How To Get A Driving License In Bangalore

Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka is the hub for all things start-up, technology and a buzzing lifestyle. It is one of the most talked about cities when it comes to road traffic too, so you are probably wondering how to make sure you are good to go on Bangalore roads. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, only those above 18 years of age are allowed to drive with a driving license in Bangalore (And all over India). According to estimates, there are around 1.5 crore people in Bangalore and almost the same number of vehicles, making it one vehicle per resident. To avoid issues on the road and to make sure that your drive is smooth, having the right documents is more than important.

Are you looking to apply for driving license in Bangalore? Read on to get a detailed, step-by-step guide and learn more about learner’s license in Bangalore, international driving permit in Bangalore and more.

Types of DL in Bangalore

The Bangalore Regional Transportation Office provides three types of driving licenses, based on the type of vehicle you drive and your age.

1. License for small 2-wheelers without gears and engine (less than 50CC). These licenses are available for those over 16 years of age.
2. Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) license, for two and four-wheeled vehicles that we usually drive. This is the most common type of DL in Bangalore. The applicant must be 18 or above to apply for this license.
3. Commercial vehicle license, for those who drive heavy-duty vehicles used for businesses. You need to be 20 or over to apply for driving license in Bangalore in this category.

The process to apply for driving license in Bangalore

Depending on what you want, you can go for either online or offline methods to get your driving license in Bangalore. The process is simple, extremely convenient and usually sorted in a few weeks.

How to apply for DL in Bangalore online:

1. Go to https://transport.karnataka.gov.in/ to apply online.

2. Download the application form and print it.

3. Fill out the application form and upload it.

4. Gather all required documents and submit them.

5. Request a slot for the driving test from the registry.

6. Visit the RTO for a driving test. Following the completion of the aforementioned procedures and successfully passing the driving test, you can expect to receive your driving license within a span of 2 to 3 weeks.

Know that before this, it is important to acquire a learner’s permit. Wondering how to get a learner’s license in Bangalore? It’s quite simple. The same procedure applies. You get the form and fill it out before uploading it back on the website. Then, you will be issued one which is usually valid for 6 months. So, within those 6 months, you will have to appear for the driving test.

Apply for driving license in Bangalore offline:

1. First, you have to visit the RTO and collect the form from them.
2. Fill the form with relevant information and attach all the required documents (which are mentioned above)
3. Pay the fee and schedule a driving test.
4. After your driving test is complete, you will be issued your driving license in Bangalore if you satisfy the test criteria and also have a learner’s license in Bangalore that is within the time limit.

Driving Test in Bangalore: Process for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers

The driving license test in Bangalore adheres to the guidelines in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. If you want to take the test, you can do it with your own vehicle or choose a vehicle provided by a motor driving school.

Test for Two-wheeler & Three-wheeler:

1. Candidates will be tested on their ability to navigate within specific boundaries.
2. One of the main tests is to complete a perfect figure-eight pattern without the vehicle stopping or stalling at any point. This shows their ability to control the acceleration, brakes and steering perfectly.
3. The instructor will then test your ability to ride on public roads as further assessment. This is to check your knowledge of road rules, and how you act when you are put on the spot.

Test for Four-wheeler:

1. A test track will be provided through which the candidate will be tested for smooth driving. They should avoid hitting any columns.
2. Their performance will be evaluated on a public road.

If a candidate does not pass the performance test for any of the vehicles, they can try again after waiting for seven days. They will, however, have to pay a small fee.

How to check your driving license application status in Bangalore online:

Once you are done with your driving license test, you can go online and check when you will receive it. Here’s how to check your driving license application status in Bangalore, online.

1. Go to the Karnataka Transport Department’s website.
2. Select DL and LL registration
3. Then, check your application status
4. Enter your application number
5. Click ‘Submit’ to see your driving license application status in Bangalore.

There is another way to check the status of your application online, through the government website.

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.

2. Select the 'Driving licence-related services' link.

3. Choose your residing state. (Karnataka)

4. On the next page, click on the 'Verify status' option.

5. Provide your Date of Birth (DOB) and application number

6. Enter the captcha code correctly.

7. The status of your licence will be displayed.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for a DL in Bangalore?

1. 16 years or older for gearless, two-wheeler vehicles.
2. 18 years or older for geared and light motor vehicles
3. 20 years or older for heavy motor vehicles
4. A learner’s license in Bangalore that is between 30-180 days during the time of submitting the driving license application.
5. A sound knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

Documents required for a driving license application:
Here’s what’s required.

1. A completed application form with no errors or blanks
2. Two passport-size photographs of the applicant
3. A copy of your PAN card
4. If you are over 40, a copy of your medical certificate
5. If you are a minor, a copy of a written form of consent from a parent or guardian. This must include the date and their signature.
6. Address proof (Voter ID, ration card, PAN, Aadhar, anything works.)
7. Age proof (Birth certificate, Class 10 mark sheet)
8. Copy of your valid learner’s license permit
9. Receipt of fee confirmation for the driver’s test

How to apply for a learner’s license Bangalore

Online:

1. Download the application form from the website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website.
2. Attach all the required documents and make sure you have filled in the application form correctly.
3. Make the payment for the application.
4. You will have the option of choosing a date and time for your learner’s permit test at the RTO.
5. Visit the RTO and take the test. Once you pass it, the RTO will issue the permit on the same day.

Offline:

1. Visit the nearest RTO and collect the required documents from them.
2. Fill in the details and attach the necessary documents.
3. There will be an added step here where the RTO will review and verify the documents.
4. You can pay cash up front or the fee via debit or credit card.
5. Schedule your test, take it, and get your permit.

Step-by-step Process of Renewal of Driving Licence in Bangalore:

1. Visit the relevant RTO or use the Bangalore Transport website for online renewal.

2. Download the renewal application form from the website.

3. Accurately fill out the application form.

4. Submit the completed form in person at the respective RTO.

5. After document verification, a renewed driving licence will be issued.

6. Note that you might need a health clearance certificate from a certified medical practitioner confirming your fitness to drive during the renewal process.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Bangalore

If your driving license (DL) is lost or damaged in Bangalore, you can obtain a duplicate. Here's how:

1. File a First Information Report (FIR) with the police.

2. Visit the RTO that initially issues your license with a copy of the FIR and other documents such as the LLD form, ID proof, address proof and the fee of Rs. 200 for the duplicate copy.

3. After a short verification process, the RTO will send you a duplicate copy of your driver's license to your address.

International Driving Permit Bangalore | How do you obtain one?

To get an international driving permit Bangalore has easy steps. For your information: You must already possess a valid permanent driving license. Visit the RTO and submit the necessary documents. You usually won’t be tested for your driving skills all over again. Here are some documents you need to get an international driving permit in Bangalore.

1. A copy of the visa of the country you are visiting
2. A copy of the passport
3. A copy of your driving license
4. Address proof
5. Medical form 1A
6. Proof of nationality
7. Five passport-size photographs

Possessing a driving license is crucial under the Central Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, as it helps you avoid unnecessary fines for violating legal requirements. Under section 3/181, steering vehicles without an active driving license in Bangalore could result in a fine of Rs.5000 and subsequent penalties. The same amount of fine is also imposable on the individual allowing an unauthorized person to drive. You can consider well-established insurance providers like Chola MS, which offer a range of insurance policies along with useful add-ons for purchasing or renewing your car insurance or two-wheeler insurance policy.