How to Get a Driving License in Bangalore
Having applied for a fresh Karnataka Driving License recently in Bangalore, I thought I should share the procedure with all of you, so you don’t waste your time and patience there trying to figure out where to go and what to do. And most importantly, these steps will help you go through the process yourself, rather than taking the help of any touts or agents.
Following are the main steps:
1. Identify your respective RTO
2. Apply for a Learner’s License (LL)
3. One month waiting period where you must learn to drive the car
4. Apply for a Driving License (DL)
5. Collecting the DL
The next sections will cover these steps in detail.
Step 1: Identify your RTO
There are currently the following RTOs in Bangalore city:
Code RTO Zone RTO Location Phone
KA01 Bangalore (Central) Koramangala 080-25533525
KA02 Bangalore (West) Rajajinagar 080-23324388
KA03 Bangalore (East) Indiranagar 080-25253726
KA04 Bangalore (North) Yeswanthpura 080-23376039
KA05 Bangalore (South) Jayanagar 080-26630989
KA41 – Mysore Road 080-22718765
KA50 – Yelahanka 080-28561366
KA51 – Electronics City 080-25735533
KA52 – Nelamangala 080-27726886
KA53 – KR Puram 080-25617959
You can get the list of all RTOs in all states here along with their complete address.
Since I applied for my DL at the Koramangala RTO (located in Koramangala BDA Complex), I will provide instructions with reference to that particular RTO.
Step 2: Applying for the LL
You need to go to the RTO with the following documents:
1. Three recent passport size photos
2. Address proof (Ration card, Passport, etc.) (copy as well as original)
3. Age proof (Birth certificate, PAN card, etc.) (copy as well as original)
With these documents, go to the helpdesk which is on the second floor of Koramangala BDA Complex. Take CMV Form 2 from there and fill it up, or else download it from here. Next, go to the RTO cash counter which is in Room No. 12, pay Rs. 30 per LL and get the receipt printout. Note that if you’re applying for, say, both two-wheeler and four-wheeler LL at once, you need to take two receipts of Rs. 30 each, so explain to the person at the counter accordingly.
On the CMV Form 2, you need to tick all the vehicle categories for which you need the license (e.g two-wheeler with gear, light motor vehicle, etc.).
Next, attach copies of all the above mentioned documents to the CMV Form 2 and go to the Assistant RTO Officer’s cabin. He will verify the documents with their originals and then sign on the CMV Form 2. Then, you need to go to Room No. 2, where another person will ask you to explain the traffic signs and driving rules as specified in the Indian Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. After that, he will sign on the form too.
Now, you need to go to Room No. 12 again and submit it at the LL counter to the right of the ARTO’s cabin. After an hour or so, you will get your LL, which is basically a sheet of paper with your photo and other details of your license application. It also mentions the validity period of the LL, which is six months from the date of application.
UPDATE: You can now even apply for the LL online! You need to visit this link, go through the instructions and then click on the “Register online” link at the bottom. Not giving any more details as everything is explained in the link above.
Step 3: Waiting period of one month
There is a waiting period of one month after you get the LL, after which you can apply for the actual DL. This is to enable you to learn to drive the vehicle properly under the guidance of another valid DL holder.
Following are the rules for this period:
1. Always carry your LL with you
2. Never drive the vehicle alone. You are supposed to be accompanied by another person who has a valid DL for that type of vehicle
3. Put a red “L” sticker on the front and back of the vehicle, which will warn others that you are a learner
4. Do not concentrate on ABC (accelerator-brake-clutch) of driving alone! Imbibe the finer points of driving as well, such as lane discipline, respecting traffic signals, giving way to others, not honking indiscriminately, etc.
Step 4: Applying for the DL
Now comes the real test! After you have completed the minimum one month waiting period, you are eligible to apply for the DL. For this, you have to give a driving test in front of a Driving Inspector and he has to be satisfied that you have learnt to drive the vehicle properly.
You again need to carry three passport size photos for this. First, go to the helpdesk as before and take CMV Form 4, one for each class of vehicle for which you are taking the license (don’t forget this, or else you will have to run around again later), or download here. So if you’re applying for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler simultaneously, as I did, you have to fill the CMV Form 4 in duplicate. In this form, you have to fill in the requested info and also provide your LL number.
