Driving license application process in Karnataka

If you are a Karnataka resident and have not obtained a driving license yet, then it is the time to apply now. Check here the detailed process of how to apply for a driving license in the state of Karnataka.

What kind of driving licenses you can apply for in Karnataka?

In the state of Karnataka, you can apply for the below-mentioned driving licenses if you meet the eligibility.

If you are a Karnataka resident and have not obtained a driving license yet, then it is the time to apply now. Check here the detailed process of how to apply for a driving license in the state of Karnataka.

• Learner’s/learning license: Before obtaining a permanent driving license in Karnataka, an applicant needs to apply for a learner’s license first. This is a temporary license with a validity of 6 months. It is issued when the applicant is in the process of learning a motor vehicle.
• Permanent driving license: After 1 month of getting a learner’s license, you can apply for a permanent license.
• Driving license for motorcycles without gear: You can apply for this kind of permanent driving license if you wish to ride a scooter or moped that does not have a manual gearbox. The applicants should be at least 16 years of age to procure such a license.
• Driving license for light motor vehicle: This class of driving license can be applied by the people who are willing to drive a light motor vehicle such as bikes or cars. To get this license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Eligibility criteria to apply for driving license in Karnataka

Below given is the eligibility criteria to obtain a driving license in Karnataka-

• The applicant should be above the age of 18 if he/she is applying for a vehicle not exceeding the engine capacity of 50CC
  
• To apply for a private vehicle, an applicant should be above the age of 18 years
• To apply for a driving license for a commercial vehicle, an applicant should be above the age of 20 years
• The applicant should apply for a driving license 30 days after getting a learning license and within 180 days of the date of the issue mentioned on your learner’s licence
• The applicant should be well-versed with traffic rules and regulations
• You must have a learning license

Documents required for driving license in Karnataka

To procure a driving license in Karnataka, the candidate needs to submit the below documents at the concerned RTO office.

• Four passport-sized photographs
• Medical certificate in Form 1 A and 1 given by any licensed Government doctor
• Valid documents of the vehicle if you own a vehicle
• Duly filled license application form
• Valid Age Proof: SSLC Book, PAN Card, Voters ID Card, Aadhaar card, etc.
• Valid ID Proof: Any photo and signature bearing national identity cards such as Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card or Aadhaar card
• Residence Proof: Ration card copy, rental/ lease agreement, utility bill, etc.
• Application Fees

The process to apply for a driving license in Karnataka

Online process

• To apply for your license online in Karnataka, you need to follow these steps:
• Visit the official website of Government of Karnataka Transport Department at https://transport.karnataka.gov.in/
• Fill the online application form and attach all the supporting documents
• Pay the required fees which is Rs. 200
• After that, the document verification will be done, and then you will be issued the new driving license
  

Offline process

• To apply for a driving license via an offline mode in Karnataka, you need to follow the below procedure. Please note, applicants are eligible to apply for a permanent driving license after holding a learner’s license for at least 30 days.
• Visit your nearest RTO and get an application form no 4. Fill and submit it along with relevant documents
• If you are applying for a commercial driving license, you will also need to submit form 5 i.e. driving certificate issued by a driving school or establishment
• Also, you would be required to pay a small fee of Rs. 200 to the RTO
• After that, an RTO official will assign a slot to you to undergo a driving license test. On passing the test, you will receive your driving license via post within 2-3 weeks
  

How to check your driving license status in Karnataka?

The status of the driving license can be checked either online or by visiting your nearest RTO. For an online check, the applicant is required to visit his/her state's transport department official website and enter details such as receipt number, license number, name, and date of application. Once these details are submitted, the status is displayed.

How can you make corrections in your driving license online?

If an applicant wishes to make any changes in their driving license, they need to forward a written application along with the relevant documents with the correct information. Remember, this can only be done in the same RTO which issued your original license. Once approved, you can collect your license with the correct information on the same day. You will be charged a small fee of Rs. 215. Also, the applicant is required to be present at the RTO office to be photographed by the official for record purposes.

How to get a duplicate driving license in Karnataka?

In the state of Karnataka, applicants can also file their application for a duplicate driving license if it is stolen or lost. Remember, you should apply for a duplicate license within 6 months after the official driving license is lost or stolen. The duplicate driving license can be obtained at the RTO who initially issued you the original license. The applicant should bring all the required documents and get verification from the RTO officials. One can also apply for a duplicate driving license online via the state department website at https://transport.karnataka.gov.in/.

Documents required to get a duplicate driving license

Here are all the required documents for a duplicate driving license:

• A copy of FIR (First Information Report), if the license is stolen
• Proof document of age and address
• Fee for application
• Application Form LLD
• An affidavit detailing the reason for applying for a duplicate driving license
• Details of your original driving license 

How to renew your driving license in Karnataka?

You have two options i.e. online and offline. You can choose the one that suits you the most. In online mode, you need to visit the official website of your state. Fill the renewal application form there and submit it along with the documents. Pay the fee which is Rs. 300. Once your documents and application are verified, your license will be renewed. If you are choosing the offline mode, visit your nearest RTO office and collect the application form 9. Fill the details, submit the documents, and pay the fees. After successful verification, you will get your license renewed.

Driving license test procedure in Karnataka

To obtain a driving license in the state of Karnataka, you need to appear for a driving test. The test procedure for a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler are given below.

Two-wheeler & three-wheeler tests: For these two, the ground test will be conducted. In this test, you will have to ride the bike or auto-rickshaw along with the previously bordered ‘Figure of Eight’ without touching the poles placed at different corners. This shows the examiner how comfortable you are with your vehicle, shifting gears, reversing, bending corners, and so on. After clearing this test, you will be directed for the road test, in which you need to ride for a certain distance on the road complying with all the rules and regulations.

Four-wheeler test: First you will have to appear for the ground test, in which you need to drive the vehicle along the marked ‘H’, without touching the poles. After clearing the ground test, once you clear the ground test, you will be cleared for the road test, which is the final stage. Here, the examiner will accompany you and will mainly check your driving skills, adaptation with the vehicle, how well-versed you are in the practical application of traffic rules & laws.

Please note all the tests are conducted as per the guidelines listed under Rule 15 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (1989). On giving these tests, if you pass then, you will soon receive your driving license within 1-2 weeks. Failed applicants can appear for retest after 7 days by paying a small fee of Rs. 50.