Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

Get comprehensive information about the application process for driving licence in Tamil Nadu. Check the eligibility criteria, documents you need, and more.
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3 min
10-September-2024

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of obtaining, renewing, and managing your driving licence in Tamil Nadu. From application procedures to eligibility criteria and renewal processes, we've got you covered.

Driving licence application process in Tamil Nadu

To obtain a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you need to either visit the nearest RTO or apply online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. The process broadly involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, scheduling a driving test, and passing the examination.

How to apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu

  • Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
  • Select the state of Tamil Nadu from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose the option ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.
  • Fill out the applicant details.
  • Upload the required documents.
  • Upload a photo and signature if required (applicable for some states).
  • Book your driving licence test slot (applicable for some states).
  • Pay the required fee.
  • Carry the original documents and the receipt of the fee payment when you visit the RTO for your driving test.
  • Pass the driving test to obtain a driving licence.

How to apply for a driving licence offline in Tamil Nadu

  • Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
  • Collect the application form and fill it out accurately.
  • Submit the filled-out form along with the required documents.
  • Schedule a slot for the driving test.
  • Pay the application fee at the RTO.
  • Receive a receipt as confirmation of your application.

How to check your driving licence application status in Tamil Nadu

Follow these steps to check the status of your driving licence application in Tamil Nadu:

  • Go to the official Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or your state's transport department website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ menu and select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.
  • Select the state where the licence is registered.
  • Select the ‘Application Status’ option at the top of the page.
  • Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code and click on ‘Submit’.
  • The website will display the status of your DL application, indicating whether it is under processing, approved, dispatched, or pending verification.

Driving test procedure in Tamil Nadu

Preparing for your driving test in Tamil Nadu? Here's what to expect during the procedure.

  • Schedule an appointment for the test online by visiting the website or the RTO office.
  • Fill out the application in Form 4 for a permanent driving licence along with the Learners' Licence.
  • Applicants holding a valid learner's licence for a period of at least 30 days will be allowed for the test.
  • You need to bring a vehicle of the same class as the type of driving licence you wish to apply for.
  • The inspector/officer conducting the test should be satisfied regarding your capability to drive the vehicle and your ability to perform the tasks specified.
  • If you pass the test of competence successfully, you will be issued with a driving licence sent through speed post to the address as furnished.

Test details

The Motor vehicles Inspector will conduct the driving test as per the procedures laid down under the Rule 15 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules,1989. After judging your driving skills, the inspector and the testing authority will pass the order for the issue of driving licence.

For four-wheelers:

  • Involves a ground test and a road test.
  • In the ground test, you will need to drive following the instructions received from the inspector.
  • In the road test, you will have to drive in real-life road conditions and your knowledge about traffic rules and regulations will be tested.
  • A motor vehicle inspector will conduct the tests. In case the inspector is not satisfied, you will have to reappear for the test.

For two-wheelers and three-wheelers:

  • In the ground test, you need to ride along the marked figure of ‘8’.
  • Similar to the four-wheeler test, the road test will check if you comply with traffic rules and regulations while riding.
  • In case the motor vehicle inspector is not satisfied with your knowledge and skills, you will have to reappear for the test.

Preparing thoroughly and familiarising yourself with the driving test procedure will increase your chances of passing the test and obtaining your driving license in Tamil Nadu.

After the applicant clears the driving test, the driving licence will be issued by the concerned authority.

If the applicant fails the driving test, they can appear for re-test after 7 days. If the applicant fails three consecutive driving tests, he/she won’t be able to reappear for a re-test before 60 days.

Eligibility criteria for driving licence in Tamil Nadu

Driving licences are broadly classified into two categories – transport and non-transport. To be eligible for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, applicants must meet the following criteria as per the category of driving licence they are applying for:

Vehicle Type

Eligibility Criteria

Cars and Motorcycles with Gear
  • Minimum 18 years old.
  • Should be aware of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Must have valid age proof and address proof documents.

Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc)
  • Minimum 16 years old.
  • Should have the consent of his guardian or parents.
  • Must be aware of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Must have valid age proof and address proof documents.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles
  • Should have cleared the 8th standard.
  • Should be above the age of 18 (20 years in some states).
  • Should be trained from any government/state-affiliated training school.

 

Documents needed for obtaining a driving licence in Tamil Nadu

To qualify for the driving licence exam and apply for a permanent driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you must have the following documents:

  • Application in Form-2 generated online.
  • Valid learner’s licence
  • Documents of vehicle in which applicant proposes to appear for test of competence to drive (such as valid Registration Certificate, Insurance Certificate, Tax Card, Pollution under Control Certificate)
  • Form 5 and Form 15 (only for those who have undergone training in a Driving School)

Driving licence and motor insurance – essential requirements for vehicle owners

Your driving licence and motor insurance are closely interlinked. While your licence shows you're legally allowed to drive, your car or two-wheeler insurance covers you financially in case of unforeseen damages on the road. So, similar to driving licence, you could face penalties or legal implications while driving without a valid motor insurance, since it is a mandatory requirement for all vehicle owners in India.

Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers a convenient platform for you to buy or renew car insurance plans online. Compare plans and premiums offered by leading insurance partners and buy your preferred motor insurance policy in just a few clicks.

Fees for driving licence in Tamil Nadu

The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Tamil Nadu are given in the table below:

Service Type

Fees (in Rs.)
Learner’s licence issuance
  • Single Class
  • Double Class

230

380
Issuance of driving licence
  • Single Class
  • Double Class

800

1,100

Test of competence to drive

300

Duplicate driving licence

500

Issuance of International Driving Permit

1,500
Renewal of driving licence
  • Transport
  • Non-transport

450

500

How to renew a driving licence in Tamil Nadu

Individuals seeking to renew their driving licence in Tamil Nadu can do so within 30 days from the expiration date of its validity. Holders of heavy transport vehicle licences are required to undergo a one-day refresher course at approved driving schools, as mandated by the Government Notification.

The renewed driving licence will be valid for a period of 5 years for non-transport vehicles and 3 years for transport vehicles. However, if the driving licence has been expired for more than 5 years, a fresh driving test will be conducted for its renewal.

Documents required to renew your driving licence

You will need the following documents to renew your DL in Tamil Nadu: 

  • Application in Form-2 generated online.
  • Medical Certificate in Form 1-A (applicable in case the non-transport vehicle DL holder has completed the age of 40 years old or the holder has DL for transport vehicle).
  • Form 5 and Form 15 (only for those who have undergone training in a driving school).

Steps to renew DL in Tamil Nadu

Offline process to renew a driving licence in Tamil Nadu:

Here are the steps to renew the DL in Tamil Nadu offline: 

  • Visit the nearest RTO.
  • Carry the duly filled forms as mentioned above. You can download them on the Parivahan portal.
  • Submit the forms along with the required documents.
  • Pay the fees and retain the receipt.
  • After verification, the driving licence will be sent to the registered address.

Online process to renew a driving licence in Tamil Nadu:

Here are the steps to renew driving licence in Tamil Nadu online: 

  • Visit the Parivahan website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on the homepage. 
  • Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered. 
  • Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.
  • Enter details such as the date of birth, driving licence number, and captcha code.
  • Select ‘Get DL Details’ and choose the licence category, RTO, and state. 
  • Select ‘Proceed’ and choose the ‘DL Renewal’ option. 
  • Submit the online form along with the relevant documents and download the receipt. 
  • Visit your nearest RTO and submit the relevant documents. After verification, the DL will be sent to the registered address.

Fees

  • For renewal of transport vehicle DL - Rs.450.
  • For renewal of non-transport vehicle DL - Rs.500.

