How to Apply for Driving Licence in Chennai?

Chennai is a developed city with a superior quality of 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  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.  But before we get down to knowing the procedure to apply for a driver's licence in one of India's biggest cities, let us understand the need of it.

We need a driving licence as it is a permit which allows you to drive a vehicle on the road. It is a certificate of approval provided by the state government to drive a particular type of vehicle.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Driving Licence in Chennai

• To ride a gearless two-wheeler, the applicant must be at least 16 years old.
• To ride or drive a light motor vehicle with gear, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• To drive heavy motor vehicles and transport vehicles, the applicants must be at least 20 years.
• The applicant must be aware of the basic traffic rules to clear the test.
• The applicant must have a valid learner’s licence before applying for a permanent one.

Types of Driving Licences issued in Chennai

You can apply to get one of the different types of Driving Licence in Chennai.

• Driving Licence for non-gear 2-wheelers: This kind of DL is issued for candidates who want to drive mopeds or two-wheelers that are without gears.
• 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.
• Driving Licence for Transport Vehicles: This Driving Licence is issued for transport vehicles such as cabs, private service vehicles, lorries, trucks, or trailers.

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

• Driving Licence Application Form-4 available both online and offline.
• 2 passport size photographs.
• Address Proof like ration card, voter’s id, copy of passport, or LIC policy that may be older than 6 months at least.
• Age Proof, like 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. Dueto technology-enabled processes, you can now apply online for a licence. The process has been divided into two steps to motivate perfection in skills of driving.

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

Steps to apply for a Learner's Licence

• If you plan to apply online, visit the website of  transport commissionerate and state transport authority of Tamil Nadu. Look for the Form 4 and download it. You need to fill in each detail carefully. Check the form thoroughly and then submit it along with other necessary documents.
• It may not be easy for everyone to take up the process of online application. Without worrying they can apply for a driving licence offline by visiting the RTO office. There you ask for Form 4 for Driving Licence.  Fill in the form carefully and submit it along with other necessary documents.
• 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 which will evaluate the knowledge on traffic signals and rules. If the applicant clears the test, she/he will get the learner’s licence immediately.
• Pay a fee of Rs.30/- to receive a learner’s licence which is valid for 30 days. Keep a copy of the payment receipt.
• Post this, you can book a time slot to appear for the driving test at the RTO office. 

Steps for Permanent Driving Licence

• To get a permanent Driving Licence, the candidate will have to 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 will have to take your motor vehicle and learner’s licence for the test.
• If the Motor Vehicle Inspector is satisfied with your performance, you will be sent for the biometrics.
• Pay the fees of Rs.250/- to get a laminated Driving Licence.
• After this, your Driver’s Licence will be issued to you.

To check the status of your Driving Licence, you can visit the Chennai Transport Authority website. Simply enter your application number and Date of birth to check for 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 make sure 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 the shape of an imaginary ‘8’with your tyres while driving in the test ground in front of the driving instructor.

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

Documents needed for a duplicate licence:

• Application form duly filled and signed.
• A Copy of complaint, F.I.R, and an affidavit.
• 2 passport size photographs.
• Proof of residence.
• The fees receipt of Rs.215/- for a duplicate licence.
• Self Declaration Form 1 A for medical fitness.

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Licence:

• Fill in the application form for the Duplicate Licence. You can apply online through parivahan.gov.in. The form to apply for a Duplicate Licence can be downloaded from tnsta.gov.in/transport.
• Submit all the documents along with the fees.

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

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 driving your vehicle. In general, 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.

Documents needed for Renewal of the Driving Licence:

• Copy of expired driver's licence.
• Medical certificate if the driver is more than 40 years.
• Application form 9.
• 2 passport size photographs.
• Self-attested copies of age proof and address proof.
• Application fees of Rs.200/- and receipt.
• Form 1 and Form 1A, if the applicant’s age is above 50 years.

Steps to apply for the renewal of the DL:

• To get the licence renewed, you will have to visit the RTO website. Select the tab to request the renewal.
• Apply for the renewal and pay the fees of Rs.200/-.
• Submit the necessary documents so that the authority can process your request faster. These documents required will be the same as were needed for the new licence along with the copy of the expired licence.

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

• Filled and signed application form 4A for IDL. The form can be downloaded online through parivahan.gov.in.
• A Copy of Valid Driving Licence.
• Fee Receipt for Rs.1000/-.
• Identity and Residence Proof.
• 2 passport size photographs.
• Medical certificate.
• Air Ticket Preferably.

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.