Apply Driving License in Karnataka

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Apply Driving License in Karnataka

A driving licence is the only proof of identity that validates your driving capability and is accepted across India. While it is introduced for the common good and public safety for all, it mandates a legal responsibility. Therefore, applying for and having a driving licence before you begin your driving experience is essential.

The documents required and the application procedures can differ across the states. If you hail from Karnataka and want to apply for a Driving Licence in Karnataka, here is a piece of information that details everything you need to know, from the types of licences to the detailed procedures.

Types Of Driving Licences In Karnataka

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Types Of Driving Licences Class Of  Vehicles
DL for gearless two-wheeler (Motor Cycle Without Gear) Non-transport motorcycles without gear. 
DL for two-wheeler with gear (Motor Cycle With Gear) Non-transport motorcycles with gear. Engine Cubic Capacity is more than 50 cc.
DL for Light Motor Vehicles  Vehicles for which the unladen weight is less than 7,500 kg. Examples are Cars, Jeeps, etc.
DL for Transport Vehicles (Medium, Passenger, or Heavy Goods)Transport vehicles are for educational institutions, goods carriage, and public or private sector vehicles.  Heavy vehicles are vehicles for which the unladen weight exceeds 12,000 kg.  Medium vehicles are those vehicles that are not either light motor or heavy goods vehicles. Examples are Buses, Lorries, Trucks, etc.
DL for Other Vehicles Harvesters, Forklifts, Tow trucks, Crane-mounted vehicles, etc. 

Eligibility Criteria To Apply For A Driving License In Karnataka

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Factors Eligibility Criteria
AgeCan be less than 18 years old to apply for a learner’s licence, provided there is consent in writing from the person taking care of the applicant. Must be at least 18 years old to apply for geared and gearless motorcycles and light motor vehicles. Must be at least 20 years old to apply for transport vehicles.
Learner’s Licence Must apply for and have a valid learner’s licence. The permanent driving licence has to be applied after 30 days and within 180 days of receiving the learner’s licence.
Rules and regulations Must have a basic knowledge of the traffic rules and regulations.

Documents Required For Driving Licence In Karnataka

The following documents are required to apply for DL Karnataka:

Types Of Documents Required Applicable Documents
Proof Of Identity Birth Certificate Educational Qualification Certificates Passport Certificate of Employment issued by Local, State, or Central Government
Proof Of Residence Aadhaar Card Ration Card Voter’s ID Passport Certificate of Employment issued by Local, State, or Central Government
Other Documents Form 2 for learner’s licence, driving licence, change of address or name, addition of new class of vehicle,  or renewal Form 1A for the medical certificate provided by an authorised and registered medical practitioner for applicants older than 40 years of age Original Learner’s Licence Passport size photographs 

Steps To Apply For Driving Licence In Karnataka

There are two stages in applying for DL Karnataka.

Apply for and receive a learner’s licence.

Apply for and receive the permanent driving licence after 30 days or within 180 days of receiving the learner’s licence

Process To Apply For Driving Licence In Karnataka

There are two ways to apply for DL Karnataka.

Online application

Offline application

How To Apply For Driving Licence In Karnataka Online?

The Karnataka driving licence apply online process is simpler and more convenient that is cost-efficient, and less time-consuming.

Stage 1: Learner’s Licence

Navigate to the official website of the Transport Department - Government Of Karnataka.

Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’. You will be moved to the official website of the Ministry Of Road Transport & Highways - Government Of India (Sarathi Parivahan).

Select the State Name - Karnataka.

Click on ‘Apply for Learner Licence’.

Select the applicable category, whether Foreigners, Ex-Servicemen, or General, etc.

Choose the applicable option, whether Applicant does not hold any Driving/Learner Licence issued in India, Applicant holds a Driving Licence, or Applicant holds a Learner Licence.

Click on ‘Submit’.

For E-KYC authentication, choose ‘Submit via Aadhaar Authentication’ and ‘Submit via Aadhaar Authentication’ and click on ‘Submit’.

Fill out the necessary details in the application form and upload the required documents.

Upload photograph and signature if applicable.

Book the slot for the LL (Learner’s Licence) Test under the ‘Appointments’ tab on the Homepage of Sarathi Parivahan.

Pay the applicable charges and verify the payment status under the ‘Fee Payments’ tab on the Homepage of Sarathi Parivahan.

Further, verify the payment status and print the receipt for future reference under the same ‘Fee Payments’ tab.

Applicants can take the Learner’s Licence test online from any preferred location, home, office, or browsing centres. The password for the test will be sent as an SMS to the Aadhaar-linked registered mobile number.

It is an online examination that consists of a set of multiple-choice questions testing the basic knowledge about traffic rules.

The applicants can download the learner’s licence online after successfully completing the test.

