Failing a Nepal driving license exam — whether the written Likhit or the practical trial test — is more common than you might think. The good news: the reapplication process is straightforward and your original biometric data is still valid. You do not start over from scratch. Here is exactly what to do.
What Happens to Your Application After a Fail?
When you fail the Likhit (written) exam or trial test, your main application file remains active at DOTM. You do not lose your biometric data, your application number, or your position in the system. You only need to pay the retake fee and rebook the specific exam you failed.
How to Reapply After Failing the Likhit (Written) Exam
Step 1: Log into the DOTM Portal
Go to applydlnew.dotm.gov.np and log in with your registered credentials.
Step 2: Find the Exam Retake Option
In your dashboard, look for a Retake Exam or Likhit Retake option under your active application. This option becomes available within 24–48 hours of your failed attempt being recorded in the system.
Step 3: Pay the Retake Fee
The retake fee for the Likhit exam is NPR 400. Pay via the same online methods (ConnectIPS, eSewa, Khalti, internet banking).
Step 4: Book a New Exam Date
After payment confirmation, select an available exam date from the calendar. Slots typically become available within 1–2 weeks of your payment.
Step 5: Prepare and Attend
Study the weak areas from your failed attempt. Most test centres do not give specific feedback on which questions you got wrong, but the categories covered are consistent — traffic signs, speed limits, and right-of-way rules cause most failures.
How to Reapply After Failing the Trial (Practical) Test
Step 1: Log into the DOTM Portal
Same as above — use your existing credentials.
Step 2: Find the Trial Retake Option
Look for Trial Retake under your application dashboard. If you cannot find it within 48 hours, visit your transport office directly.
Step 3: Pay the Retake Fee
The trial retake fee is also NPR 400. Pay online through the portal.
Step 4: Book a New Trial Date
Select an available slot. Trial dates are often booked 2–3 weeks ahead, especially at busy offices like Ekantakuna.
Step 5: Practice Before Retaking
For the motorcycle figure-of-8 trial, the only effective preparation is physical practice. Find a parking area and mark out a figure-of-8 course similar to DOTM dimensions. Practice the clutch friction zone and looking ahead, not at the ground.
Is There a Limit on Retakes?
No. DOTM does not impose a maximum number of retakes for either the Likhit or trial exam. Each attempt requires a separate NPR 400 fee. There is no increasing penalty for multiple failures.
Does Your Biometric Data Expire?
Your biometric data and application file are stored by DOTM. However, if more than 12 months pass from your biometric date without completing all exam stages, some offices may require updated documents or a fresh medical certificate. Check with your specific office if you are in this situation.
Fees Summary for Retakes
| Retake Type | Fee | How to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Likhit (Written) Retake | NPR 400 | DOTM portal (online) |
| Trial (Practical) Retake | NPR 400 | DOTM portal (online) |
| Both (if failed both) | NPR 800 | DOTM portal (online) |
Common Reasons for Likhit Failure (and How to Fix Them)
- Traffic sign recognition: Study the visual appearance of all sign shapes and colors, not just their names
- Speed limits: Memorize urban (40 km/h), school zones (20 km/h), highway (60–80 km/h)
- Right-of-way rules: Vehicle from the right has priority at uncontrolled intersections
- Misreading questions: Questions often include "which of the following is INCORRECT" — read carefully
Common Reasons for Trial Failure (and How to Fix Them)
- Foot down on figure-of-8: Use clutch friction zone, maintain constant slow speed
- Going wide at center crossing: Reduce speed before the center point, look through the turn
- Stalling repeatedly: Practice clutch-throttle coordination on a similar bike before the test
- Parking cone hits: Use bonnet reference points; practice reversing with spatial markers
Frequently Asked Questions
If I fail the trial, do I also need to redo the Likhit?
No. Your written exam result remains valid regardless of trial test results. You only retake the specific stage you failed.
Can I change my transport office for the retake?
Generally no — retakes are processed at the same office where your original application is filed. If you need to transfer offices, that requires a separate written request to DOTM.
Will a failure affect my chances of getting approved?
No. DOTM does not consider exam failure history when processing your smart card after you eventually pass. Your license will be issued normally once all stages are completed.
How do I know my exact fail reason?
DOTM does not officially provide score breakdowns. However, you can ask the examiner at your transport office informally for general feedback on your trial performance.
