Driving License application process in Tamil Nadu
If you are a resident of Tamil Nadu and want to apply for a driving license in that state. You can go through this guide and know the process in detail.
What kind of driving licenses can you apply for in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, a driving license is issued based on the vehicle type an individual wants to drive. Driving license in Tamil Nadu is classified into non-transport and transport vehicles.
Non-transport vehicles: This kind of a driving license is issued to the individuals who want to avail of a driving license for driving a personal vehicle. Such licenses permit the license holder to apply for non-commercial vehicles such as private cars, two-wheelers, as well as larger vehicles solely for private use. Under the non-transport vehicle, an applicant is required to mention the category of vehicle for which he is availing a driving license.
Various categories of licenses issued under non-transport vehicles include:
- Motorcycles with gear: Includes all motorcycles having gear transmission
- Motorcycles without gear: Includes all motor vehicles without gear such as mopeds and scooters
- Light Motor Vehicles: Includes cars and bikes
Transport Vehicle: This type of driving license is issued to individuals who want to drive commercial vehicles.
Various categories of licenses issued for transport vehicles include:
- Light motor vehicle: Includes vehicles such as auto-rickshaws, jeep, taxis, delivery vans, etc
- Heavy motor vehicle: Includes vehicles such as trucks, buses, tractors, etc
Eligibility criteria to apply for driving license in Tamil Nadu
- The minimum age requirement for obtaining a driving license in Tamil Nadu is 16 years for two-wheelers and 18 years for other vehicles
- To apply for a commercial vehicle license, the applicant's age should be above 20 years
- The applicant should apply for a driving license 30 days after getting the learner's license and within 180 days from the date of the issue mentioned in the learner’s license
- The applicant should be well-versed with traffic rules and regulations
- Applicant must have a valid learning license
Documents required for driving license in Tamil Nadu:
To procure a driving license in Tamil Nadu, the candidate needs to submit the below documents at the concerned RTO office.
- Duly filled in and signed application form no 4
- Proof of address (refer below for documents)
- Proof of age (refer below for documents)
- Citizenship declaration (refer below for documents)
- Original learner’s license
- Passport-sized photographs
- Valid vehicle documents
Proof of address documents (any one of the following)-
Passport
Life insurance policy
Voter’s ID card
Government-issued payslip
Affidavit sworn before a Judicial or Executive Magistrate or Public Notary
Proof of age documents (any one of the following)-
- School certificate
- Birth certificate
- Affidavit sworn before a Public Notary or Executive Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate
Procedure to obtain a driving license in Tamil Nadu
Anyone can apply for the driving license online at Tamil Nadu Government Transport Portal or through one of the RTO offices. 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. Submit the supporting documents as well along with your application form and the fee. Once the documents are verified, applicants will be issued a driving license.
How to check your driving license status in Tamil Nadu?
The status of the driving license can be checked either online or by visiting your nearest RTO. For an online check, the applicant is required to visit https://www.tn.gov.in/ and enter details such as receipt number, license number, name, and date of application. Once these details are submitted, the status is displayed.
How can you make corrections in your driving license online?
If an applicant wishes to make any changes in their driving license, they need to forward a written application along with the relevant documents with the correct information. Remember, this can only be done in the same RTO which issued your original license. Once approved, you can collect your license with the correct information on the same day. You will be charged a small fee. Also, the applicant is required to be present at the RTO office to be photographed by the official for record purposes.
Documents required to make corrections in driving license in Tamil Nadu
The applicant is required to submit the following documents to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the license was issued initially.
- Application form
- In case of change of name, marriage certificate or another document mentioning the changed name is to be attached
- Copy of current driving License
How to get a duplicate driving license in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, applicants can also file their application for a duplicate driving license if it is stolen or lost. Remember, you should apply for a duplicate license within 6 months after the official driving license is lost or stolen. The duplicate driving license can be obtained at the RTO who initially issued you the original license. The applicant should bring all the required documents and get verification from the RTO officials. One can also apply for a duplicate driving license online via the state department website.
Documents required to get a duplicate driving license
- A copy of FIR (First Information Report), if the license is stolen
- Application Form LLD
- Form 1
- Proof document of age and address
- Fee for application
- Challan clearance report from Traffic Police (in case of commercial driving license)
- An affidavit detailing the reason for applying for a duplicate driving license
- Details of your original driving license
All the above-mentioned documents are required to be photocopied and attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public.
How to renew your driving license in Tamil Nadu?
You have two options i.e. online and offline. You can choose the one that suits you the most. In online mode, you need to visit the official website of your state. Fill the renewal application form 9 there and submit it along with the documents. Once your documents and application are verified, your license will be renewed. If you are choosing the offline mode, visit your nearest RTO office and collect the application form 9. Fill the details, submit the documents, and pay the fees. After successful verification, you will get your license renewed.
Documents required for driving license renewal in Tamil Nadu
- Renewal of driving license application form (Form 9)
- Current driving license
- Physical fitness declaration form (Form 1)
- Medical Certificate (Form 1-A), if applicable
- 3 Passport-sized photographs
- Application fee (please visit the RTO for details as to the current application fee)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate)
Driving license test procedure in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, a driving license test is conducted to check whether an applicant can drive a motor vehicle or not. A test is conducted to check the driving skills of the driver, based on a driving license is issued. The driving test is conducted in the presence of a motor vehicle inspector on whose inspection the applicant is issued the driving license.
