While exploring the various religious sites and places in Tamil Nadu or generally to drive, you will need your vehicle. But you can’t drive it if you don’t have a valid driving licence.
It is mandatory to have a driving licence while driving in Tamil Nadu or anywhere in India. It is a vital identification document and legal proof of driving competency and adherence to traffic regulations.
The process of applying for a driving licence has been simplified because of the immense efforts of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
From submitting an application form to the issuance of a licence, you have to follow the application process properly to have a valid driving licence in your hand.
But how can you apply for a Tamil Nadu driving licence? Let’s learn about the online and offline application process for a driving licence.
Types of Driving Licences
You can apply for various types of driving licences in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu offers these licences to meet the various driving needs. Here is a list of commonly issued licences-
1. Learner’s Licence
A learner licence is issued to individuals who are learning to drive. However, they should drive under the supervision of a licenced driver and cannot drive alone.
2. Permanent Driving Licence
A permanent driving licence is issued after successfully passing your driving test.
3. Transport Vehicle Licence
The transport vehicle licence is for commercial vehicles. However, if you want to obtain this licence in Tamil Nadu, you may need additional qualifications and a medical fitness certificate.
4. International Driving Permit (IDP)
An international driving permit is issued to Indian citizens travelling abroad. The validity will depend on the country’s regulations. Ensure to have a valid driving licence to obtain IDP.
Driving Licence Categories in Tamil Nadu
You can get a driving licence depending on the type of vehicle you wish to drive:
» Motorcycle without gear (MCWG)
» Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)
» Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV)
Different levels of testing and documentation are required for each of these categories.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?
Before applying for a driving licence, you should know the eligibility criteria. You must hold a learner’s licence to apply for a permanent licence. It is required not only in Tamil Nadu but anywhere in India.
1. Age Requirments
» For Motorcycles without gear, the minimum age is 16 years.
» For Light motor vehicles, your age should be at least 18 years.
» For a commercial driving licence, the minimum age is 20 years.
2. Educational Qualifications (If Any)
No formal education qualifications are needed to apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu. But for a commercial driving licence, the applicants must have passed the 8th standard.
However, you should have good driving skills to obtain a permanent licence, which you can practice with great car driving tips.
3. Medical Fitness
Medical fitness is required when the applicants are over the age of 50 years. It is to ensure that the driver is physically fit to drive.
Documents Required for Both Online and Offline Applications in Tamil Nadu
The same documents are required for online and offline Tamil Nadu driving licence applications. The list of documents you will need includes-
» A clear and recent passport-sized photograph.
» Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID card.
» Address proof like an Aadhar card, passport, or utility bill.
» Medical certificate if you are over the age of 40 or 50.
Additional documents depending on the type of driving licence are-
Learner’s Licence: Learner’s licence application form 2, age proof, proof of residence, Form 1 - a self declared fitness certificate, and Form 1A if you are older than 40 years.
Permanent Licence: Form 4, 3 passport-sized photographs, and a valid learner’s licence
Commercial Licence: experience certificate is required.
International Driving Permit: Form 4A, passport, valid visa, and identity proof
Don’t confuse these forms with Form 20 because it is for the vehicle registration instead of the driving licence.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online in Tamil Nadu?
Applying for the online Tamil Nadu driving licence is simple and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply licence online in Tamil Nadu. It includes the steps to apply for a learner’s and permanent licence.
You can also apply for renewal, duplicate, and International Driving Permits through the same website. Whether a four-wheeler or two-wheeler licence apply online in Tamil Nadu, you can do it on the Parivahan website.
Applying for a Learner’s Licence
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Parivahan portal. Select “Online Services” and choose “Driver License Related Services.”
Step 2: Then, you will land on the Parivahan Sarathi. Select Tamil Nadu from the list of states on the next page.
Step 3: You will see various options related to driving licences. Select “Apply for Learner’s Licence.”
Step 4: Carefully read all the steps and then click on continue.
Step 5: You will see various categories, select if required.
Step 6: Then, choose "submit via Aadhar authentication" and click submit. You will then have to enter your Aadhar number and the OTP sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhar card.
Step 7: You can see that three options are available. Read them carefully and select the preferred box. After that, click on “Authenticate.”
Step 8: Fill in the accurate details in the application form, such as your details, address, vehicle details, and other required information. After filling in the details, click on ‘Submit.”
Step 9: You will know that this stage of application is done after receiving the “Application Reference Slip”. Download it for future reference.
Step 10: Proceed further by clicking on the icons “Upload Documents “ and “Fees payment.”
Step 11: Upload all the documents and pay the fees. After you have paid the fees, return to the home screen. Click on the “Tutorial for LL Test.” It will help prepare for your learning licence test.
Step 12: Next, click the “Online LL Test” on the state home screen to take the test. You will get an acknowledgement slip after clearing the test.
Step 13: Take out the printout of the slip and visit your nearest RTO office on the day slotted to you. It is necessary for your documents and photo verification.
