone wishing to ride a motorcycle with gears on Indian public roads must possess the MCWG licence. To receive an MCWG Permanent Licence, you must first obtain a learner’s licence, practice under its limits, and then pass a driving test. The MCWG is unique among all licence categories because it permits riders to run geared two-wheelers with engines of any capacity. Compared to other licence categories, the MCWG stands out due to its versatility, allowing riders to operate geared two-wheelers of any engine size.

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