Step‑by‑Step Guide to Applying for a Private Vehicle Driver’s Licence in Nepal (2026)

Eligibility & Age Requirements

To apply for a private vehicle driver’s licence in Nepal you must be at least 18 years old on the day of application. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) requires a valid Nepali citizenship certificate or, for foreign nationals, a recognised proof of residence. A medical certificate confirming fitness to drive, issued by a government‑approved clinic, is mandatory. Any prior disqualification or suspension must be cleared before the process can continue.

Required Documents

Before starting the online form gather: original citizenship certificate and a photocopy, two recent passport‑size photographs with white background, a medical certificate from a DoTM‑approved clinic, and the completed application form (downloadable from the portal). For renewals, attach the expired licence and the latest renewal receipt. All uploads must be clear, legible and in the prescribed format; otherwise the system will reject them.

Online Application Steps

Visit the DoTM’s official online service portal at https://dotm.gov.np and create an account using your mobile number and email. After verification, select “New Private Vehicle Licence”, fill in personal details, address and the licence class you need (e.g., Class B for light motor vehicles). Upload scanned copies of the documents listed above. The portal then lets you choose a date for the written test at the nearest transport office. Once the slot is confirmed you will receive an SMS with the appointment slip — keep a printed copy for the test day.

Written Knowledge Test

The written exam covers traffic rules, road signs, basic vehicle maintenance and safe‑driving practices. It is a multiple‑choice test administered on a computer at the transport office, with results available immediately. If you do not pass, you can re‑book after a mandatory waiting period; the repeat fee matches the original application fee.

Practical Driving Test

After clearing the written part you proceed to the practical test. You must bring a road‑worthy vehicle that matches the licence class (for example, a car for a Class B licence). The examiner evaluates basic manoeuvres on the designated test track, which typically includes a figure‑8, S‑curve, hill start (where applicable), lane changes, parallel parking, reverse parking and a controlled U‑turn. A checklist is used; any major error — such as hitting a cone, ignoring a signal or stalling on a hill — results in an automatic fail. Minor faults are allowed up to a limit published in the latest DoTM notice.

Biometric Capture & Licence Issuance

Upon passing the practical test, you must complete biometric capture at the transport office: live photograph and fingerprint scanning. After this step the DoTM processes your application and prints the licence. You will be notified when it is ready for collection.

Licence Validity

A private vehicle driver’s licence issued in Nepal is valid for five years from the date of issue. After this period you must renew it to continue driving legally.

Licence Renewal Process

Renewal can be initiated up to 30 days before the expiry date. Log in to the same portal, choose “Renew Licence”, and upload a fresh medical certificate, a recent passport‑size photograph and a copy of the existing licence. The system calculates the fee based on the remaining validity and any late‑renewal penalty. Payment is made online; once confirmed you receive a digital receipt. The renewed licence is printed and can be collected from the selected transport office within five working days.

2026 Fee & Procedure Updates

In early 2026 the DoTM published a revised fee structure in the Nepal Gazette and on its website (https://dotm.gov.np). The fees for new applications and renewals are fixed until the next gazette notice; they are not subject to change without public announcement. Always verify the current schedule on the portal or at the transport office before making payment. The 2026 notice also made an online appointment mandatory for the practical test, removing the previous walk‑in option.