You also have to take CMV Form 7 (for issuing PVC card DL) from the cabin to the right of the ARTO’s cabin in Room No. 12 and fill it up (only once, even if you’re applying for more than one class of vehicle license). Next, go to the RTO cash counter in the same room and pay Rs. 215 for the PVC card (smart card type) DL, and Rs. 50 each for the driving test for every class of vehicle. In my case, the total was Rs. 315 (Rs. 215 for plastic DL, Rs. 50 x 2 for DL test for two- and four-wheeler).
Now, you again need to go to the ARTO’s cabin with CMV Form 4(s), Form 7, your LL(s) and payment receipt(s) all attached together. He will verify everything and then sign on the Form 4(s).
Next, you need to go to the DL section which is the same place from where you took the Form 7 (room to the right of the ARTO’s cabin). There, your picture will be taken on the webcam, your fingerprints will be scanned, and you will be asked to sign using an electronic pen on a pad. All this will be recorded electronically on the RTO’s computers, and will appear on your actual DL.
Then, you need to go to another desk which is on the left of the ARTO’s cabin, where you need to show them the signed CMV Form 4 and payment receipts, and they will enter it into the system (don’t ask me why it’s like this!!). Then they will put a stamp on your CMV Form 4 that says “Back entry done”. Ensure that your photo, fingerprints and signature are taken before you come here, or else the system will not accept your form.
Once this is done, you need to go for the driving test. The Driving Inspector will be sitting on the ground floor of the Koramangala BDA Complex. Go to him with all your forms attached, and with the original documents (including Emission Certificate(s)) of the vehicle(s) for which you are applying for the license. Note that if you’re applying for both two- and four-wheeler, you need to bring both the vehicles with you (so you need a friend/relative to come with you, obviously), and you also need to get the original documents of both vehicles. Also note that you may need to arrange for your own vehicles; you may or may not be allowed to borrow another person’s vehicle, as the Inspector may not allow it for some really strange, inexplicable reason!
Once the driving test is done, the Inspector will take all the forms from you, sign on them and keep them with him. You don’t have any proofs/receipts with you at this point, which I find rather strange (’cause what if he loses your form?). After a couple of days, you can come and collect your DL. Note that in Koramangala RTO, they issue DLs only on Fridays between 4-5 PM, so you can’t collect it on any other day.
It may also happen that the Inspector is not satisfied with your driving for whatever reason. Perhaps you genuinely made a mistake during the test (didn’t give necessary signals, didn’t follow rules, etc.), or perhaps the Inspector just wants you to grease his palm. If it’s the former reason, he’ll ask you to reappear for the test after a week’s gap. If it’s the latter, the decision is yours as to whether you want to pay him off or complain to the authorities (Lok Ayukta or RTI may help you here).
Step 5: Collecting the DL
Once you collect your DL on the given date, remember to verify it on the spot for any mistakes. Ensure that your name, date of birth, address, parents’ name, etc. are correct. If not, bring it to their notice immediately. Perhaps you may need to pay Rs. 215 again for a fresh plastic card, as the present rules are such that you pay even if the mistake is theirs!
This is how a Karnataka DL looks like (currently):
Hope this information was helpful! Please let me know if I’ve missed out any details, or if any information is erroneous.
Useful links:
- Karnataka RTO website: http://rto.kar.nic.in/
- Do’s and Don’ts of DL & LL: http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/view/440-driving-license-help
- Traffic Rules & Regulations: http://www.bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&btp=82
- Traffic Signs: http://www.bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&btp=78
- CMV Form 2: http://rto.kar.nic.in/form2.pdf
- CMV Form 4: http://rto.kar.nic.in/form4.pdf
- Bangalore Traffic Police website: http://www.bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in
- Check traffic violations listed against your vehicle: http://125.17.140.50/BPSFineDetails/BPSFineDetails.aspx
Saikat
Hi Vijay,
I have gone through the DL test and the inspector told me that I have passed. I went through Pratham Motors, Bangalore. Just wanted to know approximately how many working days does it take to deliver the DL? Also, will the DL be delivered to my house or Pratham Motor?
Waiting for your response.
Regards,
Saikat
Vijay Padiyar
No one will deliver it anywhere. Someone (either you or Pratham Motors) has to pick up the DL from the RTO.
