Chennai is a developed city with superior-quality road infrastructure and parking facilities. Maximum roads in Chennai are well laid because driving is quite comfortable and easy in the city. A smooth road is an elementary demand by every individual who wants to enjoy a hassle-free drive in Chennai. Another important factor that augments your desire for an undisturbed drive is a valid Driving Licence. 

You may own a two-wheeler or four-wheeler; the procedure to apply for a driving licence will be the same unless you have a commercial vehicle. However, before we know the procedure to apply for a driver's licence in one of India's biggest cities, let us understand its need.

A driver's licence is necessary as it is a permit that allows you to drive a vehicle on the road. The state government provides a certificate of approval to drive a particular type of vehicle.

You can apply for one of the different types of driving licences in Chennai.

Basis Motor Vehicle Category

1. Driving Licence for Non-Gear 2-Wheelers: This kind of DL is issued for candidates who want to drive mopeds or two-wheelers without gears.

2. Driving Licence for 2-wheelers or 4-wheelers with Gear (Light Motor Vehicles): This type of DL is issued to candidates for cars or bikes.

3. Driving Licence for Transport Vehicles: This license is issued for transport vehicles such as cabs, private service vehicles, lorries, trucks, or trailers.

Basis Licence Category

1. Learner’s Licence: A learner’s licence is mandatory to get a permanent driving licence. The applicant needs to fill out an application form from the RTO.

2. Permanent Driving Licence: RTO issues a permanent driving licence to individuals who clear the written and driving test.

3. Duplicate Driving Licence: This licence is issued only to individuals who have lost their original driving licence.

• The applicant must be 16 years old to ride a gearless two-wheeler.

• To ride or drive a light motor vehicle with gear, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.

• The applicants must be at least 20 years old to drive heavy motor vehicles and transport vehicles.

• The applicant must know the basic traffic rules to clear the test.

• The applicant must have a valid learner’s licence before applying for a permanent one.

To get a Driving Licence in Chennai, the RTO will verify some of your documents and will only approve your licence. You will need the following documents: 

• Driving Licence Application Form-4 is available both online and offline.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Address proof, such as a ration card, voter’s ID, copy of passport, or LIC policy, may be older than 6 months at least.

• Age Proof, such as an educational certificate, birth certificate, or 10th-class mark sheet.

• Copy of valid learner’s licence.

• Copy of PAN card.

• Receipt of the payment fees.

Applying for a Driving Licence is comparatively easier than before. Due to technology-enabled processes, you can now apply online for a licence. The process has been divided into two steps to motivate perfection in driving skills.

First, the applicant must apply for a Learner’s Licence, and then, after 30 days, she/he can apply for a Permanent Driving Licence.

A person can apply for a learner’s licence both online and offline. Check the application process under both the modes hereunder.

Steps to Apply for Learner’s Licence Online

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Tamil Nadu Transport Authority, i.e., www.tnsta.gov.in.

Step 4: Select the state as ‘Tamil Nadu’ from the drop-down menu. Click on ‘Apply for Learner Licence’. Press the ‘Continue’ button.

Step 5: Select the appropriate options in the portal and provide the necessary details for the form submission.

Steps to Apply for Learner’s Licence Offline

Step 1: You can easily apply for a Learner’s Licence offline by visiting the RTO office. There you ask for Form 4 for a Driving Licence.  

Step 2: Fill in the form carefully and submit it along with other necessary documents.

Step 3: After submission, you will receive an application number. The RTO officials will assign you a time slot to appear in the preliminary test. The candidates will have to take this test to evaluate their knowledge of traffic signals and rules. If the applicant clears the test, she/he will get the learner’s licence immediately.

Step 4: Pay a fee of ₹30/- to receive a learner’s licence, which is valid for 30 days. Keep a copy of the payment receipt.

Step 5: After the payment, you can book a time slot to appear for the driving test at the RTO office. 

Step 1: To get a permanent Driving Licence, the candidate must appear for the driving test on the day of the slot booked. The test will be conducted in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Inspector. You must take your motor vehicle and learner’s licence for the test.

Step 2: If the Motor Vehicle Inspector is satisfied with your performance, you will be sent for the biometrics.

Step 3: Pay the fees of ₹250/- to get a laminated Driving Licence.

Step 4: After this, your Driver’s Licence will be issued to you.

If you lose your DL or it might get stolen, you immediately have to apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence. However, ensure you first file an F.I.R. and a complaint to RTO. You should also get it written and get the affidavit as an important document.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Licence Online

Step 1: Visit the official website of Sarathi Parivahan, parivahan.gov.in. Under the tab of ‘License Related Services’, click on ‘Other Services’.

