Driving is an essential aspect of daily life in Tamil Nadu, whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, scenic hill stations, or beautiful beaches. However, before hitting the open road, you need a valid TN driving licence that acts as a legal permit to drive your vehicle on the streets.
The good news is that applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu is a straightforward process that can be done both online and offline. If you’re wondering how to apply for a driving licence online we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of obtaining your Tamilnadu driving licence, including important documents, fees, and the driving test.
Additionally, we’ll share some useful tips to help you make the process smoother and more efficient. Once you have your TN driving licence, you can explore the local attractions and relish the delicious local cuisine with ease and confidence.
Types of Driving Licences in Tamil Nadu
The Transport Department in Tamil Nadu issues Driving Licences (DLs) based on different types of vehicles. Here are the kinds of licences you can apply for:
| Type of Driving Licence | Type of Vehicle |
| Two-wheeler (gearless) | Scooters, mopeds, gearless bikes, etc. |
| Two-wheeler (geared) | Geared motorcycles, scooters, etc. |
| Private four-wheeler (geared) | Hatchbacks, SUVs, MUVs, Coupés, Sedans, etc. |
| Commercial vehicles | Transport buses, trucks, etc. |
| Other vehicles | Transport trucks that transfer hazardous/industrial goods |
What is the Eligibility to Apply for a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?
If you want to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have a valid learner’s licence.
- Applicants must be at least 18 (eighteen) years of age.
- Applicants must apply for a permanent driving licence 30 (thirty) days after or within 180 (one hundred and eighty) days of acquiring the learner’s licence.
- Applicants have to know the traffic rules and regulations thoroughly.
- Applicants must be at least 20 (twenty) years old when applying for a commercial driving licence.
What Documents do I Require to Apply for a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?
Applicants require the following documents to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu:
Any of the following as proof of age:
- Educational certificate
- Birth certificate
- Attested copy of the passport
- Certificate issued from the employer if you are working for the state/ central government or a local body.
Any of the following as proof of residence/address:
- Voter’s ID
- Ration card
- LIC policy bond
- Valid passport
- Employers certificate issued by local/central or state government
Other documents:
- Form 4: Driving licence
- Form 5: Commercial driving licence
- Form 1A: Medical certificate, which has to be filled by a physician (necessary for applicants older than the age of 40)
- Form 1: Physical fitness declaration by the applicant
- Original learner’s licence
- Three passport-size photographs
Driving Licence Fee Structure in Tamil Nadu
When applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you need to pay the application fee online. Here’s a breakdown of the amount you need to pay:
| Purpose | Amount in Rs. |
| Issue of learner’s licence in Form 3 for each class of vehicle. | ₹150 |
| Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee, as the case may be. | ₹50 |
| For the test, or repeat test, as the case may be, of competence to drive(for each class of vehicle). | ₹300 |
| Issue of a driving licence. | ₹200 |
| Issue of International Driving Permit. | ₹1,000 |
| Addition of another class of vehicle to drive licence. | ₹500 |
| Endorsem*nt or renewal of authorization for vehicles carrying hazardous goods. | ₹100 |
| Renewal of a driving licence. | ₹200 |
| Renewal of driving licence for which application is made after the grace period. | ₹300 |
| Issue or renewal of a licence to a school or establishment imparting instructions in driving. | ₹10,000 |
| Issue of duplicate licence to the school or establishment imparting instructions in driving. | ₹5,000 |
| An appeal against the orders of licensing authority referred to in Rule 29. | ₹500 |
| Any application for change in address or any other particulars recorded in the driving e.g.address etc. | ₹200 |
How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu Online?
Applying for a driving licence is far from a daunting task now. Once you’ve received your learner’s licence, you can apply for a driving licence after 30 days or within 6 months.
Here’s how you can apply for a driving licence online:
Step 1 : Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
Step 2 : Select your state.
Step 3 : Once you’ve selected your state, click on “Apply for Driving Licence.”
Step 4 : Click on “Continue” and enter the required details.
Step 5 : Fill out the application form and upload your documents on the portal.
Step 6 : After uploading all the documents, you need to select a slot for your driving test to be held at the RTO.
Step 7 : Select LL Slot Booking.
Step 8 : Select a date and time and book your appointment to take the driving test.
