DOTM Exam Nepal 2026: Complete Driving License Written Test Guide
Complete guide to the DOTM exam in Nepal. Learn about Category A driving license, written test pattern, pass marks, trial test, and free online practice tests for scooter, bike, and car.
Jul 13, 2026 10 min read 12 views
DOTM Exam Nepal 2026: Complete Driving License Written Test Guide
The Department of Transport Management (DOTM) conducts the driving license examination in Nepal through its Transport Management Offices located across all seven provinces. Whether you're applying for a Category A (scooter/motorcycle) license or a Category B (car/jeep/van) license, you must pass the DOTM written exam (also called the Likhit exam) followed by a practical trial test. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the DOTM exam in Nepal, including the written test pattern, pass marks, Category A license details, and free online practice tests.
What is the DOTM Exam?
The DOTM exam is the official driving license examination conducted by the Department of Transport Management, Government of Nepal. The exam consists of two stages:
Written Test (Likhit Exam) — a multiple-choice test on traffic signs, signals, rules, and road safety
Trial Test (Practical) — a practical driving test where you navigate a marked track
You must pass both tests to receive your driving license. The written test is conducted at your nearest Transport Management Office (Yatayat Byabastha Karyalaya).
Nepal Driving License Categories
The DOTM issues driving licenses under different categories based on vehicle type:
| Category | Vehicle Type | CC Limit | Minimum Age |
|----------|-------------|----------|-------------|
| A | Scooter/Motorcycle | Up to 125cc | 16 years |
| A1 | Scooter/Motorcycle (light, auto only) | Up to 125cc | 16 years |
| B | Car/Jeep/Van | — | 18 years |
| | Tempo/Auto-rickshaw | — | 18 years |
| | Tempo (electric, Safa) | — | 18 years |
C
D
Category A Driving License Nepal
The Category A driving license is the most common license type in Nepal, covering scooters and motorcycles up to 125cc. This includes popular vehicles like:
Honda Activa, Dio, Grazia
TVS Ntorq, Jupiter, Scooty
Yamaha Ray, Fascino
Bajaj Pulsar 125, Honda Shine 125
Category A Eligibility
Minimum age: 16 years (one of the lowest in the world for two-wheelers)
Education: No minimum education requirement
Medical: Must be physically fit (eyesight, hearing)
Category A License Fee
Application fee: ~NPR 500–1,000
Written test: Included in application
Trial test: ~NPR 200–500
License printing: ~NPR 1,000–1,500
Total cost: NPR 1,500–3,000 (varies by office)
Nepal Driving License Written Test Pattern
The written test (Likhit exam) is the first hurdle. Many candidates fail not because they can't drive, but because they're unprepared for the written exam.
Exam Details
Number of questions: 15–20 MCQs (varies by transport office)
Duration: 15–20 minutes
Pass mark: 60% (e.g., 9 out of 15, or 12 out of 20)
Language: Available in both Nepali and English
Format: Computer-based or paper-based (varies by office)
Fee: Included in the license application fee
Topics Covered in Written Test
The DOTM written test covers four main areas:
1. Traffic Signs and Signals (40% of questions)
This is the most heavily tested section. You must recognize and understand:
Mandatory/Regulatory signs: Stop (red octagon), No Entry, Speed Limit, No Parking, No Overtaking, One Way
Cautionary/Warning signs: School Ahead, Sharp Turn (left/right), Slippery Road, Pedestrian Crossing, Hump Ahead, T-Junction, Y-Junction, Round About
Informatory signs: Hospital, Parking, Fuel Station, First Aid Post, Rest Area
2. Traffic Rules and Regulations (30%)
Speed limits in different areas (residential: 40 km/h, highway: 80 km/h)
Blood group certificate (from a registered health post)
2 passport-size photos
Fill out the application form
Pay the application fee (~NPR 500–1,000)
Get your Learner's License (valid for 3 months)
Step 2: Practice Driving
Display an "L" sticker on your vehicle
Always carry your learner's license
Practice in different traffic conditions for at least 1 month
For Category A: practice slow-speed balance, turning, signaling
For Category B: practice parking, reverse, hill start, U-turn
Step 3: Take the Written Test (Likhit Exam)
Schedule your written test at the transport office
Arrive 30 minutes early with your learner's license and citizenship
Take the 15–20 MCQ test
Get same-day results (most offices)
Step 4: Take the Trial Test (Practical)
After passing the written test, schedule your trial test:
Category A (Scooter/Bike) Trial:
Ride through a figure-8 or serpentine track
Must not touch boundary markers
Must not put your foot down during the trial
Must wear a helmet
Category B (Car) Trial:
Drive through a marked course
Parallel parking and reverse parking
Hill start (manual transmission)
U-turn and 3-point turn
Must use seatbelt, indicators, and mirrors
Step 5: Get Your License
After passing both tests, your license will be printed within 1–2 weeks
Collect it from the transport office
Carry it whenever you drive
Nepal Driving License Test Rules (2026 Update)
Recent changes to Nepal's driving license rules include:
Computer-based testing rolled out in major offices (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Biratnagar)
Stricter trial test evaluation with more cameras and observers
Online scheduling available for written tests
Photo capture at the test center for identity verification
Same-day written test results in most offices
Biometric verification at license collection
Common Written Test Questions
Here are sample questions you might encounter in the DOTM written test:
What does a red octagonal sign mean?