Stage 2: Permanent Driving Licence

Navigate to the official website of the Transport Department - Government Of Karnataka.

Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’. You will be moved to the official website of the Ministry Of Road Transport & Highways - Government Of India (Sarathi Parivahan).

Select the State Name - Karnataka.

Choose between the appropriate options, whether holding a learner’s licence, holding a Foreign DL, or holding a Defence Licence.

Provide the Learner’s Licence Number and Date Of Birth.

Click ‘OK’.

Fill out the necessary applicant details.

Upload the required documents.

Upload a photograph and signature if applicable.

Book the slot for DLTest under the ‘Appointments’ tab on the Homepage of Sarathi Parivahan.

Pay the applicable charges under the ‘Fee Payments’ tab on the Homepage of Sarathi Parivahan.

Further, verify the payment status and print the receipt for future reference under the same ‘Fee Payments’ tab.

Visit the driving test location on the right date and time. The applicant might have to bring their vehicle with the vehicle-related documents such as the car insurance or bike insurance policy to appear for the test.

Upon completion, the driving licence will be sent by speed post to the address furnished in the application form within 30 days.

In case the applicants fail, they can reappear for the test within 7 days.

**How To Apply For Driving Licence In Karnataka Offline?

Visit the nearest RTO office in your location. Click here to learn about the list of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Karnataka.

Collect the applicable forms, such as Form 4, Form 1, etc., from the respective officials.

Fill out the necessary details.

Submit the forms with the required documents.

Get the slot booked for the driving licence test.

Appear for the test on the allotted date and time slot.

Fee Structure For Karnataka Driving Licence

Applicable Fees Amount (₹)
Issue of learner’s licence 150
Test or retest for learner’s licence 50
Issue of driving licence 200
Test or retest for driving licence 300

Process Of Driving Licence Test In Karnataka

The RTO will conduct the driving licence test, and a Driving Test Inspector will be assigned to monitor the test.

There are two phases in which the driving test for DL Karnataka will be conducted: the ground test and the road test.

Ground test - The applicant will be asked to drive on a designated track. It is generally in the shape of '8' for two-wheelers and 'H' for four-wheelers.

Road test - The applicant will be asked to drive on a specific road assigned for the test. The assessment will be based on fundamental driving skills and following traffic rules.

Steps To Check Status Of DL Application In Karnataka

After you apply for DL Karnataka, you can check the application status in a few simple steps as described below:

Navigate to the official website of the Transport Department - Government Of Karnataka.

Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’. You will be moved to the official website of the Ministry Of Road Transport & Highways - Government Of India (Sarathi Parivahan).

Select the State Name - Karnataka.

Click on the Application Status tab.

Provide the Application Number, Date of Birth (DOB), and Captcha, and click on ‘Submit’.

How To Renew Driving Licence In Karnataka?

The validity of a driving licence is 20 years from when it is issued or until the person turns 40, whichever is earlier. After 40 years, the driving licence will be issued for 10 years and 5 years after that.

Navigate to the official website of the Transport Department - Government Of Karnataka.

Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’. You will be moved to the official website of the Ministry Of Road Transport & Highways (Sarathi Parivahan).

Select the State Name - Karnataka.

Click on 'Apply for DL Renewal'.

Fill out the application form with the necessary details.

Upload the required documents.

Upload the photo and signature if required.

Book the slot for the driving licence test if an Additional Endorsement of Driving Licence (AEDL) is required.

Pay the applicable charges.

Download the receipt. The driving licence will be sent by speed post to the address furnished in the application form within 30 days.

Fees Applicable To Renewal Of Driving Licence

Applicable Fees Amount (₹)
Renewal of driving licence 200
Renewal of driving licence after the grace period 300

Importance Of A Motor Insurance Policy

Having applied for and received the DL in Karnataka, applicants need to have a motor insurance policy - car insurance, or bike insurance policy, as applicable - before they start their drive exploration journey.

While a third-party motor insurance policy is mandatory according to the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, insurance for 2 wheelers or four-wheelers with adequate coverage is essential to ensure financial protection in the event of unprecedented events that can cause damage to the vehicles.

Individuals can explore comprehensive four-wheeler or two-wheeler insurance policy options to ensure coverage against third-party liabilities and the damages incurred to their vehicle. It can cover minor damages and total losses.

In addition, they can enhance the coverage by including add-on covers. Therefore, it is important to compare two-wheeler insurance or four-wheeler insurance plans to choose a suitable policy for individual financial needs.

Conclusion

A driving licence is one of the most important documents required for the various vehicle-related verification processes. It qualifies the holder as a capable driver for the respective vehicles for which the driving licence is applied for the purpose of driving. The Transport Department, Government of Karnataka, has simplified the Karnataka DL apply online processes to expedite them and make it convenient for individual applicants

Disclaimer / TnC

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

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