Once the form is filled out and your driving test is booked, you’re left with the final step, fee payment. To pay the driving licence fees online, head over to the main menu of the Sarathi Parivahan portal, select your state and click on “Fee Payments” as shown below. Proceed to enter your details and click on “Pay Now”.
Once the payment is done at your end, head back to the main menu and click on “Check Payment Status” to get your payment details and receipt.
After entering your Application Number, Date of Birth, and the Captcha code, your payment receipt is generated as shown below. Remember to print/save this receipt.
Next, you need to appear for an online test to get a learner’s licence.
Here’s what this test consists of:
- 10 Multiple Choice Questions
- Duration: 10 Minutes
- Topics Covered: Road Signs, Traffic Rules and Regulations
- Qualifying criteria: Minimum 6 marks out of 10
In case you fail the qualifying test, you are allowed to reapply after 7 days. After 30 days of receiving the learner’s licence, you are eligible to apply for a permanent licence.
Here’s how you get your permanent driving licence.
Step 1 : Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website and select Tamil Nadu as your state. Click on “Appointments” once you see the main menu.
Step 2 : Click on “DL Test Slot Booking.”
Step 3 : Enter your details in the form that appears. Click on “Proceed to Book.”
Step 4 : Select the date and time of your RTO appointment.
Step 5 : Verify your details using an OTP that you will receive on your registered phone number. Proceed to confirm the booking by clicking on “Confirm to Slot Book.”
Once you have confirmed your booking, visit the RTO on your selected date of appointment and take the driving test. After you clear your test, your driving licence will be delivered to your residential address within a few days.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu Offline?
If you wish to skip the online process and apply for your driving licence offline, you will need to do the following:
- Visit the RTO office in your area and collect Form 4 or print it from the Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Fill out and submit the application form.
- Attach all the required documents.
- Book a slot for your driving test.
- If you pass the test, your licence will be sent to you via speed post.
To view a list of RTOs in Tamil Nadu, click here.
What is the process of the RTO driving test in Tamil Nadu?
Your driving test will be conducted by an Inspector at the RTO. It requires the applicant to drive on the RTO’s designated driving track. Applicants are tested on general driving skills, how well they follow the rules, and their knowledge of the rules.
FAQs
Q. When to check your driving licence status in Tamil Nadu?
It takes 30 days to get your driving licence after the date of the driving test. You can start checking your driving licence status two weeks after clearing your driving test in Tamil Nadu.
Q. Is there any fee to check the driving licence status?
There is no fee to access the website or check driving licence status.
Q. Can I drive on public roads with a learner’s driving licence?
Yes, you can drive on public roads with a learner’s driving licence. However, you must be accompanied by someone carrying a permanent/valid driving licence.
Q. For how long is a learner’s driving licence valid?
A learner’s driving licence is valid for 6 months or 180 days. However, the licence holder must apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days and before 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s licence.
Q. Can I renew a learner’s driving licence?
Yes, a learner’s driving licence can be renewed if it expires.
Q. Can I reappear for my driving test if I fail on the first attempt?
Yes, you can reappear for your driving test after 7 days of your first attempt.
Q. What is the legal age for driving in India?
The legal age for driving a geared vehicle is 18 years while the legal age for driving non-geared vehicles is 16 years.
Q. If I have an existing driving licence, how do I check its status?
You can check the status of your existing driving licence here.
Q. How do I download my driving licence on DigiLocker?
Here’s how you can download your driving licence on DigiLocker:
Step 1: Visit the https://www.digilocker.gov.in/ or app and sign up.
Step 2: Select “Get more Issued Documents” from the “Issued Documents” menu. Click on “Pull documents”.
Step 3: Select “Ministry of Road Transport and Highways” under “Central Government”.
Step 4: Click on “Driving Licence” under “Document Type”. Enter your details: name, date of birth, and driving licence number. Click on “Get Document.” This will download your DL on your phone.
Q. What is the validity of a driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
A private driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till the holder attains 40 years of age, whichever comes earlier. After the age of 40, a driving licence is issued for 10 years and then 5 years subsequently.
| How to Apply for Driving Licence in Other States: |
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Obtaining a Driving License in Tamil Nadu
To drive legally in Tamil Nadu, you need a valid driving license (DL). The process of obtaining a DL in Tamil Nadu can be done both online and offline. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Obtain a Learner's License (LL)
- Before applying for a DL, you need to obtain a Learner's License.
