A driving licence serves as official proof that an individual is legally permitted to operate one or more types of motorised vehicles (such as a motorbike, car, bus or truck) on public roads.
Without one, you would not have a document to show that you have qualified – which would mean you are going against the law by driving anywhere.
However, it’s common to see young drivers without a licence in Pakistan (especially in Karachi), which is very risky for both the driver and pedestrians. Hence, it is essential to obtain one as soon as possible to avoid paying a hefty amount later on.
If you are planning to apply for a driving licence in Karachi, Graana.com has outlined the entire process of How to Apply for an online driving licence in Karachi below.
Eligibility for Applying for a Driving Licence in Karachi
Before applying for a driver’s licence, it is important to know if you are eligible for acquiring one. You can apply for a driver’s licence in Karachi if you are above 18 and have your Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
How to Get a Driving Licence
The process of applying for a driving licence in Karachi has been described below.
License Offices in Karachi
Karachi has four different centres that can issue a driving licence. Three of these are located inside the city, while the fourth is located on the outskirts of the city, in Baldia Town. The following are the addresses of all centres:
- Clifton Branch: 5th Zamzama St, Neelam Colony (nearest landmarks: Do Talwar and Mohatta Palace)
- Korangi Branch: Sector 6A, Main Causeway, Korangi
- Nazimabad Branch: Nawab Siddique Ali Khan Rd, A-9 Block 4 D/3
- Baldia Town Branch: Traffic Training Institute Baldia Town, Saeedabad (nearest landmark: Hub Chowki)
Branch Timings
- Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
- Friday: 9 am till 12.30 pm
- Lunch hours (everyday except Friday): 1:00 pm till 1.30 pm
All the licence centres in Karachi mentioned above have the same timings.
Types of Driving Licences in Karachi
The issuance of driving licences and permits in Karachi is the responsibility of Sindh’s Driving Licence Department, a crucial unit of Sindh Police. It issues three different types of licences that are listed as follows:
- Learner’s Licence
- Permanent Driving Licence
- International Driving Licence
Learner’s Licence
You must submit an application for a learner’s permit before receiving a driver’s licence. This means that you can drive on a public road with this licence while being closely supervised by a licenced individual.
A learner’s permit is easy to obtain; just be sure to bring all necessary paperwork with you when you apply. You can also apply for learning license online by visiting here: https://dlims.punjab.gov.pk/
Required Documents for Learner’s Permit
- A copy of CNIC
- A ticket of Rs. 60 from any post office
- Fee for motorcycle: PKR 50; for car: PKR 100; for both combined: PKR 150
- Medical Certificate (by an authorised medical practitioner)
Age Limit for Learner’s Permit
- Motorcycle/Motorcar: 18 years
- LTV (rikshaw, taxi, tractor): 21 years
Validity of Learner’s Permit
- The validity of these is 6 months.
Additionally, a code book containing traffic laws and regulations must be obtained from a neighbouring traffic police station.
Permanent Driving Licence
You can apply for a permanent driving licence when the 42-day period following the acquisition of a learner’s permit is over. Just be sure to drive carefully because any issues with the traffic police could delay your chances of obtaining a permanent licence.
You must pass a few tests in order to apply for a permanent driving licence in Karachi. These tests are covered in more detail below.
Written, Eyesight and Driving Tests
You will be required to take a written exam so that the department may assess your understanding of traffic safety. Once you have passed the written exam, a medical examiner, who is on-site, will perform an eyesight test.
You will receive a receipt and be instructed to wait a week before your licence is mailed to you after completing all these tests.
Required Documents for Permanent License
- Application form (A)
- Original learner’s permit (of at least 6 weeks)
- Medical certificate from any medical centre
- 3 passport-size recent photographs (attested)
- Attested copy of CNIC
- Ticket of the required fee
Validity of Permanent License
The issued permanent driver’s licence will have a 3 or 5-year validity period.
International Driving Licence
If you are travelling abroad, it would be convenient to obtain an international driving licence beforehand. This can be easily obtained at any centre in Karachi. You must submit the following documents to get one.
Required Documents for International Licence
- International licence application form
- Attested copy of Nadra CNIC
- Copy of a valid driving licence
- Copy of a valid Pakistani passport
- 2 attested photographs (passport size)
- Rs. 66 court fee ticket
Note: Applicant must also bring his/her original CNIC, driving licence and passport.
Duplicate Driving Licence
If you have lost your original driving licence, you can apply for a duplicate licence by submitting the following documents.
Required Documents for Duplicate Licence
- Duplicate licence application form
- Attested copy of CNIC
- 2 attested recent photographs (passport size)
- Affidavit
- FIR of lost licence
- Tickets should be pasted according to the schedule
Fee Structure of Duplicate Licence
| Sr. No. | Category | Duplicate Fee (Rs.) |
| 1 | Motorcycle | 100 |
| 2 | Motor Car | 150 |
| 3 | Delivery Van | 60 |
| 4 | Tr.Com | 100 |
| 5 | Tr.Agri | 50 |
| 6 | LTV | 150 |
| 7 | HTV | 200 |
| 8 | Road Ruler | 100 |
| 9 | Loco Moto | 140 |
| 10 | Invalid Carriage | 20 |
| 11 | Motorcycle + Rickshaw | 100 |
| 12 | Motor CAB + Rickshaw | 100 |
| 13 | LTV + PSV | 150 |
| 14 | HTV + PSV | 200 |
Driver’s Licence Renewal
You have to book an appointment on the official DLS website in order to apply.