Step 3: Do not forget to take a printout of the form. After submitting the form and completing the formalities, the authorities will ask for a nominal application fee, verify the information and send the duplicate licence through the post.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Licence Offline

Step 1: You should note that you can only issue a duplicate driving licence from the RTO office where you received your original permanent licence. Firstly, visit this RTO office.

Step 2: Fill out the application (LLD) form and provide the necessary documents. You must give a realistic and appropriate reason for applying for a duplicate licence. 

Step 3: You must pay the application fee after submitting the form. The authorities will provide a receipt or slip, an alternative to your duplicate licence.  

You will receive your Driving Licence within a few days. The process to apply for a duplicate licence should be completed within 6 months of losing the original DL.

Documents Required for a Duplicate Licence

• Application form duly filled and signed.

• A copy of the complaint, F.I.R, and an affidavit.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Proof of residence.

• The fee receipt of ₹215/- for a duplicate licence.

• Self Declaration Form 1 A for medical fitness.

You should plan to get your licence renewed nearly 30 days before the expiry. Your driving licence is a must-have document for you every time you get on the road and drive your vehicle. Generally, a driving licence is valid for 20 years or up to 50 years of age, whichever is earlier.

A Driving Licence issued for a commercial vehicle is valid for 3 years.

Steps to Apply for Renewal of DL Online

Step 1: To get the licence renewed, you will have to visit the RTO website, parivahan.gov.in. Select the option ‘Other Services’ under the ‘Services’ tab. 

Step 2: Apply for the renewal by clicking on the option ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.

Step 3: Submit the necessary documents so the authority can process your request faster and pay the fees of ₹200/-. The documents required will be the same as those needed for the new licence and a copy of the expired licence.

Steps to Apply for Renewal of DL Offline

Step 1: Go to the nearest local Chennai RTO in your locality.

Step 2: Ask for the Driving Licence renewal form. Enter all the relevant details asked in the form. 

Step 3: After filling out the form, submit it with the documents attached. 

Step 4: You will need to pay a nominal application fee. After you pay the fee, you will receive a receipt and application number to track your status.

Documents Required for Renewal of the Driving Licence

• Copy of expired driver's licence.

• Medical certificate if the driver is more than 40 years old.

• Application form 9.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Self-attested copies of age proof and address proof.

• Application fees of ₹200/- and receipt.

• Form 1 and Form 1A if the applicant’s age is above 50 years.

To get an International Driving Licence, you can visit the nearest RTO and submit the required information. As mentioned, the RTO will ask for some documents, but IDL will always work in conjunction with the original Driving Licence.

• Fill out and sign application form 4A for IDL. The form can be downloaded online through parivahan.gov.in.

• A Copy of a Valid Driving Licence.

• Fee Receipt for ₹1000/-.

• Identity and Residence Proof.

• 2 passport-size photographs.

• Medical certificate.

• Air Ticket Preferably.

Driving is an art, and one should be careful enough while driving any vehicle on the road to prevent any casualty or damage and avoid fines. Fines can screw anyone up today as the penalties are significantly increased in the New Motor Vehicle Act, which is effective from 1st of September in 2019. It is easy to avoid fines by a candidate who can:

• Abide by traffic rules.

• Wear a seat belt at all times

• Do not rush or break the signals.

• Avoid drinking and driving.

A driving licence is an essential document, just as is an insurance policy. While DL authorises you to drive a vehicle, an insurance policy prevents you from financial liabilities at the time of claim. Always make sure that you get on the road with both these documents.

To check the status of your driving licence, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Sarathi Parivahan. Go to ‘Other Services’ under the ‘Services’ option. 

Step 3: Provide the application number and Date of Birth. Enter the Captcha code and check the status.

Tips to Get Your Driving Licence

• Be confident, but avoid being over-confident while you appear for the driving test.

• Do not give the test when you are under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

• Know the traffic signals carefully before you start driving.

• Use the side mirrors and indicators.

• Shift the gears smoothly and ensure the vehicle does not turn off in the middle of the test when you are driving; some prior practice of using the clutch and gear to keep the engine running will do.

• Practice enough to make an imaginary ‘8’ shape with your tyres while driving on the test ground before the driving instructor.

The final and foremost step to obtain a driving license in Chennai is to appear for a driving test. As driving test differs depending on the vehicle type, your vehicle must cater to the category for which you are applying for the test. A motor vehicles inspector inspects the DL test. If your driving skill is unsatisfactory, you have to appear for a retest.