Driving is an essential aspect of daily life in any state, and the same goes for Tamil Nadu whether you’re going to work, dropping your kids to school, or exploring vibrant cities and beautiful beaches. However, before hitting the open road, you need a valid Tamil Nadu 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 pretty straightforward process that can be done online or offline. In this article, you will go through the step-by-step process of obtaining your driving licence in the state , including important documents, fees, and the driving test. Additionally, we will also cover the useful tips to help you make the process smoother and more efficient. Once you have the TN driving licence, you can roam around the streets of India with utmost confidence.
What are the 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 various types of licences one 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, Coupes, Sedans etc. |
| Commercial vehicles | Transport Buses, trucks etc. |
| Other vehicles | Transport trucks that transfer hazardous/industrial goods |
How to apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu?
With newer regulations, applying for a driving licence is far from a daunting task. Once you have received your learner’s licence, you can apply for a driving licence after 30 days or within 6 months. Here are the following steps on how to apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu:
- Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Select your state.
- Once you have selected your state, click on “Apply for Driving Licence”.
- Click on “Continue” and add the necessary details.
- Fill out the application form and upload your documents on the portal.
- After uploading all the documents, you need to select a slot for your driving test to be held at the RTO.
- Select LL Slot booking.
- Select a date and time and book your appointment..
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.
What is the eligibility to apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu?
If you want to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, one has to meet the following criteria to ensure you are eligible to apply. They are as follows:
- Applicants must have a valid learner’s licence.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Applicants must apply for a permanent driving licence 30 days after or within 180 days of acquiring the learner’s licence.
- Applicants have to know the traffic rules and regulations thoroughly.
- Applicants must be at least 20 years old when applying for a commercial driving licence.
What are the documents required to apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu?
Applicants require the following documents to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu:
Any of the following can be submitted 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 can be submitted as proof of residence/address:
- Voter’s ID
- Ration Card
- LIC policy board
- Valid passport
- Employers certificate issued by local/central/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
What is the fee structure for driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
When applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you need to pay the application fee online. Here is a breakdown of the amount to be paid:
| Purpose | Amount in Rs. |
| Issue of learner’s licence in Form 3 for each class of vehicle. | Rs. 150 |
| Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee, as the case may be. | Rs. 50 |
| For the test or repeat test, as the case may be, of competence to drive (for each class of vehicle). | Rs. 300 |
| Issue of a driving licence | Rs. 200 |
| Issue of International Driving Permit | Rs. 1000 |
| Addition of another class of vehicle to drive licence. | Rs. 500 |
| Endorsement or renewal of authorisation for vehicles carrying hazardous goods. | Rs.100 |
| Renewal of a driving licence. | Rs. 200 |
| Renewal of a driving licence for which the application is made after the grace period. | Rs. 300 |
| Issue or renewal of a licence to a school or establishment imparting instructions in driving. | Rs.10000 |
| Issue of duplicate licence to the school or establishment imparting instructions in driving. | Rs. 5000 |
| An appeal against the orders of licencing authority referred to in Rule 29. | Rs. 500 |
| Any application for change in address or any other particulars recorded in the driving | Rs. 200 |
What is the process to get a permanent driving licence online in Tamil Nadu?
One has the option to apply for a permanent driving licence either in person or through an online portal. Here, we take a look at how to apply online through the Parivahan portal in order to obtain your permanent driving licence.
- To obtain a Permanent Driving Licence, the applicant can make the application online via the Parivahan portal.
- The applicant should then click “Drivers/Learners Licence” and select their respective state from the drop-down menu.
- On the next tab, the user has to click “Apply for Driving Licence” and read the instructions and click “Continue”.
- Next, the applicant should fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted).
- Make sure that as an applicant, you have uploaded all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
- Review the application and click “Submit”.
- The applicant should then pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
- An acknowledgement receipt will be displayed on the screen. Save it for future reference, it will contain the application summary and contact details of the person to be contacted.
- Next, the applicant can go ahead and book the slot and visit the RTO office on the respective date.
- All the updates on the application status will be sent via SMS to the applicant’s mobile number.
FAQs about how to apply for driving licence online in Tamil Nadu
Can I apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, one can apply for a driving licence online in Tamil Nadu through the Parivahan portal. Kindly ensure to follow the necessary steps involved and have all the essential documents required to ensure a hassle-free process.
How to apply for a permanent driving licence after learner licence in Tamil Nadu?
To apply for a permanent driving licence, the applicant should apply 30 days after or within 180 days after getting the learner’s licence. The applicant should be well-versed with traffic rules and regulations and minimum age should be 16 years for two-wheelers and 18 years for other vehicles.
What is the validity of driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
Private driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issuance or till the holder attains 40 years of age, whichever comes earlier. After the age of 40, the driving licence will be issued for 10 years and then 5 years subsequently.
What documents are required to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
You just need to provide Form no.4 and fill in all the required details such as age proof, address proof etc. Applicants who are above the age of 50 will also have to provide medical clearance through Form 1A.
How much time does it take to get a driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
It takes 30 days to get your driving licence after the date of the driving test. You can check your driving licence status two weeks after clearing your driving test in Tamil Nadu.
Can I drive alone with LLR in Tamil Nadu?
You cannot drive alone but only with a person with a valid permanent driving licence. In both bike and car, ‘L’ sign is mandatory in front and back of vehicles (Red on white format).
Can we give a learning licence test online at home in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, you must book and apply for a test for LLR online and follow a procedure. You must take the written test after you have submitted the application form and supporting documents. This exam will assess your knowledge of topics such as road signs and driving theory.