How to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Tamil Nadu

To obtain a duplicate driving licence due to loss, destruction, or tearing of the existing licence, the applicant must report the incident to the police and obtain a certificate from them. Subsequently, the applicant can apply for the duplicate licence online and pay the required fees digitally. All relevant documents must be uploaded online. Following this, the applicant must personally visit the Regional Transport Office or MVI office with the acknowledgement generated after the application process is completed.

Documents required to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Tamil Nadu:

You will need the following documents to apply for a duplicate DL in Tamil Nadu: 

  • Application in Form-2
  • Form LLD
  • First Information Report (FIR) (in case of stolen or lost licence)
  • Original driving licence (in case of damaged DL)
  • Attested copies of your original DL (in case of stolen or lost licence)
  • Challan clearance report from the Police (for transport vehicles)
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Self-attested copy of a valid address Proof
  • Prescribed fee

You might need more documents depending on the circumstances. Please check with the RTO.

Steps to apply for duplicate driving licence in Tamil Nadu

  • Download and fill out the LLD form: The LLD form can be downloaded from the Parivahan portal. Fill out the form with the required details.
  • Gather the required documents: Print copies of all essential documents.
  • Visit your nearest RTO: Visit your nearest RTO office that issued your original driving licence.
  • Submit the documents: Submit the LLD form and the other documents at the RTO.
  • Pay the fee: Pay the fee for duplicate licence issuance and retain the receipt for future reference.
  • Receive the duplicate DL: The duplicate DL will be posted to the registered residential address. 

Fees

The fee for a duplicate driving licence in Tamil Nadu is Rs. 500.

How to apply for an International Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

Here's how to apply for an International Driving Licence (IDL) in Tamil Nadu:

Documents required to apply for International Driving Permit:

  • Form- 4A
  • Copy of valid driving licence
  • Valid medical certificate in Form – 1A
  • Valid proof of passport
  • Valid proof of visa (as applicable)
  • Recent passport-size photograph (4 copies) and air ticket (for verification)
  • Prescribed fees

Steps to apply for International Driving Permit in Tamil Nadu:

  • Visit the Parivahan Sewa website at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on the homepage.
  • Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered.
  • Click on 'Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)'.
  • Enter the DL number, date of birth, and captcha code.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions and click on ‘Proceed’.
  • Fill out the form and upload the documents along with your photos.
  • Pay the required fee and retain the receipt.
  • After verification of documents, you should receive the International Driving Licence in 4-5 working days.

Fees

The fee to obtain an International Driving Permit in Tamil Nadu is Rs. 1,500.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get a driving licence in Tamil Nadu?

To obtain a driving licence (DL) in Tamil Nadu, you need to follow a few steps. Firstly, apply for a learner's licence by visiting the official website of the Tamil Nadu Transport Department or by visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person. After obtaining the learner's licence, practice driving and then apply for a permanent DL by appearing for a driving test conducted by the RTO. Once you pass the test and fulfill all requirements, you'll receive your permanent DL.

What are the fees for driving licence in Tamil Nadu?

The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Tamil Nadu vary depending on the type of licence and other factors.

Service Type

Fees (in Rs.)
Learner’s licence issuance
  • Single Class
  • Double Class

230

380
Issuance of driving licence
  •  Single Class
  • Double Class

800

1,100

Duplicate driving licence

500

Issuance of International Driving Permit

1,500
Renewal of driving licence
  • Transport
  • Non-transport

450

500

 

However, it's advisable to check the latest fee structure on the official website of the Tamil Nadu Transport Department.

Can I apply for a Driving Licence without a Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu?

No, you cannot get a driving licence (DL) without a learner’s licence in Tamil Nadu. It is mandatory to pass the driving test conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to obtain a permanent DL. However, you can apply for a learner's licence without a driving test, but you need to pass a written test on traffic rules and regulations.

What is the validity of a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?

The validity of a driving licence in Tamil Nadu is typically for 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier. After the age of 50, the licence needs to be renewed every 5 years.

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