Bangalore Driving Licence: Apply Online & Offline

Bangalore, Karnataka, offers various types of driving licenses depending on the type of vehicle you operate. Each licence is specific to a vehicle class and is issued after the necessary tests are passed. Whether you're applying for a two wheeler licence in Bangalore or a commercial vehicle DL, the process remains systematic and streamlined.

Gearless Two-Wheeler Licence: For electric scooters, mopeds, and gearless bikes.

Geared Two-Wheeler Licence: For scooters and bikes with manual gears.

Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Licence: For private cars and vans.

Transport Vehicle Licence: For commercial use vehicles like buses and trucks.

Special Category Licence: For vehicles transporting hazardous goods.

The online application process in Bangalore is hassle-free, especially if you're familiar with the Parivahan portal. Here’s how to apply:

• Visit Parivahan and go to DL services.

• Select your state as Karnataka.

• Choose "Apply for Learner's Licence" or "Apply for New Driving Licence" if you already have an LL.

• Fill in personal details, upload documents, and pay the fee.

• Book your learner’s test slot and attend the test.

• Once the LL is received, revisit the portal and choose "Apply for Driving Licence".

• Submit the DL form, upload documents, and schedule a driving test.

• Appear for the test; after passing, your DL will be available digitally and can be downloaded.

Prefer the traditional route? You can apply for a driving licence in Bangalore offline too. Here’s how:

• Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).

• Collect or download the application forms.

• Fill out the forms with correct details.

• Submit the forms with the required documents and pay fees.

• Book a slot for the learner’s licence test.

• Clear the LL test and receive your learner's licence.

• Within six months, schedule your driving test.

Appear for the test; if you pass, your DL will be issued digitally first, and a printed copy will be sent via post if requested.

Here’s what you need to apply DL in Bangalore:

To apply for a DL in Bangalore, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old for LMV or two-wheelers.

• Possess a valid learner’s licence.

• Wait at least 30 days and apply within six months of LL issuance.

• For commercial licences, the minimum age is 18 (not 20).

Once you have your learner’s licence, follow this process for a permanent DL:

• Wait at least 30 days but not more than six months after getting your LL.

• Schedule a driving test through the Parivahan website.

• Carry the same vehicle type as mentioned in the application.

• Appear for the test, which includes ground and road evaluation.

• If you pass, your DL will be issued digitally first. A printed copy will be sent via post if opted.

Read more: How to Get a Driving Licence in Delhi

• A digital copy of the DL is usually available within 2–3 days after passing the test.

• The physical DL may take up to 30 days to be delivered by post.

• A private LMV driving licence is valid for 20 years or until the applicant turns 40, whichever is earlier.

• After 40, renewal is required every 10 years until age 50, then every 5 years.

• Commercial driving licences are valid for 3-5 years, depending on the category.

When applying for a two-wheeler licence or four-wheeler licence in Bangalore, it's equally important to make sure your vehicle is insured.

For example, Mr. Arjun, who recently got his bike licence, forgot to renew his 2 wheeler insurance. After an accident, he had to pay for the repairs out of his pocket because his insurance had expired. If he had renewed his 2 wheeler insurance on time, the costs would have been covered, saving him from a significant financial loss. Similarly, keeping up with car insurance renewal is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure you're protected. With options like TATA AIG’s car and bike insurance, you can drive confidently, knowing you’re covered in case of an emergency.

Read more: How to Apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence Online

Can I apply for a driving licence online in Bangalore?

Through the Parivahan portal, residents of Bangalore can submit their driving licence application. By visiting the Parivahan portal, Bangalore residents can determine how to obtain their driving licence online. The application process requires you to select “DL Services” along with Karnataka as your state through the guided procedures. Online driving licence applications in Bangalore require users to complete forms including document uploads, while paying fees and scheduling corresponding driving tests.

How do I convert my manual driving license to a smart card?

Obtaining a smart card version of your driving licence requires presenting your manual document and identification documents and photograph at your local RTO. You must complete the smart card conversion application followed by payment of the processing costs before presenting all required documents. Your new smart card driver's license will be released following the verification process.

How many days to get a driving license in Bangalore?

The dispatch of your driving license requires a period of 7 to 10 working days following your RTO driving test success. The RTO sends your driving licence through postal service to your official residential address listed in your application form and/or your learner’s license documentation.

What is the validity of a driving licence in Bangalore?

The driving licence issued in Bangalore stays valid for 20 years from its issue date or reaches the age limit of 50. The driving licence requires renewal after its initial period ends. Commercial vehicle licenses need renewal every three to five years, but other licenses remain valid for 20 years until the holder reaches age 50 or beyond.