Driving Licence Tamil Nadu – Driving Licence Online & Offline Apply in Tamil Nadu

If you are a resident of Tamil Nadu and need to get a driving licence, it’s not at all a tough task as long as you know of the steps to be followed. It’s noteworthy that obtaining a driving licence is mandatory if you plan to drive a car or ride a two-wheeler on the public roads. Hence, in this post, we tell you how to apply for driving licence in Tamil Nadu, along with information on how to obtain an international driving permit and how to renew the driving license in Tamil Nadu

Types of Driving Licence (DL) in Tamil Nadu (TN)

Depending on the kind of vehicle you plan to use, you need to choose one of the following types of licences –

  • Driving license for motorcycles without gear: You need to apply for a DL of this kind if you plan to ride a two-wheeler that doesn’t have gear.
  • Driving license issued for light motor vehicles: You need to apply for this kind of DL if you wish to use a two-wheeler with gears or a private motor vehicle (cars, SUVs, MPVs).
  • Driving license issued for transport vehicles: If you want to drive heavy motor vehicles for transportation of goods or passengers, you should obtain this DL.

Tamil Nadu (TN) Driving Licence (DL) – Eligibility Criteria

Below are the conditions you need to meet if you want to obtain a driving licence in Tamil Nadu (TN) –

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must have a learner’s license
  • You should apply for a permanent DL after 30 days or within 180 days of obtaining a learner’s license.
  • You must know of all the traffic rules and regulations.
  • In the case of a commercial driving license, you must be at least 20 years old

Documents Required for Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

For getting a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you need to submit the following documents to the RTO

Any one of the below for the proof of age:

  • High school passing certificate
  • Birth certificate
  • Attested copy of the passport
  • Certificate issued from the employer if you are working for state/ central government or a local body.

Any one of the below for proof of address:

  • Voter’s ID
  • Ration card
  • LIC policy bond
  • Valid passport
  • Employers certificate issued by local/central or state government

Other documents:

  • Application form 4
  • Application form 5 in case of applying for a commercial driving license
  • Original learner’s license
  • Three passport size photographs

How to Apply for Driving Licence Offline in Tamil Nadu (TN)?

For applying for a permanent DL offline in Tamil Nadu, you should go through the below steps-

  • Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO and get the application form. Alternatively, you can download the form from the official website of the RTO
  • Step 2: Next, fill the following details in the form:
    • Full Name
    • Father’s Name
    • Residential Address
    • Educational Qualification
    • Date of Birth
    • Place of Birth
    • Blood Group
    • Identification Mark
  • Step 3: Submit address proof, passport-size photos, etc.
  • Step 4: You will be given a time slot for the first round of the test. The RTO officers will test your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations through an online test.
  • Step 5: After passing the tests, a learner’s license will be issued to you. For obtaining a permanent driving licence, you should hold a learner’s licence for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 180 days.

How to Apply for Driving Licence Online in Tamil Nadu?

For applying for a permanent DL online in Tamil Nadu, you should go through the below process-

  • Step 1: Visit www.tnsta.gov.in and download the form
  • Step 2: Fill all the details in the printed copy of the form and submit it at the local RTO
  • Step 3: Provide all the necessary documents
  • Step 4: Get a slot for the driving test
  • Step 5: Once you have passed the test, you will get your license in 2 to 3 weeks
  • Step 6: The form can be also submitted and uploaded online by following the below steps-
    • Step 1: Visit sarathi.nic.in
    • Step 2: Click on ‘Application for new DL’.
    • Step 3: Click on ‘New driving license’
    • Step 4: Enter all the required details and submit all the documents
    • Step 5: You will be given an application number
    • Step 6: You can also schedule your driving license test
    • Step 7: Appear for the test on the given day
    • Step 8: If you pass the test, you will receive your driving license in a few days

Steps to Check Driving Licence Application Status Online:

Steps to check driving licence status online through State Transport Department website:

If you need to check the status of the driving licence online, you can do so through one of the below two methods. First is to check the DL status on the State Transport’s official website. Other is to check the status on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway’s official website.

