Tamil Nadu is well-known for its picturesque landscape and winding roadways. The road infrastructure is being swiftly amped up, which is essential to ensure safety of drivers, passengers, and motorists. Whether you are driving to your office or somewhere offbeat, a driving license is a necessity to drive on the roads of Tamil Nadu.
Having a Tamil Nadu driving license not only fulfills a legal requirement but also guarantees adherence to traffic regulations. Driving without a license on the roads of Tamil Nadu exposes you to penalties. This is why you must understand the Tamil Nadu driving license application, types of licenses, minimum age, and documents required.
Types of Driving Licenses Available
There are different types of licenses that the Transport Department of Tamil Nadu offers. Some of the most important types of driving licenses in Tamil Nadu are as follows:
Transport Licenses
This type of Tamil Nadu driving license is issued to drivers who wish to drive vehicles for commercial purposes:
- LMV (Light Motor Vehicles): Delivery tempos, jeeps, mini-vans, taxis, autorickshaws, tempos, etc.
- HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicles): Trucks, trailers, tractors, and buses.
Non-transport Licenses
These licenses are for those who wish to drive a vehicle for personal use:
- Two-wheelers without a gear: scooters, mopeds, and bikes
- Two-wheelers with gear: Bikes and motorcycles
- Two-wheelers without gear: Scooters, bikes, mopeds, etc.
- Light Motor Vehicle: Cars for personal use
| License Type | Age Criteria | Details |
| Learner’s License (LL) | 16 years | Issued to practice drivingThis license is only valid for a maximum of six months. |
| Permanent Driving License (DL) | 18 years | Motorcycle without gearMotorcycle with gear Invalid Carriage Light Motor Vehicle (NT)Transport Vehicles |
| International Driving Permit (IDL) | 18 years | Permits driving a vehicle in abroad |
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Driving License in Tamil Nadu
You have to meet the following driving license age and other important criteria in order to be eligible to apply for a license:
Learner’s License and Permanent License
- You must be at least 16 years old if you want to drive a two-wheeler without gear and up to 50cc (parental permission is a must).
- You must be at least 18 years old if you want to drive a two-wheeler with gear and light motor vehicles.
- Eligibility is 20 years for commercial vehicles (educational qualification at least up to 8th standard).
Documents Required for Application
The driving license application in Tamil Nadu necessitates you to submit the following documents in order to apply for a driving license:
Learner’s License
- Form 2: You can download it online or get it at the nearest RTO
- Age Proof: birth certificate, voter ID, PAN card, graduation certificate, etc.
- Residence Proof: Passport, voter ID, Aadhaar card, ration card, etc.
- Form 1: Physical fitness certification cum application form for transport vehicles.
- Form 1A: Applicant being over 40.
Permanent Driving License
For Non-transport Vehicles
- Form 4 that is to be downloaded online.
- Valid Learner’s License.
- Age and residence proof as mentioned above.
- 3 passport-size photographs.
For Transport Vehicles
- The applicant has to formally undergo training from a motor driving school, and get a certificate of completion. Documents like age proof, address proof, photographs, etc. will be required as well.
How to Apply for a Driving License in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Transport Department allows applicants to apply for a driving license both online and offline.
Online Driving License Application Process
You have to apply for the Learner’s License first. It can be done via the central government’s Parivahan website or the Tamil Nadu government’s state transport website. Both sites use the Sarathi Parivahan portal.
Learner’s License
- Visit the Parivahan portal, choose the state as “Tamil Nadu” on the pop-up window, and then select the “Application for Learner’s License”.
- Go through the instructions carefully; move on to applicable categories, and then hit Submit.
- You have to take the STALL test, which requires Aadhaar Authentication, so make sure the phone number you provide is linked to your Aadhaar Card. Once you receive an OTP, read the information, check the boxes, and authenticate.
- Verify personal details, go to the main application page, fill in the information, and then Submit.
- Download the Application Reference Slip, go back to the home screen and start uploading the required documents.
- Finally, pay the fees mentioned, check out the Tutorial for LL driving license test to prepare for the STALL test, and then click the “Online LLTest (STALL)” icon. Once the test is complete, don’t forget to download the acknowledgement slip.
- Print the slip, and go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to get the photo and documents verified. You receive the Learner’s License after finishing the process.
Permanent License
The Learner’s License is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. One can apply for a Permanent License after 30 days of the Learner’s License being issued.
- Visit the portal, choose the state as “Tamil Nadu” on the pop-up window, and then select the “Application for Driving License”.
- The instructions are clear as you move on from one page to another, so make sure you read them properly.
