Applying for a Driving Licence (DL) online in Karnataka is a streamlined process made easy through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal called Parivahan Sewa. The Karnataka Transport Department has fully integrated with this national portal to ensure citizens can apply for a Learner’s Licence (LL), Permanent Driving Licence (DL), or renew their existing licence from the comfort of their home.
š£ļø Introduction
A Driving Licence is a legal requirement to drive any motor vehicle on public roads in India. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates that no person can drive a motor vehicle without holding a valid driving licence. In Karnataka, the process to apply for a DL has been digitized via the Sarathi Parivahan portal, which helps citizens save time and effort by avoiding unnecessary visits to RTOs (Regional Transport Offices).
š¦ Types of Driving Licences in Karnataka
Before applying, you should know the type of licence you need:
- Learner’s Licence (LL) ā Issued before a permanent licence and valid for 6 months.
- Permanent Driving Licence (DL) ā Issued after 30 days and within 180 days of obtaining a Learner’s Licence.
- Commercial Driving Licence (CDL) ā For those driving commercial/heavy vehicles.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) ā For driving vehicles abroad.
ā Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 16 years old for gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc.
- Must be 18 years or older for vehicles with gear (like motorcycles and cars).
- Must be 20 years or older for commercial vehicle licences.
- Must possess a Learnerās Licence before applying for a Permanent DL.
š Documents Required
For Learnerās Licence:
- Age proof (Birth certificate, PAN, Aadhaar)
- Address proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID, Utility bills)
- Passport-size photos
- Form 1 (Self-declaration of physical fitness)
- Form 2 (Application for LL)
- Form 1A (Medical certificate for applicants over 40 or commercial licence seekers)
For Permanent DL:
- Learnerās Licence
- Passport-size photos
- Form 4 (Application for DL)
- Form 5 (For commercial licence applicants ā training certificate from authorized driving school)
- Form 1A (Medical certificate, if required)
š» Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for Driving Licence in Karnataka
š¹ Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal
- Go to the official MoRTH portal: https://parivahan.gov.in
- Under āOnline Services,ā select Driving Licence Related Services.
š¹ Step 2: Select Your State
- Choose Karnataka from the state list. You will be redirected to the Sarathi portal for Karnataka.
š¹ Step 3: Select the Service
For Learnerās Licence (LL):
- Click on āApply for Learner Licence.ā
- Read the instructions and proceed.
- Fill out Form 1 and Form 2 with personal and address details.
- Upload necessary documents (proofs, photo, signature).
- Select the class of vehicle (e.g., MCWG for motorcycles with gear, LMV for cars).
- Book a test slot for the online LL test.
For Permanent Driving Licence:
- Click on āApply for Driving Licence.ā
- Enter your Learnerās Licence number and date of birth.
- Fill in Form 4 and upload required documents.
- Choose your nearest RTO and preferred date for the DL driving test.
š§Ŗ Learnerās Licence Test (LL Test)
- Conducted online at the RTO or authorized test center.
- Questions are based on traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices.
- It is a multiple-choice format; you need a minimum score to pass.
- If you fail, you can retake it after a few days.
š Driving Test for Permanent Licence
- After holding the Learnerās Licence for at least 30 days, apply for a driving test.
- The test is held at the RTO.
- For two-wheelers: Youāll be asked to ride in figure 8 or serpentine paths.
- For four-wheelers: Youāll be asked to perform parking, reversing, and driving on slopes.
- A Motor Vehicle Inspector evaluates your performance.
If you pass, your DL will be processed and mailed to your address. You can also download a soft copy from the Sarathi portal.
šµ Fees for Driving Licence in Karnataka
| Service | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Learnerās Licence | ā¹150 per class |
| Driving Test Fee | ā¹300 |
| Issue of DL | ā¹200 |
| DL Renewal | ā¹200 |
| International DL | ā¹1000 |
| Duplicate DL | ā¹200 |
You can pay the fee online through net banking, UPI, or debit card.
š± How to Track Driving Licence Application Status
- Visit the Sarathi portal.
- Click on Application Status.
- Enter the application number and date of birth.
- The status will show stages like “Application Received,” “Test Passed,” or “DL Dispatched.”
š DL Renewal and Duplicate Licence
You can also apply for DL renewal, duplicate licence, or address change using the same Sarathi portal:
To renew:
- Apply 30 days before expiry.
- Fill Form 1 and 1A (if over 40).
- Upload existing DL and documents.
- Pay ā¹200 and book an appointment (if needed).
To get a duplicate:
- File an FIR in case of loss.
- Submit Form LLD and a copy of the FIR.
- Pay ā¹200 and upload your existing DL details.
š List of RTOs in Karnataka Offering Online DL Services
Some of the main RTOs include:
- KA-01: Bengaluru Central
- KA-02: Bengaluru West
- KA-03: Bengaluru East
- KA-04: Bengaluru North
- KA-05: Bengaluru South
- KA-41: Electronic City
- KA-42: Nelamangala
- KA-50: Yelahanka
All major cities and districts in Karnataka now offer online DL services through the Sarathi portal.
ā Common FAQs
Q1: Can I take the Learnerās Licence test from home?
A: In some districts of Karnataka, an online test from home may be allowed with webcam surveillance. Otherwise, it must be taken at the RTO.
Q2: Is a driving school mandatory?
A: For non-commercial licences, it is not mandatory. For commercial licences, training from a recognized school is required.
Q3: How long is the DL valid?
A: Usually valid for 20 years or till age 50 (whichever is earlier). After that, renewal is required every 5 years.
Q4: What if I fail the DL test?
A: You can reappear after 7 days. You may need to pay the test fee again.
š Final Thoughts
Applying for a Driving Licence online in Karnataka has become incredibly convenient thanks to the Parivahan Sarathi portal. From filling out forms to booking slots and uploading documents, the process is designed to reduce wait times and improve transparency. By following the steps above, you can obtain your driving licence without having to rely on agents or middlemen.
Make sure to prepare well for both the learnerās and driving tests, as passing them is essential to getting your DL issued. Also, keep digital and hard copies of your licence safe, and remember to renew before it expires.