To be able to drive a motor vehicle is one of the essential skills that one needs to master today. Considering how driving a motor vehicle has become one of the easiest and fastest means of traveling, commuting by road has become a preferred choice of people all over India.
However, to legitimately be able to drive a motor vehicle in India, it’s important for an individual to obtain a driving license. Having a driving license lets an individual drive his motorized vehicle on Indian roads. This rule is applicable all over India including Karnataka. So, if you are a resident of Karnataka and haven’t obtained a driving license as yet, then now is the time to do so.
With an easy application process and minimal documentation and fees, applying for a driving license in Karnataka is a hassle-free process.
A motor insurance policy is mandatory for every vehicle registered at Karnataka RTO as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
In Karnataka, an individual can obtain a driving license based on the following vehicle category type.
Driving License for motorcycles without gear: This driving license category is issued to individuals who want to drive motorcycles and/or without gear such as scooters or mopeds with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc. To apply for such license type, an individual should have completed 16 years of age.
Driving License for light motor vehicles: This driving license category is issued to individuals who want to drive light motor vehicles such as a car, bike with engine capacity exceeding 50cc, etc. To apply for such license type, an individual should have completed 18 years of age.
Driving license for transport vehicle: This driving license category is issued to individuals who want to drive heavy motor vehicles/ transport vehicles such as a truck, lorry, etc. To apply for such license type, an individual should have completed 20 years of age.
To be eligible to obtain a driving license in the state of Karnataka, an individual has to meet the below requirements:
An applicant has to submit the below documents for availing a driving license in Karnataka:
You can submit any one of the below age proof documents:
You can submit any one of the below address proof documents:
To apply for a driving license in Karnataka, an applicant will have to follow the below procedure. The first step towards getting a DL in Karnataka is to first procure a learner’s license only after which, the transport authority of Karnataka would be able to produce a permanent DL to the applicant. The process covers steps for both online and offline DL application in Karnataka.
How to get a driving license online in Karnataka?
With technological advancement, it has become easy for residents of Karnataka to avail a driving license online.
Here are a few steps you need to follow:
How to get a driving license offline in Karnataka?
In Karnataka, a duplicate driving license can be availed in the following cases:
Procedure for getting a duplicate driving license in Karnataka
You will have to submit the below documents at the RTO office:
The applicant will have to submit the above documents at the RTO that issued the original driving license. In case of change of state, no objection certificate has to be obtained from the original licensing authority.
On verification of the documents, the applicant will receive a new driving license within a period of 30 days.
Ideally, a driving license is valid for a period of 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier. An application for driving license renewal in Karnataka can be made within 30 days from the date of expiry.
Documents required for application of driving license renewal in Karnataka:
In case the DL is renewed after the grace period of 30 days, then the applicant has to pay an additional fee of Rs. 50. In case of delay for a year or more, the applicant will be charged Rs. 100.
Driving license for a non-transport vehicle is renewed for a period of five years and for a transport vehicle, the DL is renewed for three years.
If you wish to apply for an International driving license in Karnataka, you will have to follow the below procedure:
Here are all the details about the driving license test procedure conducted in the state of Karnataka. Note: To appear for the test, you will have to take your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by your motor training school. The vehicle that you drive should belong to the class of the driving license type that you have applied for.
Four-wheelers test: The applicant applying for a license for a two wheeler or three wheeler vehicle will be asked to drive the motor vehicle along the ‘H’ mark, without touching the poles planted at the edges. This is done to test your driving skills and knowledge about how well you can control the vehicle. The test will be inspected by a motor vehicle inspector on whose inspection you will be presented the DL.
Two wheeler and Three-Wheeler test: The applicant will be asked to drive your two-wheeler or three-wheeler motor vehicle along the ‘Figure 8’ mark, without touching the poles planted at the edges. This test will also be conducted in presence of the motor vehicle inspector and on his inspection, you will be issued your driving license.
Usually, a driving license in Karnataka is delivered within 30 days from the date of passing the test. If you haven’t received your license within the stipulated time, then you can check your driving license status at the RTO where you applied for the DL.
If the applicants wish to change their address on a driving license in Karnataka, then a written application has to be submitted at the RTO along with the relevant documents. The application and the documents have to be submitted at the same RTO that issued you the driving license. Any one of the following documents bearing the new address has to be submitted for making a change in address in the driving license
Yes, you can get a smart card DL in Karnataka. You will have to check if your city RTO provides you with this facility or not.
Yes, you can get a duplicate learner’s license in Karnataka. You will have to fill and submit form KMV-1A and submit it with the relevant documents.
Yes, you will have to pay a fee of Rs. 50 for undergoing a driving test in Karnataka.
You will have to pay a fee of Rs. 40 for getting a DL book in Karnataka.