  • Step 1: Visit the official website of the State Transport Department of Tamil nadu
  • Step 2: Select ‘DL and LL registration’ option.
  • Step 3: In the new page that loads, click on ‘Know your application status’.
  • Step 4: Enter the application number
  • Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’ and the page will then display the status of your driving license.

Steps to check driving licence status online through Ministry of Road Transport and Highways official website:

  • Step 1: Visit parivahan.gov.in.
  • Step 2: Click on ‘Driving license-related services’.
  • Step 3: Select the state you reside in.
  • Step 4: On the new page that loads, click on ‘Verify status’ option
  • Step 5: Enter your application number and date of birth.
  • Step 6: Fill in the correct captcha code.
  • Step 7: You will be shown the status of your driving license.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?

Documents required while applying for a duplicate driving license in Tamil Nadu:

If you have lost your driving licence, you can apply for a duplicate driving licence in Tamil Nadu by submitting the below documents –

  • Application form LLD
  • FIR copy, in case the license is stolen
  • Challan clearance report issued from traffic police. This is required in case of commercial driving license.
  • Form 1
  • Age and address proof documents.
  • Original license copy
  • License number if the license is stolen
  • The applicant will have to get the documents photocopied and attested by a gazetted officer or notary public.

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu:

After submitting the above documents, you can apply for a duplicate DL in Tamil Nadu through the below steps-.

  • Step 1: Collect the form LLD, fill it and submit it at the RTO along with the above-mentioned documents.
  • Step 2: Submit a fee of Rs. 200
  • Step 3: After successful verification of the documents, a duplicate driving license will be provided

If you don’t remember your DL number, you will need to apply for a new licence. Also, the request for a duplicate copy of the DL should be made within 30 days from losing the document.

How to Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?

A driving licence issued in TN is valid for 20 years. However, if your age is 50 years or above before the completion of 20 years, the renewal should be processed immediately.

Documents required for renewal of driving license in TN:

  • Duly filled application form 9
  • A copy of the expired original driver’s licence.
  • Medical certificate and Form 1 A if the driver is more than 40 years of age.
  • 2 passport size photographs.
  • Self-attested copies of age proof and address proof.
  • Application fee of Rs.200/- and receipt.

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Licence in Tamil Nadu:

  • Step 1: Visit the RTO website and select the tab for renewal.
  • Step 2: Apply for the renewal and pay the fees of Rs.200/- for the smart card driving licence issued in Tamil Nadu
  • Step 3: Submit the necessary documents to expedite the request quicker. As soon as the documents will be verified, you will be issued the new driving licence.

Offline Procedure:

  • Step 1: Collect the form from the RTO
  • Step 2: Fill and submit the form along with the relevant documents at the RTO
  • Step 3: On verification of the documents, the applicant will be issued the renewed license on the same day.

Online Procedure:

  • Step 1: Visit Tamil Nadu Government’s transport website- www.uptransport.co.in
  • Step 2: Download the form online and print it
  • Step 3: Fill it and submit it along with the relevant documents at the RTO office.
  • On verification of the documents, the driving license is issued to the applicant on the same day.

How to apply for an International Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?

International DLs can be obtained from any of the RTOs spread across Tamil Nadu. These are valid for 1 year. There isn’t any test for obtaining an international DL but having a permanent driving licence is a must.

Documents required for getting an International Driving License in Tamil Nadu:

Below are the documents that should be submitted along with an application of an international driving licence-

  • Proof of nationality
  • Attested copy of the permanent driving license, passport and visa
  • Attested copy of a valid residence proof
  • Five passport-sized photos
  • Medical Form 1-A

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Licence in Tamil Nadu:

  • Step 1: To get the licence renewed, visit the RTO website and select the tab to request the renewal.
  • Step 2: Apply for the renewal and pay the fees of Rs.200/- for the smart card driving licence issued in Tamil Nadu
  • Step 3: Submit the necessary documents to expedite the request quicker. As soon as the documents will be verified, you will be issued the new driving licence.

