1. Introduction
The Government of Karnataka has launched a Free Driving License and Training Scheme for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to empower economically weaker sections with employment-ready skills. Administered through the Seva Sindhu portal, this program provides free Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) training, including the cost of license issuance, without any fees to the applicant.
2. Objective of the Scheme
The primary objectives are:
- To empower SC/ST youth with employable skills.
- To increase the number of skilled professional drivers in Karnataka.
- To facilitate self-employment and job opportunities in the transport sector.
- To provide free, professional, and certified driving training.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply, the applicant must meet the following:
- Must belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category.
- Must be a resident of Karnataka.
- Must fall under the economically weaker section as defined by state guidelines.
- Must be medically fit to drive (proof required).
- Must not have a previously issued LMV/HMV license.
4. Age Criteria
- Minimum age: 18 years (as per MV Act) for LMV.
- Maximum age: 45 years (for eligibility under this scheme).
- For HMV: The minimum age is 20 years.
5. Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST issued by competent authority)
- Income Certificate (Less than ₹2.5 lakh per annum)
- SSLC Mark Sheet
- Residential Proof (ration card/voter ID)
- Passport Size Photograph
- Medical Fitness Certificate (for HMV)
- Driving School Admission Proof (post-selection)
- Bank Passbook (copy) – for DBT (if applicable)
6. Types of Driving Training Offered
- Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) – e.g., cars, jeeps, vans
- Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) – e.g., trucks, buses (for eligible candidates)
7. Role of Seva Sindhu Portal
Seva Sindhu is the official digital services platform for Karnataka citizens. This scheme is hosted here for easy online application. Through this portal, applicants can:
- Apply for the scheme
- Upload documents
- Track application status
- Get digital acknowledgment
- Download training completion certificates
Link: Apply here
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit Seva Sindhu:
Go to https://sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in - Search Service Name:
Type “Free Driving License Training for SC/ST”. - Click on Application Link
You’ll be redirected to the service page. - Login/Register:
Register using Aadhaar OTP if new, or log in if already registered. - Fill in Details:
- Personal info
- Category and income
- Driving license preference (LMV/HMV)
- Upload Documents:
Upload required documents in JPEG/PDF. - Submit Application:
Click submit and note your Application ID. - Track Status:
Use the portal to track progress under “Track Application Status”.
9. Benefits of the Scheme
- 100% free training and licensing.
- Covers both theoretical and practical training.
- Training by certified government/private institutes.
- Access to employment opportunities in driving, delivery, logistics, and tourism.
- Promotes self-employment (e.g., auto, taxi, delivery vehicle driver).
- Encourages women participation in driving profession.
10. Cost Covered Under the Scheme
The scheme is completely free. It covers:
- Application fee
- Training institute charges
- Medical test charges (HMV)
- Driving test and license charges
- Uniform (if applicable)
11. Types of Licenses Offered
- LMV License
For personal and commercial light vehicles. - HMV License
For transport vehicles like buses and trucks. Only if the applicant fulfills age and experience requirements.
12. Training Institutes and Driving Schools
Training is conducted in RTO-recognized institutes, which include:
- Karnataka State Government Driving Schools
- Approved Private Motor Driving Schools
- KSRTC Driving Schools (for HMV training)
Institutes are spread across all districts and taluks.
13. Duration of Training
- LMV: Typically 30 to 45 days
- HMV: 45 to 60 days (with theory, simulator, and practical sessions)
14. Practical and Theoretical Training
Theoretical:
- Traffic rules and regulations
- Road signs and symbols
- Vehicle maintenance basics
- Emergency handling
- Driving ethics
Practical:
- Vehicle control
- Reverse, hill climb, parking
- City and highway driving
- Night driving (optional)
- Use of simulators
15. Evaluation and Licensing Tests
- Final test conducted by Regional Transport Officers (RTO).
- Theory and on-road practical evaluation.
- If passed, a valid Driving License will be issued.
16. Government Support and Subsidy
This scheme is funded by:
- Department of Social Welfare
- Department of Tribal Welfare
- Collaboratively managed by the Transport Department, Karnataka
17. Income Limit Guidelines
- Annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- Income certificate must be issued by Tahsildar or competent authority.
18. Priority Beneficiaries
Priority is given to:
- Unemployed SC/ST youth
- Women from SC/ST categories
- Orphans and widows
- Physically challenged (who qualify)
19. Reservation Details
- Reserved exclusively for SC/STs.
- Allocation of fixed number of seats per district.
- Quota for women and differently-abled.
20. Special Considerations for Women
- Exclusive batches for women applicants.
- Female instructors where possible.
- Encouragement through transport sector employment for women.
21. Impact on Employment
- Improves employability in:
- Government transportation
- Private companies (cab services, delivery)
- Self-owned vehicles (Uber, Ola)
- Many HMV license holders can join KSRTC, BMTC, or goods transport jobs.
22. Monitoring and Implementation
- Regular monitoring by:
- District Level Committees
- Social Welfare Inspectors
- Transport Department Officers
They verify:
- Beneficiary identity
- Training progress
- Certification and license issue
23. Digitalization and Paperless Process
- Fully digital and transparent via Seva Sindhu.
- No manual submission required.
- Acknowledgment and certificates available digitally.
24. Role of District Transport Officers
DTOs ensure:
- Verification of training institutes
- Conducting driving tests
- Distribution of license post-training
- Tracking batch-wise progress
25. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
In case of issues:
- Use Seva Sindhu Helpdesk
- Toll-Free: 1902 or district welfare office
- Email complaints via portal
26. How to Check Application Status
- Visit Seva Sindhu portal.
- Click Track Application Status.
- Enter Application ID / Aadhaar.
- View status: Pending, Approved, Under Review, Rejected, etc.
27. Application Rejection and Correction
Reasons for rejection may include:
- Incomplete documentation
- Incorrect category
- Age mismatch
- Previous license record
Applicants can reapply with correct info.
28. Safety and Traffic Education
The scheme also emphasizes:
- Safe driving practices
- Avoiding rash driving
- Traffic law compliance
- First aid and accident response
29. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can OBC candidates apply?
No. This scheme is exclusively for SC/ST category applicants.
Q2. Is this available in all Karnataka districts?
Yes, all 31 districts have coverage.
Q3. Can women apply?
Yes, women applicants are encouraged and prioritized.
Q4. Do I need to pay anything?
No. Everything is free under the scheme.
Q5. How many times can I apply?
Only once per person is allowed.
30. Conclusion
The Free Driving License and Training Scheme for SC/STs in Karnataka is a powerful initiative aimed at empowering marginalized youth. By removing cost barriers and offering structured professional training, the government ensures greater economic participation and self-employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities. With seamless digital access via Seva Sindhu, this scheme stands as a testament to inclusive development and social justice.
