Every Nepali driving licence is issued for one or more specific vehicle categories, each with its own minimum age, testing requirement, and fee. Picking the wrong category — or not knowing you can add one later rather than starting over — is one of the most common sources of confusion for first-time applicants. This guide breaks down every category DOTM issues, the age limits that actually govern eligibility, and what changes now that applications run through EDLVRS.
All Nepal Driving Licence Categories
| Code | Covers | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|
| A | Motorcycle / Scooter | 16 |
| K | Electric Scooter / E-Bike | 16 |
| B | Car / Jeep / Van | 18 |
| J1 | Tempo (Three-Wheeler) | 18 |
| J2 | Microbus | 18 |
| I1–I3 | Three-Wheeler Variants | 18 |
| C | Medium Bus / Truck | 21 |
| D | Heavy Bus | 21 |
| E | Heavy Truck / Lorry | 21 |
| F | Tractor / Power Tiller | 18 |
| G | Crane / Bulldozer / Excavator | 21 |
| H1 / H2 | Trolleybus / Tram | 21 |
Age minimums follow DOTM's published brackets: 16 for two-wheeler categories (A/K), 18 for light vehicles, and 21 for medium/heavy and specialised categories. Some categories are enforced stricter locally — confirm with your transport office before applying.
Category Breakdown: What Each One Actually Lets You Drive
- Category A — Motorcycle / Scooter. The most common first licence. Covers standard petrol motorcycles and scooters of any engine size.
- Category K — Electric Scooter / E-Bike. A separate category from A, specifically for electric two-wheelers. Holding A doesn't automatically cover K, and vice versa.
- Category B — Car / Jeep / Van. The standard light-vehicle licence for private cars, jeeps, and vans. Most driving-school courses are built around this category.
- Category C — Medium Bus / Truck. Commercial-use category for mini-buses and mini-trucks; requires the 21-year minimum and typically more supervised driving experience before the trial.
- Category D — Heavy Bus. For large passenger buses. A common upgrade path for drivers who already hold Category C professionally.
- Category E — Heavy Truck / Lorry. For large commercial trucks, usually pursued by drivers already working in freight or logistics.
- Category F — Tractor / Power Tiller. Agricultural and utility vehicles, distinct from road-going heavy categories.
- Category G — Crane / Bulldozer / Excavator. Heavy construction equipment; typically tied to specific employer or contractor requirements.
- Category J1 / J2 — Tempo & Microbus. Covers three-wheeler tempos (J1) and microbuses (J2), common categories for public transport operators.
- Category I1–I3 — Three-Wheeler Variants. Sub-classes of three-wheeler vehicles used mainly in specific commercial contexts.
- Category H1 / H2 — Trolleybus / Tram. A narrow category relevant only where trolleybus or tram infrastructure exists.
Documents You'll Need
Requirements vary slightly by category, but for most first-time applications you should have:
- Citizenship certificate (or National ID, now scanned by QR during EDLVRS registration)
- Passport-size photos as specified by your transport office
- Medical fitness certificate from an NMC-registered doctor, arranged through EDLVRS's doctor portal
- Application/category-add form submitted and paid for through your province's EDLVRS portal
- Your existing licence card, if you're adding a category rather than applying fresh
Adding a Category to a Licence You Already Hold
If you already hold one category, you don't need to start over to get another — DOTM's "Add Category" process builds on your existing record. Since EDLVRS launched, this now runs through your province's portal rather than the old central site: you scan your National ID, your existing licence details auto-fill, you select the category you want to add, pay the fee online, then visit your transport office for the medical check and practical trial specific to that category. DOTM processes one category addition per application — applying for two at once is a common cause of rejection or delay.
Whether a fresh written exam is required for the add-on depends on the category: moving between light-vehicle categories usually doesn't require retesting if your licence is valid, but stepping up to a heavy category like D or E can still require both a written exam and a new practical trial. Confirm this with your transport office before applying so you're not caught off guard on trial day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a Category A (motorcycle) licence in Nepal?
16 years, as set by DOTM for two-wheeler categories (A and K). This is the officially published minimum — always confirm at your transport office, since age-limit proposals are periodically discussed.
Can I hold more than one licence category at the same time?
Yes. Most drivers start with one category (commonly A or B) and add further categories later through the "Add Category" process rather than applying from scratch. DOTM processes one category addition per application, so applying for two categories at once is a common cause of delay or rejection.
Do I need to retake the written exam to add a new category?
Usually not if you already hold a valid licence, but it depends on the category. Moving up to a heavier category such as D or E can still require a written exam and a fresh practical trial, so confirm the specific requirement with your transport office before applying.
What's the difference between Category C and Category D?
Category C generally covers medium commercial vehicles such as mini-buses, mini-trucks, and tempos, while Category D covers larger buses and trucks. Both require a minimum age of 21 and typically demand more practical driving experience than light-vehicle categories.
Is Category K the same as Category A?
No. Category A covers standard motorcycles and scooters, while Category K is specifically for electric scooters and e-bikes. They share the same 16-year minimum age but are tracked as separate categories on your licence.
How do I add a category to my existing licence now that EDLVRS is live?
You apply through your province's EDLVRS portal instead of the old central site, scan your National ID to auto-fill your existing licence details, select the category you want to add, pay the fee online, and then visit your transport office for the medical check and practical trial for that category. See our EDLVRS guide for the full province-by-province walkthrough.
Category rules, ages, and fees are set by DOTM and can change — this page reflects officially published information as of the date above and is not a government publication itself. Always confirm current requirements with your issuing transport office.