Driving Test Procedure in Tamil Nadu:

In Tamil Nadu, the driving license test of an applicant is supervised by a Motor Vehicle Inspector. Whether you have applied for the driving licence online or offline, you are required to go to the local RTO to give a test. You will need take along your own vehicle, which should be of same type as the one for which you need a licence. In case you don’t own a vehicle, then you can get a motor vehicle from your driving school.

Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler:

The test for two-wheeler and three-wheeler is conducted near the RTO. The applicant has to ride the vehicle within a border and he or she may be required to make ‘Eight’ figure without touching the poles embedded at the corners. The applicant also needs to show proper gear change, vehicle control while speed shifts, bending corners or reversing, and making ‘figure of eight’ without the feet touching the ground. If the inspector finds that the applicant can do all the above, he gives approval for a road test, where the applicant must show correct riding skills for a certain distance.

Test for Four Wheeler:

Driving test for four-wheeler is largely similar to that of two or three-wheeler. In this case, the applicant will need to drive along the marked ‘H’ without touching the columns. After clearing the test, the driver is required to drive correctly on the road. The tests for two-, three-, and four-wheelers are conducted in accordance with the guidelines under Rule 15 of the Central Vehicle Motor Act (1989). In case the candidate fails in either of the tests, a re-test is conducted within 7 days, for which a nominal fee is charged.

Tips for Clearing Your Driving Test:

  • Practice in advance so that you are confident of your driving skills.
  • Arrive a little early for the test
  • Don’t turn off the bike or car till it has come to a total halt.
  • Shift gears smoothly.
  • Use both side and rear mirrors while riding.
  • While turning, show an indicator and hand signal.
  • The Driving test should not last more than 15 mins.
  • An RTO officer will be present to see how well you drive. While driving the car, he will sit beside you to check the movement of the clutch and gear.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to submit a Medical certificate when applying for my Driving Licence?

A: A medical certificate will be required while applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu if you are over 50 years old

Q: What is the minimum age for applying for a Driving licence in Tamil Nadu?

A: Like everywhere else, the minimum age for applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu is 18 years.

Q: Do I have to take a driving test for an international driving licence application?

A: You don’t require to take any test for an international driving licence but you should hold a permanent driving licence to be eligible for applying for an international permit

Q: How to know driving license delivery status in Tamil Nadu?

A: The driving license status in Tamil Nadu can be checked by following the below steps-
Step 1: Visit sarathi.nic.in
Step 2: Click on the status of online application tab and enter your application number
Step 3: On doing this, the status of your driving license status will be displayed on the screen.
Step 4: You can also check your driving license status offline in Tamil Nadu by visiting the RTO office at which you applied for the DL

Q: What is the procedure for changing the address in driving license in Tamil Nadu?

A: If you need to change the address in your driving license in Tamil Nadu, you will have to submit a copy of your DL and proof of new address along with an application addressed to the RTO. An application fee of Rs. 215 has to be paid for this and a service charge of Rs. 100 for non-transport vehicle and Rs. 50 for transport vehicles.

Q: What is the fee for obtaining a driving license in Tamil Nadu?

A: The fee for getting a permanent DL in Tamil Nadu is Rs 200

Q: What is the procedure for making corrections in driving license in Tamil Nadu?

A: If you want a change in your name, date of birth, surname or any other details mentioned in the driving license, you can do so through the below procedure:
Step 1: Submit an application form
Step 2: In case of a change in any detail, documents mentioning the updated detail have to be submitted
Step 3: Submit the copy of current driving license
Step 4: After submitting the above documents, the applicant will receive a receipt that can be used as a temporary driving license until the time he doesn’t receive the updated DL with the correct information.

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