Rules & documents: Nepal

Motorcycles and scooters are licence Category A.

1. Apply online on the DoTM licence portal and book a date for biometrics and the written exam.
2. Give your biometrics and pass a medical check at the Transport Management Office.
3. Pass the written (computer-based) exam on traffic rules, signs and basic mechanics.
4. Pass the practical trial: a track test covering balance, turning and control.
5. Collect your smart-card licence when it is printed; check status on the DoTM website.

Minimum age for Category A is 16.

• Driving licence
• Bluebook (vehicle registration book) with the current year's tax paid
• Valid third-party insurance
• Pollution (emission) test sticker where it is required, such as in the Kathmandu Valley

• New bikes are registered at the Transport Management Office and you receive a bluebook and number plate (embossed plates are being rolled out).
• Pay the annual vehicle tax and renew the bluebook every year; tax rates depend on engine size and province.
• Ownership transfer (naamsari) is done at the Transport Management Office with both seller and buyer, the bluebook, tax clearance and citizenship documents.

• Third-party insurance is compulsory and needed to renew the bluebook.
• Comprehensive insurance is optional and is often required when the bike is bought on a loan.

• Petrol bikes need to pass the vehicle emission test where it is enforced (the green sticker in the Kathmandu Valley).
• Electric two-wheelers are exempt from emission tests.

• Rider and pillion must wear helmets; traffic police in some cities require a full-face helmet for the rider.
• Zero tolerance for drink-riding: traffic police run breath tests and fine any detectable alcohol.
• Keep left, overtake from the right, and on mountain roads give way to vehicles coming uphill.
• No phone use while riding.

Fines are set under the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act and change from time to time. Check with Nepal Traffic Police for current amounts.

• Drink-riding: fine and the bike is held; repeat offences can lead to licence suspension.
• Riding without a licence, bluebook or insurance: fine, and the bike can be held until documents are shown.
• Riding without a helmet: on-the-spot fine.