GURU
how can i check the driving licence status i want to see that clearly and i need zerox copy of that dl holder can u ple mail me on guru_kulkarni@racketmail.com
Neo
Thanks for the information. Why is selecting text disabled? I wanted to print your article (leaving the comments from other users out) but since I cannot select I have to print the whole page…What a waste
Vijay Padiyar
Hi Neo
Glad to see you’re out of the Matrix
. Sorry, text selection is disabled because I’ve had a couple of my articles plagiarised on other sites. So this is more of a temporary content protection measure, until I find a better way to protect against plagiarism.
Regards
Vijay
Naveen Nahata
Hi,
As a address proof i have rental agreement only, could you tell me will it do for applying driving License, If not what other document should i have ?
meena
hi vijay,went thr’ about the procedure to get a license and it is very helpful to all..actually i have lost my 10 th markscard but i have a xerox copy of it, but i hv voter ID card and PAN card also..can it help to get my LL ?
Vijay Padiyar
Hi Meena
I guess that should be enough. However the Voter ID card should have your current Bangalore address for it to be accepted as address proof. PAN card will serve as your ID proof.
Regards
Vijay
shashidhara
hi vijay … i want to change address on my driving license can u please tel me whats the procedure…
Ramesh K B Nair
Dear Shri.Vijay, Thank you for the valuable guidance given by you. It is very helpful to understand the cumbersome procedures followed in such departments. By the by I would like to tell you that the photo of smart card put by you is of RC and not of DL. Please replace it.
Vijay Padiyar
Done, thanks for pointing it out!
shabarish
should i compulsorily get affidavit to get duplicate of my license? where can i get the affidavit? or is fir enough?
Vijay Padiyar
If you have the FIR, then Affidavit is not necessary. The Affidavit is an alternative to FIR (according to some people), as getting an Affidavit made is easier than getting a FIR registered!
Some people have suggested that an Affidavit stating that the original license is lost/stolen should be enough to apply for a duplicate license. I haven’t tried it out myself, so I can’t comment on its accuracy.
But you can get an Affidavit from any lawyer. Or you could go to the District Court at Mayo Hall and talk to any of the lawyers walking around there (they will come to you themselves, don’t worry) and ask them about it (do negotiate the charges beforehand).
Regards
Vijay
abhishek
hi
im my age is17 and im trying to get learning licence for access 125 ………..can i apply ?
Vijay Padiyar
No you need to be 18, buddy. Just one more year
.
ARUN ELANGOVAN PILLAI
Hello Mr. Prim and Proper,
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you are doing. Going through the mazework of govermental procedures is indeed a very tough task. Atleast you keep doing it and sharing the merits and demerits for the benefit of all. Wonder if any government official has the time to read your rather witty approach to real life situations. This way, he/she can be more ethical in their duties vis-a-vis citizens like us. RTOs, Food and Civil Supplies are places where one needs to be a practising yogi in order to tempermentally undergo the patience tests meted out by the so called not-less-than-God officials. Anyways, will keep posting often. Thanks
Mohammad
Hi vijay Padiyar, Nice write up dude. I have a Booklet Drivers License and want to change to the
Smart card DL, as you mentioned above, i will have to fill in CMV FORM 7, carry 4 Passport size Photographs , address proof & a fee of Rs.215.00. Is that all or anything else.
Regards Mohammad.
Vijay Padiyar
That should be enough. All the best!
aabid
hiii vijay…
i m staying in a rented house in bangalore….i have rented agreement with me….i want to apply for LL…plz help me out…will it b useful document to apply fr LL?….
Vijay Padiyar
Hi Aabid, not sure if rent agreement will be accepted as address proof for DL. Please check it up.
Asif
hi vijay,
thanks for your efforts to help people who want to get their Dl in bangalore, ur article is very helpful.
most of the training centeres take 1200/- as DL fees, while actual fees is only Rs 300,
Thanks again.
Regards
Asif
Rahul Sharma
Hi Vijay,
The Information here is very helpful, I have got the LL and its been 2 months I am worried how will be the exact test for DL. It would be great if you could share the exact DL test going on in Koramangala RTO office. Like is it a proper TRACK where we need to drive the vehicles, or its just a plain staright road. And whether the Driving inspector ask us to make 8 or 0 by driving. If any suggestions for me I will be glad.
