Driving Licenses in India are issued for different categories that define the kind of vehicle one may operate. The most confusing terms amongst people, especially the new drivers or the people unfamiliar with the terminology, are MCWG and LMV. This article shall try to explain in detail what MCWG and LMV are, what their full forms are, and what these categories actually mean in the case of driving licenses.
What is the meaning of LMV in a Driving Licence?
Light Motor Vehicle. It would mainly include small cars, sedans, hatchbacks, compact SUVs, and other vehicles that would come under “light vehicle” and whose gross vehicle weight does not exceed 7500 kg.
Highlights of the LMV in Driving Licence
Full-Form: Light Motor Vehicle
A holder of this License Category shall be authorized to drive passenger vehicles and light good vehicles, such as cars, small delivery vans, or vehicles whose gross vehicle weight is not more than 7500 kg.
Type of Vehicles: Small cars, sedans, light SUVs, Light Goods Vehicles, and microbuses.
Additional Vehicle Cover: LMV licenses can cover two-wheelers with gear included, provided a separate authorization has been accorded to the individual concerned.
Thus, in case one drives personal cars, commercial small delivery vans, or similar kinds of vehicles, he or she would need an LMV driving license.
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What is MCWG in a Driving License?
Full form of MCWG is Motorcycle With Gear. This category of license is basically for those people who want to drive motorcycles containing gears. Motorcycles that have manual transmission and their gear has to be shifted by the rider while he/she is driving come into the category of MCWG license.
Key Points about MCWG in Driving License:
Full-Form: Motorcycle With Gear
This means the licensee is allowed to drive all kinds of motorcycles, with gears like manual transmission bikes, gear-enhanced scooters, and high-end sports bikes.
Type of Vehicle: Manual bikes or motorcycles with gears, scooters, sports bikes, and cruisers with a manual transmission.
Key Eligibility: The age factor for an MCWG License is at least 18 years, and a person needs to have completed the period of the learner’s license to apply for a permanent license. MCWG full form in driving license plays a very important role in determining whether a person is lawfully permitted to operate geared motorcycles. It will also include different geared motorcycles, starting from basic commuter bikes to higher-powered motorcycles.
Knowing the Difference: MCWG and MCWOG
Besides MCWG, there is another class called MCWOG, which stands for Motorcycle Without Gear. As clear from the name itself, this class covers motorcycles without gears. It essentially covers scooters and mopeds, typically with automatic transmissions, like popular models named Activa or Access, wherein one does not have to change gears while driving.
Key Points about MCWOG:
Full-Form: Motorcycle Without Gear
This would involve a class where a rider would be able to use motorcycles or scooters not having gears in them; it would primarily include automatic scooters.
Types of Vehicles: Scooters, Mopeds, Electric Bicycles, Automatic Motorcycle.
The difference between MCWG and MCWOG lies in the category of vehicle the rider is permit to operate. In case you will be riding an automatic scooter-like Vespa or Honda Activa, then you will need to obtain the MCWOG license. If you plan to ride motorcycles with a manual transmission, you need an MCWG license.
MCWG in Driving License: Eligibility and How to Apply
There are only a few steps in the process of applying for an MCWG license. In chronological order, the process goes this way:
Learner’s License: Before getting an MCWG license, you have to get a learner license. You can apply for a learner’s license through your state’s RTO online portal or by visiting the RTO office in person.
Eligibility: The applicant must be at least 18 years of age to get an MCWG Learner License. Documents: Age Proof – birth certificate or passport.
Address Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID. Passport-size photographs Medical Certificate: One requires a medical certificate if he/she is applying for Commercial MCWG License-one that professional drivers need to have.
Learner’s Test: Once you have all the documents in place, you will have to pass a simple test on road rules and regulations.
Permanent License Test: Once you have held your learner’s license for a minimum period, normally 30 days, you can apply for the permanent MCWG license. The RTO will assign a driving test to judge your driving skills.
MCWG License Types:
Types of Motorcycle Licenses – There are plenty of motorcycle licenses, and they vary according to the vehicle. Some of the common categories in India include:
MCWOG – Motorcycle Without Gear – As we told you earlier.
MCWG – Motorcycle With Gear – This lets the rider drive bikes that come with geared transmission.
If you pass your driving test, we will upgrade your license to a permanent MCWG license.
LMV and MCWG: Can you hold both?
Yes, one can hold both LMV and MCWG licenses. In fact, if one drives both cars and motorcycles, it’s very common for people to have both of these categories listed on their driving license. As a matter of fact, in most cases, when one applies for a license to drive cars (LMV), applicants are also given the option to add motorcycle categories, MCWG or MCWOG, onto their license.
LMV and MCWG Meaning Together
When together present in your license, this means a person is licensed to different categories of vehicles; light motor vehicles inclusive of cars and motorcycles with and without gears. In this respect, LMV and MCWG together widen the scope of the vehicle on which one can take out for a ride legally.
Why Difference Between MCWG and MCWOG Matters
Understanding the difference between MCWG and MCWOG is crucial, but in basic terms, one applies to different kinds of vehicles. If you foresee riding both automatic and manual bikes, then you should get your license with MCWG; otherwise, sticking to only automatic scooters or mopeds, you can just keep it at MCWOG.
Riding a geared motorcycle without an MCWG license may result in fines or penalties, as it falls outside the scope of an MCWOG license. Therefore, you are within the law when you have the right idea about which license to have.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MCWG’s full form in driving license?
MCWG stands for Motorcycle With Gear; it is a class of driving license that authorizes the holder to ride motorcycles with gears.
2. What does LMV stand for in driving license?
LMV stands for Light Motor Vehicle; this class includes cars, small vans, and other light vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 7,500 kg.
3. What is MCWOG?
MCWG stands for Motorcycle Without Gear. It is that license category which enables the licensee to take motorcycles or scooters without manual gears, like automatic scooters and mopeds.
4. Is it possible to have both LMV and MCWG on my driving license?
You can have both LMV and MCWG on your driving license to legally drive Light Motor Vehicles, which include cars and motorcycles with gears.
5. What is the difference between MCWG and MCWOG?
The major difference is that MCWG allows the rider to operate motorcycles having manual gears, while MCWOG is for motorcycles or scooters that have no gears, i.e., automatic transmission.
6. How do I apply for an MCWG license?
Your regional RTO issues the MCWG license after you obtain a learner’s license. Once you meet the eligibility criteria and pass the driving test, you’ll receive a permanent MCWG license.
Conclusion
Knowing the various vehicle classes on your driving license is important to ensure you are legally allow to drive certain types of vehicles. While LMV covers light motor vehicles like cars, MCWG would be a must for you in case you want to drive manual motorcycles. Bear in mind that driving on the road should be with the right license category for the vehicle you are driving in order to avoid different legal issues. Whether it be your first license or an upgrade, if you know the full forms and meanings of MCWG and LMV, then you can definitely go ahead with the licensing procedure much smoother.
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