Getting a driver's license in Karachi requires passing a written test and a practical driving test through the Sindh Traffic Police

The Sindh Traffic Police issues all driver's licenses in Karachi. You cannot get one from a private company or online service — the process is entirely government-run. The basic steps are: pass a written test on traffic rules, pass a practical driving test with an examiner, and pay the licensing fee. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though this varies depending on how busy the testing centers are and how quickly you pass each stage.

You must be at least 18 years old to hold a full driver's license in Karachi. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a learner's permit (also called a provisional license) that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. The learner's permit is valid for one year and must be renewed if you do not pass your practical test within that time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass both a written test on traffic rules and a practical driving test administered by Sindh Traffic Police to receive a license.
  • The required documents include your CNIC (national ID card), proof of address, a medical certificate from an approved doctor, and passport-sized photographs.
  • The written test covers Pakistani traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 50 percent to pass.
  • The practical test involves driving a vehicle under an examiner's observation for about 20 to 30 minutes on city streets.
  • Learner's permits are available at age 16 and are valid for one year; you must renew or upgrade to a full license before expiration.

Documents you need before you can take either test

Start by gathering your documents. You will need your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) — this is your primary identification and the Sindh Traffic Police will not process your process without it. If you do not yet have a CNIC, you must obtain one from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) before explore for a driver's license.

You also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill (electricity, gas, or water), a recent bank statement, or a rental agreement in your name. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last three months. A photocopy is acceptable.

A medical certificate from an approved doctor is required. This confirms you are physically fit to drive — the doctor checks your eyesight, hearing, and general health. You can obtain this from any doctor registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council; the certificate costs between 500 and 1,500 Pakistani rupees depending on the clinic. The certificate must be on the doctor's letterhead and signed.

Bring four passport-sized photographs (4 by 6 centimeters) with a white background. These are used on your license and in your file. You will also need to pay the process fee, which varies by license type but is typically between 1,500 and 3,000 rupees for a first-time license.

How the written test works and what it covers

The written test is administered at Sindh Traffic Police testing centers in Karachi. The test is conducted in Urdu or English, depending on which you choose when you register. You will answer 20 multiple-choice questions about Pakistani traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete the test.

To pass, you must score at least 50 percent — that means getting 10 out of 20 questions correct. The test covers topics like speed limits in residential areas, what different traffic signals mean, how to behave at a four-way stop, and what to do if your brakes fail. If you fail, you can retake the test after paying a small retake fee, usually within a few days.

You can prepare by studying the official traffic rules handbook published by Sindh Traffic Police, which is available at their offices and online. Many people also use mobile apps that simulate the written test; these are not official but can help you understand the format and common question types.

The practical driving test: what the examiner is looking for

After you pass the written test, you schedule your practical test. You will drive a vehicle provided by the testing center or bring your own (if it is registered and insured). An examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes you for 20 to 30 minutes while you drive on city streets in Karachi.

The examiner is checking whether you can control the vehicle safely, follow traffic signals, maintain a safe speed, check your mirrors, and respond correctly to other traffic. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, not stopping fully at a stop sign, speeding, failing to signal before turning, or not checking mirrors before changing lanes. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period (usually one to two weeks) and paying the retake fee.

Many people hire a professional driving instructor for a few lessons before the practical test. This is not required, but instructors know exactly what the examiners look for and can point out habits that will cause you to fail. Lessons typically cost 500 to 1,000 rupees per hour.

Learner's permits for drivers under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you can get a learner's permit instead of a full license. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the car, but you cannot drive alone. The permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued.

To get a learner's permit, you follow the same document requirements as for a full license — CNIC, proof of address, medical certificate, and photographs. You must also pass the written test. You do not take a practical test to get the learner's permit; the practical test comes later when you are ready to upgrade to a full license.

Before your learner's permit expires, you must either pass the practical test and upgrade to a full license, or renew the learner's permit for another year. If your permit expires and you have not renewed it or passed your practical test, you cannot legally drive and must start the process over.

Timeline and where to go in Karachi

The Sindh Traffic Police operates several testing centers across Karachi. The main office is located in the Clifton area, but there are also centers in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Korangi, and other districts. You can visit any center to register and take your tests; you do not have to use the one closest to your home.

The typical timeline is: register and submit documents (same day), wait for written test appointment (usually within one week), take written test (same day), wait for practical test appointment (usually within one to two weeks after passing written test), take practical test (same day), receive license (usually within one week after passing practical test). If you fail either test, add one to two weeks for a retake.

Visit the Sindh Traffic Police website or call their helpline to find the testing center nearest you and confirm their current hours. Centers are usually open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some Saturday hours at certain locations. Bring all your documents in original and photocopy form; the office will keep the copies in your file.

License types and what each one lets you drive

Karachi driver's licenses are categorized by vehicle type. A Motorcycle license (Category A) lets you ride motorcycles and scooters. A Car license (Category B) lets you drive cars, jeeps, and vans up to 3,500 kilograms. A Heavy Vehicle license (Category C or D) is required to drive trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles.

Most first-time drivers get a Category B (car) license. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you can get a Category A license instead, or you can hold both. The written and practical tests are different for each category — a motorcycle test focuses on balance and handling, while a car test focuses on parking and traffic awareness.

Your license will specify which categories you are authorized to drive. If you later want to add another category, you must pass the written and practical tests for that category; you cannot straightforward upgrade without testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in Karachi if I do not have a CNIC yet?

No. The Sindh Traffic Police requires a valid CNIC to process any driver's license process. If you do not have one, you must explore to NADRA first. NADRA can issue a CNIC within two to four weeks if you are a Pakistani citizen and meet their requirements.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test after paying a small retake fee, usually within a few days. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the traffic rules more carefully.

Do I need to bring my own car for the practical test?

No. The testing center provides a vehicle for the practical test. If you prefer to use your own car, you can, but it must be registered with the Sindh Traffic Police, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. Most people use the center's vehicle because it is simpler.

How long is a driver's license valid in Karachi?

A full driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. A learner's permit is valid for one year. You must renew your license before it expires; driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a fine.

Can I take the written test in English instead of Urdu?

Yes. When you register, you can choose which language you want to use for the written test. Both versions cover the same material and have the same passing score of 50 percent.