Learner's License in Karnataka

Would it not be wonderful and liberating to be able to drive around the city in a car or a bike independently? Driving, which was earlier regarded as a rare privilege enjoyed by the affluent class, has become an essential life skill these days. Hence, a lot of people wish to procure a driving license whether or not they own or use a vehicle. A learner's license is the initial step towards getting a permanent driving license. It is a provisional license which gives you time and permission to learn how to drive competently before obtaining a permanent driving license.

Types of Learner License in Karnataka

Driving licenses in Karnataka are offered for four categories. Those who wish to get a permanent Driving License in Karnataka must first procure a Learner License in the relevant category. The categories are:

• Motorcycles without Gear

• Motorcycles with Gear

• Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)

• Transport Vehicles

Eligibility Criteria for Learner's License in Karnataka

To be able to apply for a permanent driving license for a certain category of vehicle, one must have the Learner's License for that particular vehicle type first. People applying for Transport Vehicle license must hold a prior valid license for light motor vehicles obtained at least a year ago. The age criteria for applying for a Learner License in Karnataka are as follows:

• Learner License for a motorcycle without gear - the applicant must be of at least 16 years of age.

• Learner License for a motorcycle with gear - the applicant must be of at least 18 years of age.

• Learner License for transport vehicles - the applicant must be of at least 20 years of age.

• All other classes of vehicles - the applicant must be of at least 18 years of age.

Learner License in Karnataka -  Documents Required

Just like all other Indian states, a Learner's License can be obtained in Karnataka only after submitting a bunch of required documents.

• Application (as per Form-2)

• Medical Certificate (as per Form 1-A)

• Self-declaration of physical fitness (as per Form-1)

• Required Fees of Rs.60

• Four passport size photographs clicked recently

• Address proof (utility bills, Adhaar card, Passport, Voter ID card)

• Age proof (Birth certificate, PAN card, passport, School leaving certificate)

• Appointment/fee receipt.

• Approval letter from parents, in case the applicant is below 18 years of age.

• CMV-Form 1A issued by a registered doctor for applicants seeking a license for transport or commercial vehicle.

• Applicants above 50 years of age must submit the CMV Form issued by a registered medical practitioner.

• Applicants seeking a license for transport or commercial vehicle should submit a valid proof of experience in driving a light motor vehicle for at least one year.

Learner's Licence in Karnataka - Offline Application Procedure

Applicants in Karnataka can either visit a Regional Transport Office to apply for their LLR or do so online using the official website of the state's transport department. The following steps can guide in the offline application:

• Find out which RTO has jurisdiction over your area of residence.

• Visit the RTO and collect Form 2, which is the Learner’s Licence Application form. You must also collect Medical Certificate and the Declaration forms too.

• Fill up the forms accurately and sign them.

• Find out what are the required documents and attach their photocopies to your application.

• Pay the application fee to the RTO. Karnataka charges Rs.30 for each category of vehicles applied for.

• The application will be processed once your documents are successfully verified. You will be notified about the same.

• A test slot will be fixed for you.

• After you successfully clear the test, your Learner’s Licence will be issued on the same day.

Learner's Licence in Karnataka - Online Application Procedure

Alternatively, applicants can apply for their LLRs very conveniently from the comforts of their home through the online web portal of Karnataka Transport Department. Applicants must visit the official website Karnataka RTO website at https://www.rto.kar.nic.in, download the Learner’s Licence online application form and fill out the required details. After uploading the supporting documents, the applicant can pay the required fee and select a test slot. An acknowledgment receipt with an application number will be generated. The applicant must then visit the RTO on the scheduled date with the printout of the form, the supporting documents and the application receipt and take the LLR test.

A written or computerized test has to be cleared to be eligible for an LLR. The test typically contains 20 multiple choice questions and one can pass it by securing at least 60% marks. This test mainly includes questions on road signs and symbols, basic traffic rules, driver’s duty, etc.

Learner’s License in Karnataka - Making Corrections

Typos and errors on the learner's license shouldn't be ignored and the applicant must get them rectified immediately. The same errors will otherwise be printed on the permanent license. A driving license is a critical proof of identity and must not contain an error, especially in the spelling of the holder's name or address. Here is how you can get such errors rectified:

• Approach the RTO that had issued the learner's license and inform them what changes you require and why. This cannot be done at other RTOs.

• Submit the supporting documents containing the correct information. The RTO can guide you with a list of required documents.

• Submit an application along with the original learner's license to the Regional Transport Officer to request the necessary modifications.

• If the request is approved, pay the fees for making the corrections and obtain a receipt.

• This acknowledgment/receipt can be used in lieu of the learner’s license until a new and updated LLR is issued.

Learner's License in Karnataka - Duplicate LLR

If someone's LLR is lost or stolen or damaged, they can get a duplicate Learner's License by following these easy steps:

• Obtain an LLD form from the RTO.

• Fill it up correctly.

• Submit it at the same RTO where the original Learner's License was issued. Remember that other RTOs are not authorized for this.

• Attach two passport-sized photographs and all other necessary documents as asked by the RTO.

• A copy of a First Information Report submitted to the local police station is required if the original LLR was lost or stolen.

• The applicant must pay the nominal fee of Rs.15 for the duplicate LLR.

• The duplicate learner’s license can be collected on the same day between 4.30 PM to 5.30 PM from the RTO.

International License in Karnataka

One can get an International Driving Permit or IDP in Karnataka by following these simple steps:

• Obtain the IDP Application Form (CMV 4-A) from the nearest RTO. It can also be downloaded from the RTO's online portal.

• Pay the IDP fee of Rs.500 to the cashier at the RTO. Alternatively, you can pay it online through a credit/debit card or net banking.

• Visit the RTO. Carry these documents in original as well as in photocopies - A valid Driving License, the Visa, the Passport and the flight ticket. Submit the copies of each at the RTO.

• A medical certificate (Form CMV 1) and a fitness certificate (form CMV 1A) must also be attached with the duly filled application.

• Three recent passport-sized photographs are required.

• Upon verification of the documents, the IDP will be issued. It is valid for 12 months or until the original driving license expires - whichever is earlier.

A few important points regarding IDP

• IDPs are exclusive to Indian citizens.

• The applicant and has to be present in the RTO at the time of processing the application.

• In case the applicant's driving license was issued less than 90 days ago, the applicant must take a re-test.

• The applicant must approach the jurisdictional RTO for an IDP.

FAQs

If someone fails the test of driving competence, what is the next step?

The applicant will be allotted another date after a week for a retest, provided that he/she pays a fee of Rs.50.

What all should one learn for the learner's license test?

The learner's license test is generally a written or computerized test. The test typically contains 20 multiple choice questions and one can pass it by securing at least 60% marks. This test mainly includes questions on road signs and symbols, basic traffic rules, driver’s duty, etc.

If the applicant has a valid two-wheeler license, would they have to go through the lengthy procedure of getting an LLR for a four-wheeler?

If the applicant is applying through the same RTO, he/she will be exempted from the preliminary LLR test. However, the remaining procedure has to be followed.