Driving License in Chennai

While driving your motor vehicle on road, it is extremely important that you comply with the rules and regulations of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. As getting a third party motor insurance for your vehicle is mandatory, it is equally important for an individual to obtain a driving license.

A driving license legally permits an individual to drive his motor vehicle on Indian roads. Applicants applying for a driving license have to follow a procedure that makes it easy for them to obtain a DL in Chennai. If you stay in Chennai and are looking to apply for a driving license or avail any other service relate to it, then here’s a comprehensive guide that will help you do the same.

To obtain a driving license in Chennai, the applicant must meet the below eligibility criteria:

• The applicant must be 16 years of age to drive a motorcycle without gear
• The applicant must be 18 years of age to drive a light motor vehicle or a motor vehicle with gear
• The applicant must be 20 years of age to drive heavy motor vehicles.
• Prior to making an application for permanent DL, the applicant must obtain a learner’s license.
• One must be aware of all the traffic rules and regulations.
• The applicant can apply for a permanent DL after 30 days or before 180 days from the date he was issued the learner’s license.

The first step towards obtaining a driving license in Chennai is by first processing the application to the RTO. The applicant can process an application online or offline.

Online method of applying for a driving license in Chennai

• Visit parivahan.gov.in
• Select online services and then click on driving license related services
• Select the name of your state
• Then click on apply online> new driving license
• Fill in the applicant details
• Upload the form, your signature and make the payment online (check if this facility is available at the RTO where you are applying for the DL)
• Book a DL slot for your test (check if this facility is available at the RTO where you are applying for the DL)
• If you are not able to do the above process online, then visit the RTO with the form filled and submit the documents, fees there. Also, book a slot for your DL at the RTO.
• Take the driving test.
• If you pass the test, the DL will be issued to you at your doorstep.

Offline method of applying for a driving license in Chennai

• Visit your nearest RTO office
• Collect the application form or download the form online tnsta.gov.in/transport
• Submit the form with the specified documents
• Book a test for your DL test
• Appear for the driving test on the given date and time.
• On passing the test, the DL will be issued to you.

Renewal of driving license in Chennai can be done directly at the RTO or online. A driving license issued in Chennai is valid for 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier. A DL issued for a commercial vehicle in Chennai is valid for 3 years.

Documents required for renewal of driving license in Chennai

• Driving license
• Application form 9 (Can be collected from the RTO or downloaded online)
• Passport size photographs
• Application fee of Rs. 200
• Form 1 and Form 1A, if the applicant is above the age of 50 years

Procedure to obtain a driving license in Chennai

The applicant looking to renew driving license in Chennai can do so online or offline at the RTO office. The online application can be done through parivahan.gov.in or the applicant can directly visit the RTO and apply for the same. Once the documents are verified, the renewed DL will be issued to the applicant.

The final step towards obtaining a driving license is by appearing for a driving license test on the basis of which the DL is issued to the applicant. The DL test is conducted as per rule 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To appear for the test, the applicant will have to get his own vehicle that should be of the same category of the license he is applying for. The DL test is conducted in presence of a motor vehicles inspector who inspects the driving skills of the applicant.