Karnataka, the state of southern India, is home to one of the busiest metropolitan cities with even busier roads, Bengaluru. It is also full of cultural heritage and natural beauty. From beaches to wildlife sanctuaries, the state has a lot to offer for road trip lovers.
All this makes Karnataka perfect for driving through the state. However, it requires having a valid Karnataka driving license to legally and safely drive on these busy and beautiful routes. Driving without a proper license in Karnataka can lead to heavy fines and legal troubles. Like other states in India, Karnataka has its own rules and regulations for issuing and renewing driving licenses. This is why you must know the driving license application process in Karnataka and the minimum age.
Types of Driving Licenses Available
The Transport Department, Government of Karnataka issues different types of driving licenses for different needs and types of vehicles. Knowing about these types is essential if you want to pick the right license for your needs:
| License Type | Details |
| Learner License | Issued to beginners who are in the process of learning to driveAllows you to practice driving but under a DL holder’s supervision |
| Permanent License | It is issued for:Motorcycle Without Gear (MCWOG)Motorcycle With Gear (MCWG)Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV)Medium Passenger Vehicles (MPV)Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)Heavy Passenger Vehicle (HPV) |
| Conductor License | Issued to work as conductors on public transport vehicles |
| Driving School License | Issued for driving a school bus |
| International Driving Permit | Issued to those planning to drive in other countries |
Besides the above-mentioned types of Karnataka driving licenses, here are the different classes of vehicles a license is issued for:
| Classes of Licenses | Purpose | Vehicles Included |
| Motorcycle Without Gear (MCWoG) | The license allows its holder to operate two-wheeler vehicles. | Scooters, mopeds, and other two-wheeler vehicles without gears |
| Motorcycle With Gear (MCWG) | License allows you to operate motorcycles with gears in addition to MCWOG. | Bikes, motorcycles, and MCWoG |
| Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) | All four-wheelers used for personal transportation fall under this description. | Cars, Jeeps, and SUVs |
| Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) | Issued for operating commercial vehicles having a gross weight of 3500 kg or less. | Pickup trucks and others |
| Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) | MGV license permits driving a vehicle that has a load capacity of between 3.5 and 12 tons. | Trucks and others |
| Medium Passenger Vehicles (MPV) | MPV license permits driving buses. | Buses and others |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) | HGV license permits driving vehicles capable of transporting loads greater than MGV. | Trucks and others |
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Driving License in Karnataka
Before you begin the application process for a Karnataka driving license, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the necessary qualifying criteria:
- Age: The minimum driving license age in Karnataka varies based on the type of vehicle you intend to operate.
- 18 years: Light motor vehicles like cars and motorbikes above 50 cc
- 16 years: Gearless bikes and motorcycles under 50cc
- Health: You should be physically and mentally healthy to ensure a safe drive. If you are applying for a commercial license, you must be at least 20 years old and submit a medical certificate.
- Residence: You must be a resident of Karnataka to apply for a license in the state. This is usually proven through address-proof documents.
Documents Required for Application
Gathering the appropriate documents is a critical step in applying for your Karnataka driving license. Preparing all the required paperwork beforehand can significantly speed up your application and help avoid unnecessary delays. Here’s a complete list of documents you’ll need:
| Proof of age | Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any other government-issued document |
| Proof of address | Aadhaar card, voter ID, utility bills (not older than 3 months), or a rental agreement |
| Passport-size photographs | Recent, color photographs with a light background |
| Identity proof | Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport |
| Medical certificate | Required for commercial license |
| Forms | Form 1 & Form 1A |
Necessary RTO Forms
- RTO Form 1: Used to check if the applicant has any physical disability or disease that could affect their driving skills
- RTO Form 1A: Used for applicants over 40 years old to get a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner
- RTO Form 2: Used to apply for a learner’s license or renew an existing one
- RTO Form 3: Used to provide details of the applicant after they pass the learner’s license theory test
- RTO Form 4: Used to apply for a driving license for a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or heavy vehicle
- RTO Form 8: Used to add a new type of vehicle to an existing driving license
- RTO Form 9: Used to renew a driving license
Documents for IDP in Karnataka
- Driving License photocopy
- Visa and air ticket photocopies
- Passport photocopies
- Passport-sized four photographs
- Form 4A (IDP application)
- Form 1A (Certificate of Medical Fitness)
Duplicate Driving License in Karnataka
- FIR copy for a lost or stolen Driving License
- Affidavit copy for a lost or stolen Driving License
- Original DL for a damaged or tampered Driving License
- Challan clearance (From Department of Traffic Police in your city)
- Proof of your address and age
- DL copy (if possible) or a letter containing the details of your Driving License
How to Apply for a Driving License in Karnataka
The Karnataka driving license application has been greatly streamlined in recent years, with much of it now available online. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you get a learner license (step 1) and a permanent driving license (step 2):
Step 1
1. Visit the official Parivahan website (parivahan.gov.in).
2. Click on Online Services, choose ‘Drivers/Learners License’, and click on the More option.
3. Select Karnataka from the list of states.
4. Click on ‘Apply for Learning License’ and click on the ‘continue’ option.
5. Select the category according to your requirements and click the ‘submit’ option.
6. Now click on the ‘ submit via Aadhar authentication’ option and click on ‘submit’.
7. Next, enter your Aadhar number and OTP sent to your phone. Tick all the boxes and click on the ‘authenticate option’.
8. Click on ‘proceed’ and press ‘ok’. Fill out your personal details. Then press on ‘submit’ and ‘ok’.
9. Take a printout of the ‘Application reference slip’. Click on ‘next’.
10. Enter the Captcha code to proceed further. Now, upload your photo and signature and pay the fees.
11. Now, take a printout of the payment receipt.
13. Next, go to the home tab. Choose the ‘application status’ option. Enter the required details and Captcha.
13. Click on the ‘click here’ option beside the LL Test. Choose the necessary Captcha, OTP, and language options.
14. Click on the YouTube play button and watch the video. Then tick and submit.
15. Now proceed to the ‘LL-Test’. Answer the questions of the test.
16. After completing the test, you will get your Learner license.
Step 2
- Visit the official Parivahan website (parivahan.gov.in).