a) Speed limit
b) Stop ✓
c) No entry
d) Yield
What is the speed limit in residential areas in Nepal?
a) 30 km/h
b) 40 km/h ✓
c) 50 km/h
d) 60 km/h
What is the minimum age for a Category A scooter license?
a) 15 years
b) 16 years ✓
c) 18 years
d) 21 years
When should you use your scooter's indicators?
a) Only at night
b) Only on highways
c) Whenever turning or changing lanes ✓
d) Only when other vehicles are present
Which document must you carry while driving?
a) Only citizenship
b) License, bluebook, insurance ✓
c) Only license
d) Only bluebook
Tips to Pass the DOTM Exam on First Attempt
Memorize all traffic signs — use our free mock test daily for 1 week
Read the driver's handbook — available at transport offices
Practice driving in real traffic — not just empty roads
Arrive early on test day to reduce stress
Bring all required documents — citizenship, learner's license, photos
Stay calm during the trial — slow and steady wins
Wear a helmet/seatbelt — mandatory, disqualification if missing
List of Transport Management Offices in Nepal
| Office | Location | Coverage |
|--------|----------|----------|
| Ekantakuna Transport Office | Lalitpur | Kathmandu Valley (Lalitpur) |
| Chabahil Transport Office | Kathmandu | Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu east) |
| Balaju Transport Office | Kathmandu | Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu west) |
| Pokhara Transport Office | Pokhara | Kaski, Gandaki |
| Bharatpur Transport Office | Chitwan | Chitwan, Nawalparasi |
| Butwal Transport Office | Butwal | Rupandehi, Kapilvastu |
| Biratnagar Transport Office | Biratnagar | Morang, Sunsari |
| Nepalgunj Transport Office | Nepalgunj | Banke, Bardiya |
FAQ
What is the DOTM exam in Nepal?
The DOTM exam is the driving license examination conducted by the Department of Transport Management. It consists of a written test (Likhit) and a practical trial test.
How many questions are in the Nepal driving license written test?
The written test has 15–20 MCQs depending on the transport office. You need 60% correct to pass.
What is the pass mark for the DOTM written test?
The pass mark is 60% — typically 9 out of 15 or 12 out of 20 questions correct.
What is Category A driving license in Nepal?
Category A covers scooters and motorcycles up to 125cc. The minimum age is 16 years. Popular vehicles include Honda Activa, TVS Ntorq, and Bajaj Pulsar 125.
Can I take the DOTM written test in English?
Yes, the written test is available in both Nepali and English. Choose your language when applying.
How much does a driving license cost in Nepal?
Total cost including learner's license, written test, trial, and license printing: NPR 1,500–3,000 depending on category and office.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test by paying a re-examination fee (~NPR 200–500). There's no limit on attempts within the 3-month learner's license validity.
How long is the learner's license valid?
The learner's license is valid for 3 months. You must pass both tests within this period, or reapply.
Is helmet mandatory for Category A license?
Yes, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all Category A (scooter/motorcycle) riders and pillion passengers. You will be disqualified from the trial test without one.