Karnataka resident follows a distinct traffic laws and regulations that must be stringently followed. Earning a driving license in Karnataka is not a long process as it once was. Yet there is no compromise or short cut when it comes to getting a learners first and then the license.
Types of Driving Licence in Karnataka
In Karnataka, license aspirants has to obtain a Learners License first and then obtain a Permanent Driving License in six months. You can get a slot for a permanent driving license test only after one month of getting the learners.
There are three types driving licenses granted by the Karnataka government:
- Driving License for Motorcycles without Gear:This type of permanent Driving License 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 License 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 License 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 License for transport vehicles. In Karnataka, Driving License for transport automobiles is generally meted out to applicants of age 20 and above.
Documentation Required for Driving Licence in Karnataka
To obtain a Driving License in Karnataka, the candidate should submit the below documents at the concerned RTO office.
- Four passport sized photos of the applicant
- Medical certificate in Form 1 A and 1 given by any licensed Government doctor, if applicable
- Valid documents of the vehicle if you own a vehicle
- Duly filled license application form which can be downloaded from the website of Karnataka Transport Department
- Valid Age Proof: SSLC Book, PAN Card, Voters ID, Aadhar card etc.
- Valid ID Proof: Any photo and signature bearing national identity cards such as Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card or Aadhar card
- Residence Proof: Ration card copy, rental/ lease agreement, utility bill etc.
- Specified Application Fees
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.
How to Make Corrections in Driving Licence Online
If applicants having a driving license 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.
- Passport
- Any of your latest utility bill
- LIC Policy
- Ration Card
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST, Backward Class and Minorities, etc.)
- Income Certificate issued by your Tahasildar
- 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.
- Proof of lawful residential status in India (for overseas applicants)
How to change Address for Driving Licence Online
If applicants having a driving license 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.
- Passport
- LIC Policy
- Any recent utility bill
- Ration Card
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST, Backward Class and Minorities, etc.)
- Income Certificate issued by your Tahasildar
- 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
- Proof of lawful residential status in India (for overseas applicants)
- 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.
- 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 to be photographed.
Test Procedure for Driving Licence in Karnataka
Four wheeler test: First you will have to go for the ground test, which is basically driving along the marked ‘H’, without touching the poles planted at the edges. This is mainly to gauge your ability to control the vehicle, reverse, shift gears, focus and so on. Upon flunking this, you will be given another date to repeat the test. Once you clear the ground test, you will be cleared for the road test, which is the final stage. Here, the examiner will accompany you and will mainly check your driving skills, adaptation with the vehicle, how well-versed you are in practical application of traffic rules & laws.
Two-wheeler & three-wheeler tests: For these too, the ground test comes first. You will have to ride the bike or auto rickshaw along the previously bordered ‘Figure of Eight’ without touching the poles planted at different corners. This tells the examiner how comfortable you are with your vehicle, shifting gears, reversing, bending corners and so on. After clearing this, you will be directed for the road test, in which you have to ride for a certain distance on the road complying with all the rules and regulations.
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.
- Collect the Application Form CMV 4-A from your nearest RTO or download the same from their website.
- You have to shell out an IDP (International Driving Permit) charge of INR 500 to the RTO cashier. You can pay online as well.
- Show your Original Valid Driving License, Visa, Passport and Air ticket and submit Photostat copies of each at the office.
- 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.
- To proceed with the application, the applicant must be an Indian citizen and has to go to the office in person.
- If the driving license given is within 90 days, the candidate must go for a re-test.
- The address given in the license must be under the RTO dominion, where you are applying.
- Your International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 12 months or until the driving license expires, whichever happens earlier.