- Choose the ‘Drivers/Learners License’ and click on the ‘more’ option.
- Select Karnataka from the list of states.
- Click on ‘Apply for Driving License’ and click on the ‘continue’ option.
- Choose between ‘holding Learners License’, ‘ holding Foreign DL’, or ‘holding Defence License’ according to your requirements. Fill out the details asked in the form.
- Enter the OTP sent to your phone. Click on the ‘authenticate with Sarathi’ option.
- Fill in the necessary details and submit. Choose ‘next’ and then submit the ‘Captcha’.
- Choose ‘proceed’ and upload the required documents. Submit the Captcha and proceed further.
- Proceed with the payment of the fee. Take a printout of the payment receipt.
- Go to the home tab and click ‘Application Status’.
- Enter the details and submit. Go to the ‘ DL SLOT BOOK’ option and click on ‘proceed’.
- Enter the Captcha code and submit. Choose your vehicle types and click on ‘PROCEED TO BOOK’.
- Choose a suitable date and time for your test at the RTO office and ‘submit’. Click on the ‘CONFIRM TO SLOTBOOK’.
- Take a printout of the driving license application.
- Go to the RTO office at the scheduled date and time and take the offline driving test.
Preparing for the Driving Test
The driving license test in Karnataka is designed to assess your knowledge of traffic rules and practical driving skills. It consists of two main components:
- Written test: This evaluates your understanding of traffic rules, road signs, and basic vehicle mechanics. The test usually consists of multiple-choice questions.
- Practical test: This involves demonstrating your driving skills on a test track or on actual roads, depending on the RTO’s facilities.
Booking Your Driving Test Appointment
After submitting your application, the next crucial step is booking your driving test appointment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this:
- Log back into the Parivahan website using your application number and other details.
- Navigate to the ‘Slot Booking’ section.
- You’ll see a calendar with available dates. Select a date that’s convenient for you.
- Once you’ve chosen a date, you’ll be shown available time slots. Pick a time that works best for you.
- Confirm your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation message and email with your appointment details.
- Note the date, time, and any specific instructions provided.
Fees and Charges for Driving Licenses
The cost of obtaining a driving license in Karnataka can vary based on the type of license and additional services required. Here’s a breakdown of the common fees:
| Purpose | Fees and Charges |
| Issue of learner’s license in Form 3 for each class of vehicle | Rs. 150/- |
| Learner’s license test fee or repeat test fee | Rs. 50/- |
| For the test or repeat test | Rs. 300/- |
| Issue of a driving license | Rs. 200/- |
| Issue of International Driving Permit | Rs. 1000/- |
| Addition of another class of vehicle to driving license | Rs. 500/- |
| Renewal of driving license | Rs. 200/- |
| Renewal of a driving license made after the grace period | Rs. 300/- |
| Issue or renewal of a license to a school or establishment for imparting instructions in driving | 10000/- |
| Issue of duplicate license to a school or establishment for imparting instructions in driving | Rs. 5000/- |
Common Issues and Solutions During the Application Process
While the Karnataka driving license application process has been streamlined, applicants may still encounter challenges. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Document rejection: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, valid, and meet the specified criteria. If a document is rejected, carefully read the reason provided and resubmit an appropriate document.
- Online payment issues: If you face problems with online payment, try using a different browser or device. Alternatively, you can try a different payment method.
- Test rescheduling: If you need to reschedule your test, log back into the Parivahan portal and look for the rescheduling option.
- Technical glitches on the website: If you encounter any technical issues, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser.
Summary
Obtaining a driving license in Karnataka involves understanding the types of licenses available, meeting the necessary eligibility criteria, and gathering the required documents. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently initiate the process. It will also increase your chances of smoothly obtaining your Karnataka driving license.
FAQ’s
Q. What is the minimum age to apply for a driving license in Karnataka?
In Karnataka, the required driving license age is 16 years old to apply for a vehicle license under 50 cc. For all other vehicles, the minimum age is 18 years.
Q. Can I apply for a driving license online in Karnataka?
Yes, you can initiate your driving license application online through the official Parivahan website. This makes the process more convenient and accessible for applicants.
Q. How long does it take to get a driving license in Karnataka?
The process usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks from application to receiving your license.
Q. What happens if I fail the driving license test in Karnataka?
If you fail the test, you’ll need to wait for a period, typically 7 days, before reapplying. You’ll also need to pay the test fee again for each subsequent attempt.
Q. How often must I renew my Karnataka driving license?
A Karnataka driving license is valid for 20 years or until you turn 50, whichever comes first. After attaining the age of 50, you must renew your license every 5 years.
