Last updated: September 2026 – checked against the current Sarathi Parivahan licence classes and Motor Vehicles Act rules.
If you’ve looked at your driving licence or a Sarathi application form, you’ve probably seen codes like MCWG, MCWOG and LMV. MCWG stands for “Motorcycle With Gear”. It is the licence class that lets you ride geared motorcycles, such as commuter bikes, sports bikes and cruisers. This guide explains what MCWG covers, how it differs from other classes, and how to get it or add it to your licence.
What Does MCWG Mean on a Driving Licence?
MCWG is one of the “classes of vehicle” (COV) printed on Indian driving licences. If your licence shows MCWG, you are allowed to ride a motorcycle that has a manual gearbox, where you change gears using a clutch lever and foot shifter. Your licence also shows the date MCWG was added, and the same class appears in DigiLocker and mParivahan.
Older licences may show MC EX50CC (motorcycle exceeding 50cc) instead. This was an older category covering most motorcycles above 50cc; if your licence has it, you can continue riding motorcycles as before, and the class is carried over when you renew.
MCWG vs Other Driving Licence Classes
| Code | Full form | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| MCWG | Motorcycle With Gear | Geared motorcycles |
| MCWOG | Motorcycle Without Gear | Scooters, mopeds and gearless bikes, including most registered e-scooters |
| MC 50CC | Motorcycle up to 50cc | Small two-wheelers up to 50cc |
| MC EX50CC | Motorcycle exceeding 50cc | Older class for motorcycles above 50cc |
| LMV / LMV-NT | Light Motor Vehicle (Non-Transport) | Private cars, jeeps and SUVs |
| LMV-TR | Light Motor Vehicle (Transport) | Taxis and light commercial vehicles |
| HGMV | Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle | Trucks and heavy goods carriers |
| HPMV | Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle | Buses |
| E-RIKSHAW / E-CART | E-rickshaw / E-cart | Battery-operated rickshaws and carts |
Class names can vary slightly by state and by when your licence was issued. To see which classes your licence covers, check your driving licence details online.
MCWG vs MCWOG: Which One Do You Need?
An MCWG licence does not let you drive a car. For that you need LMV.
Eligibility for an MCWG Licence
How To Get an MCWG Licence
For full details, see our two-wheeler licence guide and how to apply for a driving licence online.
Already Have a Car Licence? Adding MCWG
If your licence already covers LMV (car) or MCWOG (scooter), you can add MCWG to it rather than getting a new licence. Apply on Sarathi for a learner’s licence for MCWG using your existing licence details, then after 30 days apply to add the class and pass the riding test. The central fee for adding a class to an existing licence is Rs 500, plus the learner’s licence and test fees.
MCWG Licence Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s licence (per class) | Rs 150 |
| Learner’s licence test | Rs 50 |
| Driving test (per class) | Rs 300 |
| Issue of permanent licence | Rs 200 |
| Adding a class to an existing licence | Rs 500 |
Central fees under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules; states may add small service or smart card charges.
Riding Without the Right Class
Riding a geared motorcycle when your licence covers only other classes is treated as driving without a valid licence for that vehicle, which can lead to a fine and trouble with insurance claims after an accident. See the traffic fines list for current penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of MCWG?
MCWG stands for Motorcycle With Gear.
Can I ride a scooter with an MCWG licence?
Interpretation and enforcement vary, so the safest choice is to hold MCWOG as well if you ride a scooter regularly. Adding both classes when you first apply costs little extra.
Is there a separate class for high-cc or superbikes?
No. For private use, MCWG covers geared motorcycles regardless of engine size.
Can I use an MCWG licence for bike taxi or delivery work?
Commercial use of two-wheelers is regulated by each state, and rules for bike taxis in particular differ widely. Check with your state transport department and the platform you plan to work with.
How long is an MCWG licence valid?
Like other private licences, generally until you turn 40 or for 20 years from issue, whichever is earlier. After that you renew it.