Keep in mind that you will not have to take a driving test again, however, you will have to take the eyesight test one more time.
Required Documents for Renewal of Licence
- Application form E
- 2 passport-size photographs
- A copy of CNIC
- Original driving licence
- Medical report
- A ticket for relevant licence
Categories of Driving License and Fee
Driving licences in Pakistan are divided into the following categories.
- Motorcar/jeep: licences issued for non-commercial cars
- LTV: Licences issued for light transport vehicles that are valid for commercial taxis, jeeps, minibuses etc.
- HTV: Licences valid for heavy-weight transport, for example, buses, trucks, trailers, cranes etc.
- MCR: Licences valid for motorcycle rickshaws (these are not valid for cars)
- Motorcycle: Licences valid for motorcycles
- PSV: Licences for public service vehicles and taxis
Each of the driving licences mentioned above has its own pricing structure.
| Category | Learner New | Permanent DL (3 Year) | Permanent DL (5 Year) | Renewal in 30 days (3 Year) | Renewal in 30 days (5 Years) | Renewal after 30 days (3 Year) | Renewal after 30 days (5 Year) |
| Motorcycle | 50 | 510 | 660 | 310 | 460 | 435 | 660 |
| Car | 100 | 960 | 1260 | 560 | 860 | 860 | 1260 |
| Car + Motorcycle | 150 | 1410 | 1860 | 810 | 1260 | 1185 | 1860 |
| MCR | 100 | 960 | 1260 | 560 | 860 | 810 | 1260 |
| MCR + Motorcycle | 150 | 1350 | 1800 | 750 | 1600 | 1125 | 1800 |
| LTV | 100 | 960 | 1260 | 560 | 860 | 810 | 1260 |
| LTV + Motorcycle | 150 | 1410 | 1860 | 810 | 1260 | 1185 | 1860 |
| HTV | 100 | – | – | 750 | 1200 | 1500 | 1800 |
| Endorsement+Relevant Category | – | 400 | 400 | – | – | – | – |
| HTV + Motorcycle | 150 | Nill | – | 1060 | 1660 | 1560 | 2460 |
Online Form and Mobile Application
By checking the official website of Traffic Police Karachi, you can now simply download the application for a driving licence. Additionally, you can check the status of your driving licence online by checking the website of the Institution of Driving License Sindh.
The Driving License Authority in Sindh has also launched an application that enables individuals to avail different services through their smartphones, including licence verification, application enquiry, licence status and history, information on the driving theory tests, and locations of all licence centres in Karachi as well as throughout Sindh.
When the process of applying for a driver’s licence is updated, applicants are informed via an SMS. Anyone can use this app to give feedback too.
If you want to know more about driving licenses in Pakistan, follow the Graana blog or visit DLMS Sindh website: http://dlims-sindh.com/
FAQs
Here are some FAQs related to online driving license sindh
How can I apply for an online driving license in Sindh?
To apply for an online driving license in Sindh, visit the official website of the Sindh Police or the Driving License Issuance and Management System (DLIMS). Fill out the online application form, upload the required documents, and schedule an appointment for a driving test.
What documents are required for an online driving license application in Sindh?
The documents required for an online driving license application in Sindh include a copy of your CNIC or B-Form, a medical certificate issued by an authorized medical practitioner, a learner’s permit (if applicable), and two passport-size photographs.
How long does it take to get an online driving license in Sindh?
The processing time for an online driving license in Sindh may vary. After submitting the application and completing the required tests, it usually takes around 7 to 15 working days to receive the driving license.
Can I renew my driving license online in Sindh?
Yes, you can renew your driving license online in Sindh. Visit the official website of DLIMS and follow the instructions for license renewal. You may need to provide certain documents, such as your existing driving license, CNIC, and updated medical certificate.
Can I change my residential address on my driving license online in Sindh?
Yes, you can change your residential address on your driving license online in Sindh. Visit the DLIMS website, select the option for address change, and provide the necessary details and supporting documents, such as proof of residence.
How can I track the status of my online driving license application in Sindh?
To track the status of your online driving license application in Sindh, you can visit the DLIMS website and enter your application or reference number. The system will provide you with the current status of your application.
Can I apply for an international driving permit online in Sindh?
No, currently, the application for an international driving permit (IDP) in Sindh is not available online. To obtain an IDP, you need to visit the designated licensing authority in person and submit the required documents.
Is it mandatory to take a driving test for an online driving license in Sindh?
Yes, it is mandatory to take a driving test for an online driving license in Sindh. After submitting the application, you will be scheduled for a driving test at the designated testing center. Passing the test is a requirement for obtaining the driving license.
Can I make changes to my online driving license information after it is issued in Sindh?
Yes, you can make changes to your online driving license information after it is issued in Sindh. If you need to update details such as your name, address, or other personal information, you can visit the relevant licensing authority and provide the necessary documents for the desired changes.
What is the validity period of an online driving license in Sindh?
The validity period of an online driving license in Sindh depends on the type of license. Generally, for a private vehicle license, the validity is five years, while for a commercial vehicle license, it is three years. It’s important to renew your license before it expires to avoid any penalties or legal issues.
