How do I apply for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu?

First apply for a learner licence (LLR) on the Sarathi Parivahan portal, upload age and address proof, pay the fee and pass the online learner test. After at least 30 days (and within 6 months of the LLR), apply for the permanent driving licence on Sarathi and pass the driving test at the RTO to get your DL.

What are the driving licence fees in Tamil Nadu?

The learner licence fee is around Rs 230 for one vehicle class (up to about Rs 380 for two classes). The permanent driving licence typically costs about Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 depending on the vehicle class. Confirm exact fees on Sarathi.

What documents are needed for a driving licence?

You need age proof (Aadhaar, birth certificate, school certificate or passport), address proof, passport-size photographs, and a medical certificate (Form 1A) if you are above 40. You must be at least 18 to apply for an LLR for a car or two-wheeler.

How long is a learner licence valid?

A learner licence is valid for 6 months. You can apply for the permanent driving licence after a minimum of 30 days from the LLR issue date, and you should do so within the 6-month validity.

Tamil Nadu Driving Licence 2026 — Apply for LLR & DL (Sarathi), Fees & Documents

Updated for 2026 · For Tamil Nadu applicants. Confirm current fees and steps on Sarathi Parivahan.

Quick answer: Getting a driving licence is a two-step process on the Sarathi Parivahan portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in). First apply for a learner licence (LLR) — you must be 18, upload age/address proof, pay about ₹230, and pass the online learner test; the LLR is valid 6 months. After at least 30 days, apply for the permanent DL (about ₹800–₹1,000), pass the driving test at the RTO, and your licence is issued.

Key takeaways

Two steps: LLR first, then permanent DL — both on Sarathi Parivahan.
Minimum age 18 (for car / motorcycle with gear).
LLR fee ~₹230 (up to ~₹380 for two classes); valid 6 months.
Apply for the DL after 30 days of the LLR; DL fee ~₹800–₹1,000.
Medical certificate (Form 1A) needed if you're over 40.

Step 1 — the learner licence (LLR)

Everyone starts with a learner licence. You must be at least 18 (for a car or a geared two-wheeler). Apply on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in:

Select Tamil Nadu and your RTO, and fill the LLR application.
Upload age proof, address proof and a photo (and a medical certificate if over 40).
Pay the fee — around ₹230 for one vehicle class (up to about ₹380 for two).
Book a slot and take the online learner test on road signs and rules.

Pass the test and your LLR is issued, valid for 6 months. Use this period to practise driving.

Step 2 — the permanent driving licence (DL)

You can apply for the permanent DL after at least 30 days from the LLR issue (and within its 6-month validity):

On Sarathi, apply for the permanent DL using your LLR number.
Pay the fee — typically about ₹800–₹1,000 depending on the vehicle class.
Book the driving test slot at your RTO.
Attend the driving test with your vehicle; on passing, the DL is issued and dispatched.

Fees at a glance

Service	Approx. fee
Learner licence (one class)	~₹230
Learner licence (two classes)	~₹380
Permanent driving licence	~₹800–₹1,000

Exact fees vary by vehicle class and any smart-card/test charges — confirm the current amounts on Sarathi.

Documents you need

Age proof — Aadhaar, birth certificate, school certificate or passport
Address proof — Aadhaar, ration card, utility bill, etc.
Passport-size photographs and signature
Medical certificate (Form 1A) if you're above 40
Your LLR (for the permanent DL stage)

Tips to pass the first time

For the learner test, revise road signs and traffic rules — most questions are on these.
Practise the RTO driving-test manoeuvres (the "8" track / reversing) before the test day.
Carry original documents and reach the RTO on time for your slot.
Keep your vehicle's papers valid for the driving test.

Which licence class do you need?

Your licence is issued for specific vehicle classes, and you should apply for the right one(s):

Class	Covers
MCWG	Motorcycle with gear
MCWOG	Motorcycle without gear (scooter/moped)
LMV	Light motor vehicle (car)
LMV-TR / HMV	Transport / heavy vehicles (higher age and experience rules)

A 16-year-old can apply for a gearless two-wheeler up to 50cc with parental consent, but for a car or geared motorcycle the minimum age is 18. Transport and heavy-vehicle licences have higher age limits and experience requirements, so check those separately if you're driving commercially.

Validity and renewal

A permanent driving licence for private use is typically valid for a long period (commonly up to 20 years or until age 40, whichever is earlier), after which it needs renewal, usually with a fresh medical certificate for older applicants. Transport (commercial) licences renew more frequently. You can renew on Sarathi Parivahan; renewing within the grace period after expiry avoids a re-test, so don't let it lapse for too long. Keep your address updated on the licence too, since it's a primary ID and address proof accepted almost everywhere.

Related guides & tools

Buying a vehicle too? See our BH-series road tax calculator. For age proof you may need a birth certificate, and for address the ration card.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a driving licence in TN?

Apply for the LLR on Sarathi, pass the learner test, then apply for the permanent DL after 30 days and pass the driving test.

What are the fees?

LLR ~₹230 (₹380 for two classes); permanent DL ~₹800–₹1,000.

What documents are needed?

Age proof, address proof, photos, and a medical certificate (Form 1A) if over 40.

How long is the LLR valid?

6 months; apply for the DL after 30 days, within that window.

About ComplyKraft. Built by Dinesh Kumar S in Chennai — B.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. IT. Plain-language guides and free tools for Tamil Nadu.

Disclaimer: Informational guide, updated 2026. Driving-licence fees, rules and the test process are set by the Transport Department / MoRTH and can change — confirm on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.