Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

Here’s a comprehensive guide to applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu.

Types of driving licences in Tamil Nadu

Here are the different types of driving licences you can apply for in Tamil Nadu:

• Learner's licence: Issued for learning purposes, allowing individuals to practice driving under supervision for a specified period before obtaining a permanent DL.
• Permanent driving licence: Issued after successfully passing the driving test and fulfilling other requirements, allowing individuals to drive vehicles independently.
• Commercial driving licence: Issued for driving vehicles for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers. A commercial driving licence is mandatory for driving vehicles with a seating capacity of 8 or more people.
• International driving permit: It is a legal document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries. To get this permit, you need to submit an application at the local RTO and must have a valid permanent driver's licence.

Eligibility for driving licence in Tamil Nadu

To be eligible for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, applicants must meet the following criteria:

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.

 

Tamil Nadu driving licence fees: A comprehensive guide

The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Chennai are given below:

Service Type	Fee (in Rs.)
Learner’s licence test fee	50
Learner’s licence issuance	150
Repeat test (for each class of vehicle)	300
Permanent driving licence issuance	200
International driving permit issuance	1,000
Driving licence renewal	200
Driving school licence issue and renewal	10,000
Adding another class to the DL	500

 

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:

• A valid learner's licence.
• All necessary documents of the vehicle intended for the driving test, including Registration Certificate, Insurance Certificate, Tax Card, and PUC Certificate.' For transport vehicles, you will need the Fitness Certificate and other relevant documents.
• If testing with a transport vehicle, a certificate in form CMV 5 issued by your Driving Training School is required.
• A duly filled application form.
• Recent passport-size photographs.

How to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu

The process to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu involves either visiting RTO Tamil Nadu or applying 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.

Online process

• Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
• Select the state as Tamil Nadu.
• 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.

Offline process

• Visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).
• Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
• Your application is verified and processed.
• Once verified, schedule a slot for the driving test.
• Pass the driving test to get the driving licence.

How to check driving licence application status in Tamil Nadu

To check the status of your driving licence (DL) application in Tamil Nadu online, follow these steps:

• 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 as ‘Tamil Nadu’.
• 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 licence test procedure in Tamil Nadu

The driving licence test is conducted as per rule 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Here’s the procedure for the driving licence test in Tamil Nadu:

For four-wheelers:

• Involves a ground test and a road test.
• In the ground test, you will need to drive along the marked ‘straight T’ line and then a ‘U’ turn.
• 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’.
• Like 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.

You need to prepare yourself thoroughly with the driving test procedure to increase your chances of passing the test and obtaining your driving licence.

Steps to make corrections in your driving licence in Tamil Nadu

Making corrections in your driving licence in Tamil Nadu, such as changing the name or address, can be done both online and offline. Here are the steps for each method:

Change the name on driving licence online and offline

Online process:

1. Visit the Parivahan Website: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website
2. Select "Driving Licence Related Services": Choose your state (Tamil Nadu).
3. Login or register: If you are a new user, register first. Existing users can log in with their credentials.
4. Apply for name change: Select the option to apply for a name change.
5. Fill the application form: Enter the required details and upload the necessary documents, such as a marriage certificate, affidavit, or gazette notification.
6. Pay the fee: Complete the payment process for the application fee.
7. Submit: After payment, submit the application and print the acknowledgment receipt.
8. Visit the RTO: Take the acknowledgment receipt and original documents to the RTO for verification.

Offline process:

1. Visit the RTO: Go to the nearest RTO office in Tamil Nadu.
2. Collect the form: Ask for the application form for name change.
3. Fill and submit the form: Complete the form with accurate details and attach the necessary documents.
4. Pay the fee: Pay the required fee at the RTO.
5. Verification: Submit the form and documents for verification.

Change the address on driving licence online and offline

Online process:

1. Visit the Parivahan website: Navigate to the official Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Select "Driving Licence Related Services": Choose your state (Tamil Nadu).
3. Login or register: Register as a new user or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Apply for address change: Select the option to change the address on your driving licence.
5. Fill the application form: Enter the new address details and upload the required proof of address (such as Aadhaar card, utility bill, or rental agreement).
6. Pay the fee: Complete the payment for the application fee.
7. Submit: Submit the application and print the acknowledgment receipt.
8. Visit the RTO: Visit the RTO with the acknowledgment receipt and original documents for verification.

Offline process:

1. Visit the RTO: Go to the nearest RTO office in Tamil Nadu.
2. Collect the form: Request the application form for an address change.
3. Fill and submit the form: Fill in the form with the new address and attach the required address proof documents.
4. Pay the fee: Pay the applicable fee at the RTO.
5. Verification: Submit the form and documents for verification.

By following these steps, you can efficiently make corrections to your driving licence in Tamil Nadu, whether you prefer the convenience of online services or the traditional offline method.

What are the documents required to change the name and address on driving licence?

Here's a list of documents you'll typically need to change your name and address on your driving licence:

• Application form: Duly filled application form for name and address change.
• Proof of new name: Gazette notification, marriage certificate (if applicable), or affidavit.
• Proof of new address: Utility bill, ration card, passport (anything with your current address).
• Current driver's licence: Original driving licence you want to update.
• ID proof: PAN card, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID card for identity verification.
• Fees: As prescribed by the RTO for name and address change.

How to get a driving licence renewed in Tamil Nadu

Your driving licence needs to be renewed on or after the expiry of its validity. For a commercial licence, the licence must be renewed after every three years.

Documents required to renew your driving licence

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

For permanent driving licence:

• Form No.9
• Recent passport-size photograph (2 copies)
• Original driving licence
• Valid proof of age and residence (self-attested)
• Renewal fees
• Valid medical certificate in form No.1A (for applicants above 40 years old)

For commercial driving licence:

• All the documents as required for a permanent driving licence.
• Driver refreshing training certificate (for HMV).
• Short refresher training course (other commercial vehicles).

Steps to renew DL in Tamil Nadu

Offline process

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

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.

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.  

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