Eligibility Criteria for Learning Licence in Karnataka
It is imperative to meet specific eligibility criteria before you can apply for the learner’s permit. They are as follows:
Vehicle Type | Eligibility Criteria |
Non-geared two-wheeler | The minimum age is 16, especially for motorcycles without gear up to 50cc. In fact, you must provide written permission from your guardian if you are below 18. |
Geared 2- or 4-wheeler vehicle | At least 18 years |
Transport vehicles | - 20 years or above
- Experience driving a light car for at least 1 year
- Completed up to the 8th standard of education
|
Physical fitness is a significant factor
Your health also impacts whether you can get a Learner's Licence in Karnataka or not.
- You have to file Form 1, declaring that you are physically fit and don’t suffer from any condition that can hamper your driving.
- You have to file a Form 1A if you are more than 50 years old.
- You can only apply for invalid carriage vehicles if you are differently abled. In this scenario, you also have to upload a disability ID card and a driving ability certificate.
Types of Learning Licence (LL)
You can only apply for a Learning Licence for the class of vehicle you want to drive. Here are the options available for an LL in Karnataka:
- Light Motor Vehicles
- Medium Passenger Vehicles
- Heavy Passenger Vehicles
- Gearless motorcycles
- Geared motorcycles
- Medium Goods Vehicles
- Heavy Goods Vehicles
How to Apply for a Learner's Licence in Karnataka
There are two ways to apply for a Learning Licence in Karnataka.
- Online (Parivahan portal)
- Offline (Local RTO)
Online Method to Apply for a Learner's Licence in Karnataka
Apply for your Learning Licence in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website: https://parivahan.gov.in.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Online Services” section. Click on “Driving Licence Related Services.

Step 3: Select Karnataka under the “Select State Name” tab.

Step 4: Scroll to the “Apply for Learner Licence”.

Step 5: You will see the instructions listed. Click on “Continue”.
Step 6: Select the category as General, Diplomat, OCI, Foreigners, or Refugee.
Step 7: Choose between “Submit via Aadhaar Authentication” and “Submit without Aadhaar Authentication”, depending on your requirements.
Step 8: Enter your Aadhaar number and click on “Generate OTP”. Enter the 4-digit password and tick all the checkboxes. Now hit “Authenticate”.
Step 9: Fill out the Learning Licence application form that is available on the next page.
Step 10: Pay the application fees using your preferred method. Download the receipt of acknowledgement.
Step 11: Take the online test associated with the application to get your Learning Licence in Karnataka.
Step 12: Once you have achieved 60% or above, you can download the licence.
Offline Method to Apply for a Learner's Licence in Karnataka
Step 1: Visit the official website: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en
Step 2: Download the offline application form.
Step 3: Fill out the form and visit your nearest RTO for submission, along with the supporting documents.
Step 4: Pay the Learning Licence fees and collect the acknowledgement receipt from the RTO officer. Along with that, reserve a slot for the test.
Step 5: Revisit the RTO to take the exam and pass it with 60% or more.
Step 6: Pick up your licence from the office or request home delivery via post.
Documents Required for a Learning Licence in Karnataka
Submit the following documents and apply for your Learning Licence:
- Form No. 2
- Form 1-A Medical certificate. This is applicable if applying for a transport licence
- Form–1 to self-declare that you are physically fit
- Proof of age (passport, voter ID, birth certificate, ration card, or life insurance policy)
- Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, voter ID, electricity bill, passport, house tax receipt)
- Latest passport-size photographs
- Citizenship proof
- A copy of the driver's licence for a basic car with 1 year of experience is required. This is a requirement when applying for a transport vehicle licence.
- Application fee receipt
Learner's Licence Fees in Karnataka
You can refer to the following table for the LL fees in Karnataka.
Service Type | Fee |
Learner's Licence issuance for every vehicle | ₹150 |
First test or re-attempt fee | ₹50 |
What to Expect in the LL Test in Karnataka
Getting a Learner's Licence is a stepping stone to obtaining a permanent permit in the country. However, it requires more than submitting your documents. You have to pass a test to get your licence. Although this is not a practical test, it is scheduled to determine if you possess the road safety and signal knowledge to drive on Indian roads. If you are unsure about how the test would be and what kind of questions you can expect, here’s a quick overview for you:
Test for LL in Karnataka
- MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Online and offline modes are available
- Computer or tablet required (no mobile devices)
- 10 to 20 questions
- 10 to 15 minutes duration
- At least a 60% score
- English, Hindi, and Kannada
Common Questions Asked in the Learner's Licence Test
The questions are straightforward and objective and can be classified into main categories:
- What does a traffic sign mean?
- What should you do when you want to overtake a vehicle?
- Which pedal stops the car?
- What is the validity of a Learner's Licence in Karnataka?
- What is the right thing to do when you see an older adult crossing the street?
How to Check Your Learner's Licence Application Status in Karnataka?
Online Tracking
Visit the official website of Karnataka’s transport department. Fill in all the details asked here and click on the Submit button. You can now see the status on the screen.
Offline Tracking
Visit the RTO where you applied for the licence and provide the necessary details. The officer in charge will provide you with the update.
Validity of a Learner's Licence
Your Learning Licence is valid for up to 6 months and can be reapplied for if it has expired. Within this timeframe, you can apply for a permanent licence (after one month of Learner's Licence issuance).
While you are the holder of a learner’s permit, you should:
- Put an “L” sticker on the back or front mirror of the car.
- Practice driving to gain confidence and be ready to become a permanent licence holder.
How to Renew an LL in Karnataka?
Although a Learner's Licence (LL) cannot be renewed, you can apply for a reissue. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
Step 2: Choose “Karnataka” from the list of states.
Step 3: Go to the menu and click on “Expired Learner License Issue Again”.
After the Test: What's Next?
Once you have taken the test, you will get your result immediately. If you score at least 60%, you can:
- Get your LL within a few hours from the RTO.
- Ask the RTO in charge to deliver the licence to your registered address.
If you don’t score 60%, you can reapply for the test and improve your road knowledge to ensure you pass next time.
Common Hiccups and How to Handle Them?
In some situations, your LL application might not be processed. It can be due to:
- A technical glitch in the system
- Unavailability of the RTO officer
The problem will be solved within a few hours. However, if that doesn’t happen, you can register a complaint at the RTO.
Frequently Asked Questions