Nepal Driving License Trial Test 2026: Figure-of-8 Tips & Common Mistakes
The Nepal driving license trial test is the hands-on driving exam you take after passing the Likhit, and it is where most applicants slip up. Since 2023 it runs on a 100-point system, and the figure-of-8 loop is the part people fear most. This 2026 guide walks you through the course for both bike and car, the exact reasons people fail, and how to fix each one before you ride.
Table of Contents
What the Trial Test Involves
The trial is a set course inside the DOTM test ground, marked out with yellow boundary lines. An examiner watches you complete each section and deducts points for mistakes, and there is also a behavioural check on how calmly and correctly you handle the vehicle. You need to keep your total high enough to pass.
You must score at least 70 out of 100 points to pass the trial. Certain mistakes deduct points; a few cause instant disqualification.
The Figure-of-8 Course (Category A Bike)
You ride your bike in the shape of a number 8, looping through both circles without touching the yellow lines or putting a foot down. It tests low-speed balance and clutch control more than anything else. Right after the 8 comes the narrow plank, a raised strip you must ride along end to end without your wheels slipping off or a foot touching the ground, so the same balance skills carry straight over.
How to Ride the Figure-of-8 Step by Step
Enter from the correct side and set off slowly. Entering wrong or crossing the line early costs you straight away.
Hold a half-clutch at the friction zone to keep the speed low and steady, rather than braking hard mid-turn.
Look at the exit of each loop, not down at the front wheel or the yellow lines. Your bike follows your eyes.
Lean your body, not the handlebars, with knees tucked to the tank, and flow into the second loop at the crossover.
Complete both loops without stopping, touching a line, or dabbing a foot, then exit cleanly to the next section.
Clutch & Balance Tips
Use the clutch to control speed in turns, easing it gently instead of grabbing the brake.
Keep your gaze where you want to go; looking at the lines pulls you toward them.
Hold a small, constant throttle. Sudden acceleration is what breaks your balance.
A slightly slower speed gives you more balance in tight turns, not less.
Category B Car / Jeep Trial
The car trial uses the same figure-of-8 and slope, but swaps the plank for an L-back reverse parking (garage) section, which is where most car candidates lose points. Smooth clutch control and slow, precise steering are everything here.
- Figure-of-8 20 pts
- Garage / L-back reverse parking 20 pts
- Ramp / slope 15 pts
- Speed breaker 15 pts
You are disqualified in the car trial if you enter the 8 from the wrong side, touch the yellow line more than twice, let a tyre cross out of the lane, or stall the engine twice. Use clutch control for a smooth entry and never rush the reverse park.
Top Reasons People Fail (and Fixes)
Almost every failure comes down to the same handful of mistakes. Here are the most common ones from the trial ground, each with the fix that prevents it.
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See Your Print StatusWhat to Bring & Dress Code
Turn up prepared so a paperwork or gear issue does not cost you the slot. Bring these and dress for control of the vehicle.
- Your original citizenship certificate and the exam appointment or payment slip
- Proof that you passed the Likhit (written exam) result
- Your own vehicle in good working order, or arrange a rental at the ground for a fee
- A proper helmet for the bike trial, fastened snugly
- Closed shoes, not sandals or slippers, so your feet grip the pedals and pegs
How to Retake If You Fail
Failing is common and fixable. You get more attempts, but there is a mandatory wait and a fee each time.
Re-apply with your original citizenship and payment slip, pay the Rs 500 retrial fee in person, and book your next slot once the waiting period passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for the Nepal driving license trial test?
You need at least 70 out of 100 points. Points are deducted for mistakes like touching lines or rolling back, and some errors disqualify you outright.
What fails you instantly in the figure-of-8?
On a bike, putting a foot down or touching the yellow line more than once. In a car, entering the wrong side, touching the line more than twice, a tyre leaving the lane, or stalling the engine twice.
How do I keep my balance in the figure-of-8 on a bike?
Ride slowly with a half-clutch, keep a steady throttle, look at the exit of each loop rather than the lines, and lean your body with your knees against the tank.
What is different about the category B car trial?
It replaces the narrow plank with an L-back reverse parking (garage) section worth 20 points, which is where most car candidates lose marks. The figure-of-8 and slope stay the same.
How soon can I retake the trial if I fail?
You wait a minimum of 7 days, pay the Rs 500 fee again, and can attempt up to three times. After three failures you usually wait about three months and restart, including the written exam.
Can I use a rented vehicle for the trial?
Yes. If you do not bring your own bike or car, rentals are usually available at the trial ground for a fee, so you can take the test on a familiar type of vehicle.
Conclusion
The trial comes down to slow, controlled riding and staying inside the yellow lines for 70 of 100 points. Master the figure-of-8 with a half-clutch and your eyes on the exit, remember your indicators and slope control, and practise the real layout 10 to 15 times before test day. Bring the right papers and gear, stay calm, and you will clear it, then your smart card is the only thing left to wait for.