- Generate the Application Number and upload the necessary documents after being routed back to the state home screen.
- Check the appointment date and pay the fees mentioned.
- Visit the RTO on the allotted date and appear for the driving test.
Offline Driving License Application Process
The procedure for the Learner’s License has to be completed online, after which the applicant has to go to the RTO with the right documents.
Learner’s License
- Fill up the driving license application form with the details, submit it with relevant documents, and pay the required fees.
- Take the STALL test at the RTO and get photos and documents verified.
- You will receive the Learner’s License on the same day, provided you pass the test.
Permanent License
- Download the driving license application form online, fill it up, and get it printed.
- Visit the RTO with the form and proper documents and submit them.
- Schedule an available slot for your driving license test.
Preparing for the Driving Test
A driving skill test is conducted before you get the Permanent License. As an applicant, you have to get the test done at a recognized motor driving school. Here is how you can prepare beforehand:
- Knowing when to start or stop the car as per the signal.
- Making U-turns
- Driving your four-wheeler in an S shape
- Making use of the right indicators
- Practicing parallel parking
- Knowing how to drive the two-wheeler or four-wheeler in a figure of 8
- Using the accelerator and clutch in tandem
- Braking safely, especially during emergencies
Skill demonstrations could differ depending on the RTO. A motor vehicle officer is present during the test. They are responsible for marking the driving skills of the applicant. If an applicant doesn’t pass the test, they have to appear for a retest on an allotted date.
Booking Your Driving Test Appointment
Once you book the available slot online, go ahead with the fee payment. It has to be cleared in regard to every vehicle class for which the driving license is applied. Appear for the driving test on the right date and time.
Once you complete the driving license test, check the status online. It is updated on the website within 2 to 3 weeks of the driving license test date. You can visit the RTO in person to know about the status as well.
Fees and Charges for Driving Licenses
The fees and charges for driving licenses in Tamil Nadu depend on several factors, such as the type of license, status of license application, and so on.
| Types of License | Fees and Charges |
| Learners License | ₹230 and ₹380 for single and two classes of vehicles, respectively |
| Permanent Driving License | ₹800 and ₹1,100 for single and two classes of vehicles, respectively. |
| Duplicate License | ₹500 |
| Renewal for Transport and Non-Transport | ₹450 and ₹500 respectively |
Common Issues and Solutions During the Application Process
While the driving license application process seems straightforward, you could face a few issues that you have to be prepared for:
- Payment Problems: At times, the payment gateway might not be able to direct your payment through, so you need to try after some time. If you repeatedly face the same problem, talk to the Customer Care team.
- Inaccurate Documents: At times, your application might be marked as “Incomplete” even if you have provided all necessary documentation. Contact the RTO immediately if that appears to be the case.
- Duplicate License Application: When applying for duplicate licenses, you have to file a police report and submit a copy of the complaint, with your application. This could be a time consuming process, and you might have to cease driving till you actually receive the license.
- Application Status Pending: Even after submitting the fees and documents, your application status might be displayed as pending. Contact the Zonal office or your RTO with the original documents.
Summary
It goes without saying that driving is a highly desirable pastime in Tamil Nadu, and in accordance with national traffic laws, one must possess a current driver’s license. A valid license in Tamil Nadu is a must if you wish to drive through the state. In times when a personal vehicle offers convenience and comfort to travel from one place in Tamil Nadu to another, a Tamil Nadu driving license allows you to do it legally.
FAQ’s
Q. Is a Learner’s License sufficient to drive on the roads in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, however, there are a few restrictions that come with it as well. For a four-wheeler, those who are still learning have to be accompanied by someone with a Permanent License. A pillion rider isn’t allowed on two-wheelers – only a certified instructor can ride with the learner.
Q. Is it possible to make corrections to the driving license?
Yes, you can definitely correct some details such as name, address, etc. Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal’s home page and choose “Services on Driving License” from the drop-down menu that mentions “Driving License” after you select “Tamil Nadu” as your state.
Q. Can a driving license test appointment be canceled?
Visit the online portal to cancel the appointment in case of emergencies. But remember, there are rules and regulations as to the number of times you can cancel an appointment, so make sure you are well aware.
Q. What to do if you lose your driving license?
You have to apply for a duplicate driving license by visiting the Sarathi.Parivahan portal, but first you have to file an FIR at the nearest police station.
Q. What is the validity of a driving license in Tamil Nadu?
A driving license in the state is valid for 20 years from the date on which it is issued or till the individual turns 40, whichever is earlier. Once you hit 40, the license is issued for 10 years and then 5 years.
