Driving License Sindh (DLS) 2026: Apply, Verify & Renew Guide

Q: How many questions are on the theory test, and what's the passing score?

The theoretical test has 25 questions, and you need at least 18 correct answers (72 out of 100 marks) to pass.

A driving license is one of the most important documents a driver in Sindh can own — in many cases even more important than a CNIC, since it's the only document that legally authorizes you to operate a vehicle on public roads. The Driving License Sindh (DLS) department, an arm of Sindh Police, is responsible for issuing learner's licenses, permanent licenses, and International Driving Permits (IDPs) across the province, and it also runs an official portal where anyone can verify a license online in seconds.

In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about dls.gos.pk — how to apply for a learner's and permanent driving license, eligibility rules, required documents, the theory and road test process, validity and renewal, and how to verify a license online to spot a fake one.

What Is Driving License Sindh (DLS)?

Driving License Sindh is the official department under Sindh Police responsible for issuing driving licenses and permits to qualified drivers across the province. Its mandate goes beyond simply printing a card — the department is tasked with confirming that every license holder understands driving laws, driving ethics, and road safety before they're allowed behind the wheel.

Through its official website and the DLS mobile app, the department offers several public-facing services:

Online driving license verification
License fee structure and category information
License history and applicant enquiry
Addresses of driving license branches across Sindh
Theoretical and road test preparation resources

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Driving License in Sindh?

Minimum age: 18 years for non-commercial licenses
Commercial license: 21 years and above
HTV (Heavy Transport Vehicle) endorsement: 22 years and above, with at least 3 years of prior driving license experience

Applicants must also meet basic medical fitness standards. Under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, certain conditions — including epilepsy, uncontrolled heart disease, severe visual impairment, and color blindness that prevents distinguishing red and green — can disqualify a candidate from obtaining a license. Applicants for public service vehicle licenses are additionally screened for conditions such as leprosy.

How to Apply for a Driving License in Sindh (Step by Step)

Visit a Driving License branch in person — Applications cannot be completed entirely online; the applicant must physically appear at a DLS branch with their original CNIC.
Register your application — Submit your details and CNIC at the branch counter to begin the process.
Medical fitness check — Appear before the medical officer for a fitness examination as required under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965.
Obtain a Learner's License — Once cleared, you're issued a Learner's Driving License, valid for one year.
Wait out the mandatory practice period — Non-commercial applicants can sit the permanent license test after 42 days; commercial applicants after 90 days.
Pass the Theoretical Test — A 25-question test; you need 18 correct answers (72/100 marks) to pass.
Pass the Road Test — Conducted as per the third schedule of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965; the testing officer explains the requirements on the spot.
Receive your computerized driving license — Once you pass both tests, you're issued a permanent, computerized license valid for 3 or 5 years.

Learner's vs. Permanent Driving License

License Type	Validity	Where to Apply
Learner's Driving License	1 year	All DLS branches across Sindh (26+ branches, including Clifton, Nazimabad, Korangi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and more)
Permanent Driving License	3 or 5 years	8 designated branches: Clifton, Nazimabad, Korangi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana
International Driving Permit (IDP)	As per IDP rules	3 branches: Clifton, Nazimabad, Hyderabad

Driving License Renewal in Sindh

The DLS system renews a permanent driving license for a further 5 years from the date of renewal. If you're getting an HTV (Heavy Transport Vehicle) category endorsement, you must have at least 3 years of driving license experience before you're eligible.

How to Verify a Driving License Online

With fake and unauthorized licenses in circulation, DLS provides a free online license verification tool so anyone — employers, traffic police, or the general public — can confirm a license is genuine. You can also verify licenses through:

The official DLS online verification portal
The DLS Online system by Sindh Police
The free DLS mobile app, available on the Google Play Store

A verification search typically returns the license holder's name, license number, license type (e.g., Learner), and vehicle category (e.g., Motorcycle, Car), letting you confirm whether a license is authentic before you trust it.

Fee Structure and License Categories

DLS publishes an official fee schedule covering learner's licenses, permanent licenses, renewals, duplicate licenses, and category endorsements. Since fees are revised periodically, always check the official Fee Structure page for the latest applicable charges before visiting a branch, and review the license categories page to confirm which vehicle category you need to apply for.

Documents Required

Original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
Passport-size photographs (as required by the branch)
Medical fitness clearance (obtained at the branch)
Applicable fee payment receipt
Previous license (for renewal, category endorsement, or IDP applications)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a Sindh driving license completely online?

No. While DLS offers online license verification and information services, the actual application process requires the applicant to appear in person at a Driving License branch with their original CNIC for registration and the medical fitness check.

2. How long is a learner's license valid?

A Learner's Driving License in Sindh is valid for one year from the date of issue.

3. How many questions are on the theory test, and what's the passing score?

The theoretical test has 25 questions. You need at least 18 correct answers (72 out of 100 marks) to pass.

4. How do I check if a driving license is genuine?

Use the official DLS online verification tool, the DLS Online portal, or the DLS mobile app to search by license number and confirm the holder's details instantly.

5. What's the minimum age for a driving license in Sindh?

18 years for a non-commercial license, 21 years for a commercial license, and 22 years (with 3 years of prior experience) for an HTV endorsement.

6. Do I need to register anything else if I'm renting out property to a driver or tenant?

Driving license verification is separate from tenant registration. If you're a landlord in Sindh, you're separately required to register your tenant's details with Sindh Police. See our guide on the Sindh Police Tenant Registration System (TRUST) for that process.

Related Guides

Explore more guides on Sindh Police and Government of Sindh online services:

Final Thoughts

Whether you're applying for your first learner's license, upgrading to a permanent license, or simply want to confirm a license is real before hiring a driver, Driving License Sindh (dls.gos.pk) is your official starting point. Keep your CNIC ready, understand the eligibility and medical requirements, and use the free online verification tool whenever you need to check a license's authenticity.

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