Thanks,
Rahul Sharma
Vijay Padiyar
Hi Rahul
The test is conducted on the road between the Koramangala BDA Complex and the building beside it (I believe it’s a College). There is no special track for it.
All the best!
Vijay
Rahul
Just to add, for those who have lost a DL and want to get a duplicate done, here is the procedure:
1. File an FIR and submit the original.
2. Get an affidavit done, stating your DL is lost and that there is no case in any Police Station in India against your DL # or you. Original to be submitted.
3. Fill up Motor Vehicles Form 1 to declare your license is lost. In case your license is damaged, you need to hand over the original copy.
4. Usual charges for License Card/Smart Card etc.
Cheers,
Rahul.
Shaiju pr
Hi,
the blog is very helpful. I don’t have a local ID proof which is issued in bangalore. and i have only my rental agreement. how can i apply for a DL
what other documents will be helpful for me to get a DL in bangalore.?
pls help me
Ranjan
@ADB – You are still 16, don’t even try to get a DL. Respect the law and don’t even think of driving or riding a vehicle at this age.
ADB
I AM UNDER 18 BUT ABOVE 16. SO DO YOU THINK THAT I CAN APPLY FOR A LL FOR 2 WHEELER. AS I HAVE ACQUIRED INFORMATION FROM RTO THAT I SHOULD BE MINIMUM 18 ABOVE THIS FEBURARY. BECAUSE I REQUIRE AS A ESSENTIAL NEED LET IT BE A LIGHT VEHICLE.
Vijay Padiyar
As already mentioned in another comment, since you are over 16, you can apply for a LL only for an ungeared two-wheeler and that too not exceeding 100 cc (not sure of the exact limit).
Vijay
Hi Kish
Sorry, you need to be at least 16 years old to get a two-wheeler license, that too only valid for vehicles with engine capacity less than 100 cc. For all other two- and four-wheelers, you need too be at least 18 years old to apply for the license.
Guess you need to wait for another 2 years at least.
Regards
Vijay
~~~Kish~~~
hey listen i am only 14 can i get my license.. i really need license atleast learner license..
JP
hi vijay,
thanks for the info, was extremely useful.
one thing though- i used my PAN card as the DOB proof..you wont believe it, the RTO officer refused to accept it…i know, ridiculous!
i was asked to provide my 10th marks cert…even the website mentions PAN card…besides how can they not accept ID issued by the Central govt?
so this is just an fyi for those of you who dont want to fight with the RTO officer, carry every possible ID in case he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and asks you for your 2nd grade report card as ID!?
Vijay
Hi Siva
If your Passport has an Andhra address, then you need to apply in the city in which the Passport was issued and mention the same address as in the Passport.
In general, the address in your DL application form must match that in the address proof which you are providing.
If you are intending to apply for a DL in Bangalore, you need to get a valid address proof for your Bangalore address. Valid address proof includes:
- Sale Deed (if you own a house/flat here)
- Passport issued in Bangalore
- Ration Card issued in Bangalore
- Voter ID Card
- BSNL landline/mobile bill
- Electricity bill in your name
- etc.
Note that you can get a Ration card with your Rent Agreement, if you are staying in a rented house. And with the Ration Card, you can apply for DL.
Hope this helps!
Regards
Vijay
siva
Hi Vijay,
This is Siva. the blog is very helpful to get to know where to start from. i've a confusion here. Please help me out.
I'm basically from Andhra. I've passport with my Andhra address. can i apply for DL from Bangalore with passport as my adress proof.
Thanks,
Siva
Prati
Hey thanks for info… it helped a lot..
Avnish
Thanks,
this was really helpful..
But i’d like to know more about what the tests are and what they make you do and stuff…
PS- take down the picture of the licence.. you just gave everyone your details.
Vijay Padiyar
Hi Avnish
I’m glad that you found it helpful. Well, the reason I didn’t mention it in my blog is that there is no fixed procedure for the driving test as of now. It’s up to the Inspector and how he wants to go about it.
For me, the inspector sat beside me in my car and asked me to go for a small round. On the way, he asked me to stop at a T-junction and reverse it into the perpendicular lane. And then we came back to the RTO. That was about it.
As for the license, it’s not mine. You can see the name is “Amit Sharma” and even the picture doesn’t match mine. I found it on a smart card manufacturer’s website and it’s clearly just for demo purposes.
Regards
Vijay