Driving Licence in Karnataka

There are three types driving licences granted by the Karnataka government:

• Driving Licence for Motorcycles without Gear: This type of permanent Driving Licence is given to candidates for driving motorcycles and two wheelers without gear like scooters and mopeds. The applicant must be of age 16 and above to apply for this.
• Driving Licence for Light Motor Vehicle: This is conferred to those individuals applying for license for driving light motor vehicles such as bikes and cars. The legal age to apply for this type of license is 18 and above.
• Driving Licence for Transport Vehicles: Those who want to be able to drive transport automobiles such as cabs, private service vehicles, lorries, trucks, and trailers should go for a permanent Driving Licence for transport vehicles. In Karnataka, Driving Licence for transport automobiles is generally meted out to applicants of age 20 and above.

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Karnataka

You can visit the nearest RTO and collect an application form from there directly, apply via a motor driving school or download one directly from www.rto.kar.nic.in. After the required documentation (passport sized photos, ID proof, residence address proofs etc.), you will be given a slot for the preliminary test. This is to check how aware you are of the road rules, regulations and traffic laws. Once you pass the test, you will be given a learner's license.

Assuming that you have already given the preliminary test and attained a learner's license in Karnataka, the rest of the procedure is quite straightforward. Firstly, know that your Learners License is valid only for six months. And you can apply for a permanent driving licence only after a month, meaning you are expected to practice driving on road and ground at least for month. You can opt for any available slot after one month providing you become confidence to go for the practical test.

Documentation Required for Driving Licence in Karnataka

To obtain a Driving Licence in Karnataka, the candidate should submit the below documents at the concerned RTO Office.

1. Four passport sized photos of the applicant
2. Medical certificate in Form 1 A and 1 given by any licensed Government doctor, if applicable
3. Valid documents of the vehicle if you own a vehicle
4. Duly filled license application form which can be downloaded from the website of Karnataka Transport Department
5. Valid Age Proof: SSLC Book, PAN Card, Voters ID, Aadhar card etc.
6. Valid ID Proof: Any photo and signature bearing national identity cards such as Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card or Aadhar card
7. Residence Proof: Ration card copy, rental/ lease agreement, utility bill etc.
8. Specified Application Fees

More documents might be requested by your RTO official based on your profile. Please check with the concerned staff, before proceeding with the document submission.

How to Check Driving Licence Status in Karnataka

Driving licence is usually sent to the applicant in less than 30 days after passing the test by post. If you haven't received it in the set time, you can get in touch with your RTO and check the status. These days you can check your driving licence status online and do not have to pay a visit to the RTA office. All you need to do is enter the required details given to you in the relevant columns. Remember that your license can get cancelled in case unpaid challans and ignored summons.

How to Make Corrections in Driving Licence Online

If applicants having a driving licence wish to make any kind of corrections (such as misspelt names, address etc.) printed on the card, they need to forward a written application along with any of the relevant documents with the correct information.

1. Passport
2. Any of your latest utility bill
3. LIC Policy
4. Ration Card
5. Caste Certificate (SC/ST, Backward Class and Minorities, etc.)
6. Income Certificate issued by your Tahasildar
7. Self-swearing Affidavit by an applicant in front of an executive Magistrate or a First Class Judicial Magistrate or a Notary Public, with the correct information.
8. Proof of lawful residential status in India (for overseas applicants)

The required correction can be filed and a fresh license will be meted out to you on the same day if it was issued in the same RTA office in the first place. And if applied in a different RTO, the new license with changed address will be sent in one month after due verification. The applicant also has to disburse a fee of INR 215 and be present in person to be photographed by the official.

How to change Address for Driving Licence Online

If applicants having a driving licence wish to change the address printed on the card, they need to forward a written application along with any of the following proofs for the new residence address.

1. Passport
2. LIC Policy
3. Any recent utility bill
4. Ration Card
5. Caste Certificate (SC/ST, Backward Class and Minorities, etc.)
6. Income Certificate issued by your Tahasildar
7. Self-swearing Affidavit by an applicant in front of an executive Magistrate or a First Class Judicial Magistrate or a Notary Public as age and residence proof
8. Proof of lawful residential status in India (for overseas applicants)
9. Change of address can be filed and the new license can be given to you on the same day if issued in the same RTA office.
10. If applied in a different RTO, the new license with changed address will be sent in one month after due verification.
11. The applicant also has to disburse a fee of INR 215 and be present to be photographed.

Test Procedure for Driving Licence in Karnataka

After obtaining your learner’s licence, you can take the practical driving test any time after one month. Choose a slot when confident. On test day, the inspector will check your documents before you proceed. The transport department doesn’t provide vehicles, so bring your own or use one from your driving school.

Four-Wheeler Test: First is the ground test driving along a marked ‘H’ without touching the poles. This checks control, reversing, gear shifting, and focus. If you fail, you’ll be given another date to retake it. Once cleared, you move to the road test, where the examiner accompanies you to assess driving skills, vehicle handling, and traffic rule knowledge.

Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler Test: The ground test involves riding along a ‘Figure of Eight’ without touching the poles to check comfort, gear control, reversing, and cornering. Passing this leads to the road test, riding a certain distance while following all traffic regulations.

The Inspector of Motor Vehicles will evaluate your driving under Rule 15 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (1989). If satisfied, they’ll recommend you for a licence. Failed applicants can retake the test after 7 days by paying ₹50.

Driving Licence Renewal in Karnataka

Driving Licence (DL) is issued with a validity of 20 years or for up to age 50, whichever is earlier. And once you cross the barrier of age 50, you will probably have to renew your license at least every three to five years in Karnataka. You may request for renewal at least 20 years before it is expired or within a month after expiry.

First you need to collect a renewal form from the same RTO that issued you your license or renewed your license last. Submit the filled form and a medical certificate in form CMV 1/ IA, along with three passport sized photographs and original DL.

You have to pay the renewal fee of INR 300 towards the new card and you will receive the license on the same day.

How to Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence

In the event of loss or theft of your driving licence, you might need to apply for a duplicate driving licence. You can submit an LLD form duly filled at the nearest RTO. The steps mentioned below will clarify on how to obtain a duplicate Driving Licence in Karnataka.

1. The Driving Licence holder is expected to fill the LLD form accurately and give it at the same RTO which approved or renewed the license.
2. Along with the LLD form, you should also give at least three copies of your most recent passport sized photos and the fee stipulated in KMV guidebook.
3. If your application for duplicate Driving Licence is made in Form 7, then you will need to shell out a small fee of INR 40.
4. You will also have to present the duplicate copy of your lost license, otherwise it will be difficult for the concerned official to extract your details. It will speed up the process and make it easier.

How to Get International Driving Licence in Karnataka?

Please go through the guidelines below if you wish to apply for an International License in the state.

1. Collect the Application Form CMV 4-A from your nearest RTO or download the same from their website.
2. You have to shell out an IDP (International Driving Permit) charge of INR 500 to the RTO cashier. You can pay online as well.
3. Show your Original Valid Driving Licence, Visa, Passport and Air ticket and submit Photostat copies of each at the office.
4. A medical certificate and fitness certificate in form CMV 1 & CMV 1A must be given with your duly filled application and three latest passport sized photos.
5. To proceed with the application, the applicant must be an Indian citizen and has to go to the office in person.
6. If the driving licence given is within 90 days, the candidate must go for a re-test.
7. The address given in the license must be under the RTO dominion, where you are applying.
8. Your International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 12 months or until the driving licence expires, whichever happens earlier.