- To apply for an LL, you must be at least 18 years old.
- You should have a good understanding of traffic rules and regulations.
- Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website and select Tamil Nadu as your state.
- Click on "Apply for Learner's License" and fill out the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents, such as proof of age and address.
- Schedule an appointment for the LL test, which consists of 10 multiple-choice questions on road signs, traffic rules, and regulations.
- If you pass the test, you will receive your LL.
Step 2: Apply for a Permanent Driving License
- After obtaining the LL, you can apply for a permanent DL after 30 days and within 180 days.
- Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website and select Tamil Nadu as your state.
- Click on "Apply for Driving License" and fill out the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents, including the LL, proof of age, and proof of address.
- Schedule an appointment for the DL test at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- Pay the required fees online.
- On the scheduled date, visit the RTO and take the driving test.
- If you pass the test, your DL will be delivered to your residential address within a few days.
Step 3: Check Driving License Status
- After the DL test, it takes approximately 30 days to receive your DL.
- You can check the status of your DL two weeks after clearing the driving test.
- Visit the Sarathi Parivahan website, select Tamil Nadu as your state, and click on "Check Driving License Status."
- Enter your application number, date of birth, and the captcha code to check the status.
Types of Driving Licenses in Tamil Nadu
The Transport Department in Tamil Nadu issues different types of driving licenses based on the type of vehicle. Here are the categories of licenses available:
- Two-wheeler (gearless): For scooters, mopeds, gearless bikes, etc.
- Two-wheeler (geared): For geared motorcycles, scooters, etc.
- Private four-wheeler (geared): For hatchbacks, SUVs, MUVs, Coupés, Sedans, etc.
- Commercial vehicles: For transport buses, trucks, etc.
- Other vehicles: For transport trucks that transfer hazardous/industrial goods.
Eligibility Criteria for a Driving License in Tamil Nadu
To apply for a driving license in Tamil Nadu, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must have a valid learner's license.
- You must be at least 18 years old for a private driving license.
- You must be at least 20 years old for a commercial driving license.
- You must apply for a permanent driving license within 180 days of obtaining the learner's license.
- You should have a good understanding of traffic rules and regulations.
Required Documents for a Driving License in Tamil Nadu
To apply for a driving license in Tamil Nadu, you will need the following documents:
-
Proof of age (any one of the following):
- Educational certificate
- Birth certificate
- Attested copy of the passport
- Certificate issued from the employer (if working for the state/central government or a local body)
-
Proof of residence/address (any one of the following):
- Voter's ID
- Ration card
- LIC policy bond
- Valid passport
- Employer's certificate issued by the local/central or state government
-
Other documents:
- Form 4: Driving license application form
- Form 5: Commercial driving license application form (if applicable)
- Form 1A: Medical certificate (for applicants older than 40)
- Form 1: Physical fitness declaration by the applicant
- Original learner's license
- Three passport-size photographs
Driving License Fee Structure in Tamil Nadu
When applying for a driving license in Tamil Nadu, you need to pay the application fee online. Here's a breakdown of the fees:
- Issue of learner's license in Form 3 for each class of vehicle: ₹150
- Learner's license test fee or repeat test fee: ₹50
- Competence to drive test fee (for each class of vehicle): ₹300
- Issue of a driving license: ₹200
- Issue of International Driving Permit: ₹1,000
- Addition of another class of vehicle to driving license: ₹500
- Endorsem*nt or renewal of authorization for vehicles carrying hazardous goods: ₹100
- Renewal of a driving license: ₹200
- Renewal of driving license after the grace period: ₹300
- Issue or renewal of a license to a school or establishment imparting instructions in driving: ₹10,000
- Issue of duplicate license to the school or establishment imparting instructions in driving: ₹5,000
- Appeal against the orders of licensing authority: ₹500
- Application for change in address or any other particulars recorded in the driving license: ₹200
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
Obtaining a driving license in Tamil Nadu is a straightforward process that can be done both online and offline. By following the step-by-step instructions and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you can obtain your driving license and explore the vibrant cities, scenic hill stations, and beautiful beaches of Tamil Nadu with ease and confidence.
If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
