The Government of Karnataka has introduced a Free Driving License and Training Program for individuals belonging to the *Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. This initiative aims to provide skill-based training for economically weaker sections and improve their chances of employment. The scheme, managed through the **Seva Sindhu portal, offers *free training for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) along with the complete cost of license issuance, without charging any fees from applicants.
Objective of the Program**
The main goals of the scheme are:
- To equip SC/ST youth with professional driving skills.
- To increase the number of trained drivers in Karnataka.
- To create avenues for self-employment and job opportunities in the transport sector.
- To provide free and certified LMV/HMV driving training.
Eligibility Criteria*
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- Belong to SC or ST category.
- Be a resident of Karnataka.
- Belong to the economically weaker section (as per state rules).
- Be medically fit to drive (medical certificate required).
- Must not already possess an LMV or HMV license.
Age Requirements
- LMV license: Minimum 18 years, maximum 45 years.
- HMV license: Minimum 20 years, maximum 45 years.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit:
- Aadhaar Card
- SC/ST Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate (annual income below ₹2.5 lakh)
- SSLC Marks Card
- Address Proof (Ration Card/Voter ID)
- Passport Size Photo
- Medical Fitness Certificate (for HMV applicants)
- Proof of admission to a driving school (after selection)
- Copy of Bank Passbook (if Direct Benefit Transfer applies)
Training Options Available
- Light Motor Vehicle (LMV): For cars, jeeps, vans.
- Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV): For buses, trucks (for eligible applicants).
Role of Seva Sindhu Portal
The Seva Sindhu portal serves as the digital platform for this scheme. Applicants can:
- Apply online for the program.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Track their application status.
- Download acknowledgment receipts and training certificates.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
- Visit Seva Sindhu.
- Search for “Free Driving License Training for SC/ST”.
- Click the application link.
- Register/Login using Aadhaar OTP.
- Fill in personal, category, and license preference details.
- Upload required documents (PDF/JPEG).
- Submit and note the Application ID.
- Track your application status via the portal.
Benefits of the Scheme
- 100% free training and license issuance.
- Both theory and practical training included.
- Training provided by government-approved institutes.
- Increases chances of employment in transport, logistics, cab, and delivery services.
- Encourages entrepreneurship through self-owned vehicles.
- Special focus on encouraging women to join the driving profession.
Cost Coverage
The scheme is completely free and covers:
- Application and license fees.
- Driving school training charges.
- Medical test fees (for HMV).
- Driving test fees.
- Uniform costs (if required).
License Types Offered
- LMV License: For private and commercial light vehicles.
- HMV License: For buses and trucks (only for eligible applicants).
Training Centers
Training is provided at:
- State Government Driving Schools
- Private RTO-approved Driving Institutes
- KSRTC Driving Schools (for HMV applicants)
Training facilities are available across all districts of Karnataka.
Training Duration
- LMV: 30–45 days
- HMV: 45–60 days (includes simulator and road training)
Training Details
Theory Sessions: Traffic laws, road signs, vehicle maintenance, emergency handling, safe driving practices.
Practical Sessions: Vehicle control, parking, hill driving, reverse, city and highway driving, optional night driving.
Evaluation & Licensing
- The final driving test is conducted by RTO officials.
- Applicants must clear both theory and practical tests.
- Successful candidates receive their driving license.
Funding and Implementation
The program is financed by the Social Welfare Department and *Tribal Welfare Department, in collaboration with the *Transport Department.
Income limit: Annual family income must be below ₹2.5 lakh (certificate issued by Tahsildar).
Priority Beneficiaries
- Unemployed SC/ST youth.
- Women from SC/ST communities.
- Orphans and widows.
- Eligible persons with disabilities.
Reservation Policy
- Exclusively for SC/ST candidates.
- District-wise seat allocation.
- Special quota for women and differently-abled applicants.
Women-Specific Support
- Separate batches for female applicants.
- Female trainers where possible.
- Priority in transport-sector jobs for trained women.
Employment Opportunities
Beneficiaries can work as:
- Cab or delivery drivers (Uber, Ola, logistics companies).
- KSRTC, BMTC, or goods transport drivers (for HMV license holders).
- Self-employed owners of auto, taxi, or delivery vehicles.
Monitoring & Transparency
- Scheme progress is reviewed by District Committees and Transport Officers.
- Entire process is digital and paperless via Seva Sindhu.
- Digital certificates and acknowledgments are issued online.
Grievance Redressal
For complaints, applicants can:
- Contact the Seva Sindhu helpdesk (Toll-Free: 1902)
- Reach out to the district welfare office
- Raise complaints via the portal
Checking Application Status
- Visit Seva Sindhu portal.
- Select Track Application Status.
- Enter Application ID or Aadhaar number.
- View the current status (Approved, Pending, Under Review, etc.).
Application Rejection Reasons
Applications may be rejected for:
- Incorrect or incomplete documents.
- Age or eligibility mismatch.
- Existing LMV/HMV license.
Applicants can reapply with correct details.
Additional Focus Areas
The program also spreads awareness about:
- Safe driving habits.
- Traffic law compliance.
- First-aid and accident management.
FAQs
- Can OBC candidates apply? – No, only SC/ST candidates are eligible.
- Is it available in all districts? – Yes, in all 31 districts.
- Can women apply? – Yes, and they receive priority.
- Is there any fee? – No, it is completely free.
- Can I apply multiple times? – No, only once per person.
Conclusion
The Free Driving License and Training Program is a major step by the Karnataka government to uplift SC/ST youth by providing professional driving skills at no cost. Through this initiative, beneficiaries can secure better employment or start their own driving-based businesses. With a fully digital application process via Seva Sindhu, the scheme ensures transparency, accessibility, and inclusive growth for marginalized communities.