Step 14: After completing all the steps, you can see your Learner’s Licence on the portal. Lastly, print out your LL.
Applying for a Permanent Licence
You can also apply for a permanent licence after 30 days of learning licence issuance.
From Step 1 to Step 5, everything is the same. But in step 3 choose “Apply for Driving Licence” instead of the learner’s licence.
Step 6: Select the appropriate option from the three options available. If you have a learner’s licence, enter the licence number and date of birth. Enter the captcha and click “OK.”
Step 7: Fill the details and upload your documents. You may also be asked to upload your photo and signature if required.
Step 8: Pay the required fees.
Step 9: Finally, visit the RTO office on the appointment date and take the driving test. After passing your driving test, you can obtain your driving licence.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence Offline in Tamil Nadu?
You can also apply for a Tamil Nadu driving licence offline by following the below steps:
Step 1: Carry all the necessary documents and visit the nearest RTO office. Collect the application form, or you can also download the application form on the Parivahan portal.
Step 2: Complete the application form with all the required information. Ensure to fill in the accurate information for a successful process.
Step 3: Attach the documents with your form, including passport-sized photographs, identity proof, address proof, and medical certificate.
Step 4: Submit the required fees. Then, your application will be processed and verified.
Step 5: After verification, you can schedule a date and time for your driving test.
Step 6: Attend your driving test at the designated RTO location. Once you pass the test, you will get your driving licence.
What is the Process of the RTO Driving Test in Tamil Nadu?
The RTO driving test in Tamil Nadu is essential to obtain your driving licence. You can first practice in your second hand car before giving the test.
Your driving skills and abilities to handle motor vehicles are checked during the test. Here is a basic overview of the driving test process.
Basic Driving Maneuvers
You will be asked to demonstrate basic driving skills, such as:
» Starting and stopping the vehicle
» Using correct indicators
» Parking parallel to the pavement
» Reversing to create an S shape while driving the four-wheeler vehicle
» Making a U-Turn
» Driving the four-wheeler or two-wheeler in a figure of 8 pattern
» Driving two-wheelers in a straight line without stopping
» Applying brakes smoothly in emergency situations
Road Test
You will be taken on a road test to assess how well you can drive in various traffic and tight spot conditions.
The RTO will check if you are following traffic rules, how well you are managing the car in traffic, and how you are driving on different types of roads.
Driving Licence Fee Structure in Tamil Nadu
Whether you are looking for how to apply for a driving licence in Punjab or Tamil Nadu, the fee structure of a driving licence varies depending on the type of licence. However, the basic structure involves-
| Purpose | Fees |
| Issue of learner’s licence in Form 3 for each class of vehicle | Rs. 150/- |
| Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee | Rs. 50/- |
| For the test, or repeat test fee for each class of vehicle | Rs. 300/- |
| Issue of a driving licence | Rs. 200/- |
| Issue of International Driving Permit | Rs. 1000/- |
| Renewal of driving licence | Rs. 200/- |
| Duplicate driving licence | Rs. 500/- |
How to Check the Driving Licence Application Status?
You can check your Tamil Nadu driving licence online on the Parivahan portal, mParivahan app, or go directly to your RTO office. To check the status follow these steps:
1. Go to the official website of the Parivahan portal or the Tamil Nadu Transport Department.
2. On the navigation bar, you can see “Online services.” Click on it. It will show various options. Choose the Driving licence-related services.
3. Select the Tamil Nadu state and then choose the “Application status” at the top of the page.
4. Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code, and click “Submit.”
5. It will show the application status whether processing, approved, or dispatched.
Issuance of Driving Licence
After your Tamil Nadu driving licence application form is approved and passing your driving test, your licence will be issued.
You can collect your hard-earned licence from the RTO office. If the RTO offer home delivery services, you can also get it delivered to your registered address.
Conclusion
Getting a driving licence in Tamil Nadu is a simple process. However, you should follow the steps correctly.
Whether online or offline, you will need the same documents but they will vary depending on the licence you are applying for.
The Tamil Nadu driving licence process includes several steps, including applying for the licence, submitting documents, taking a driving test, and collecting the issued licence.
By following all the steps, you can easily navigate the process and obtain your driving licence. But, remember to practice regularly, follow traffic rules, and drive safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 How many days to get a driving license in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. It usually takes up to 30 days to get a driving licence in Tamil Nadu.
Q2 Can I drive with LLR in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. Yes, you can drive with LLR in Tamil Nadu if your learner's license is issued anywhere in India.
Q3 How to Get a Duplicate Learner’s Licence?
Ans. You can get a duplicate learner’s licence by reapplying for it online through the Sarathi portal or visiting your nearest RTO office.
Q4 How to Appeal if My Driving Licence Application is Rejected?
Ans. You can appeal by submitting the correct documents to your RTO or through the Sarathi portal.
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