Before you can legally drive a vehicle in Tamil Nadu, you must hold a valid Driving Licence. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the first step toward obtaining one is applying for a Learner’s Licence (LLR).
The good news? Whether you’re applying for a two-wheeler, car, or commercial vehicle licence, the process to get a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu is fairly simple. The state allows you to apply for an LLR both online and offline, making it convenient for new drivers across cities and towns.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of getting your LLR in Tamil Nadu, from eligibility and document checklist to application steps and fees.
Contents
Eligibility Criteria for Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
Vehicle Category
Minimum Age
Additional Requirements
Motorcycle without gear (up to 50cc)
16 years
Parental/guardian consent required if under 18 years.
Motorcycle with gear & Light Motor Vehicle
18 years
No additional requirements for private vehicles.
Transport/Commercial Vehicle
20 years
Must hold a valid LMV licence for at least 1 year; Medical certificate (Form 1A) mandatory.
Why Do You Need a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu?
Here’s why you need a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu:
Gives You the Legal Authorisation to Drive
The Motor Vehicles Act does not permit anyone to drive any motor vehicle on public roads without holding a licence. The Learning Licence is the legal permit to start driving under supervision while studying for the permanent driving test. It makes sure that you are not breaking the law while gaining road experience.
Helps You Learn and Understand the Road Rules
The test is intended to verify that you possess at least minimal knowledge of traffic signs, road safety norms, and elementary driving rules. Such theoretical knowledge is necessary for fresh drivers of Tamil Nadu to develop responsible habits on the road.
Ensures Safer Roads for Everyone
LLR rules keep things safe. For example, learners must always be accompanied by an experienced driver and must also display the large 'L' sign on the vehicle. These arrangements, after all, are there to assure safety for the learner as well as the rest of the moving traffic.
The First Step Toward Your Permanent Licence
A Learning Licence isn’t just an option, it’s a mandatory first step toward getting a permanent driving licence in Tamil Nadu. You must hold your LLR for at least 30 days, and not more than 180 days, before applying for the permanent one.
Avoid Legal Penalties
Driving without a valid licence, learner’s, or permanent can attract heavy fines or even lead to vehicle seizure as per Tamil Nadu’s transport rules. Obtaining your Learner’s Licence keeps you compliant with the law and protects you from legal trouble.
Types of Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
The type of Learning Licence you apply for depends entirely on the kind of vehicle you want to drive. The Tamil Nadu RTO offers different categories of Learner’s Licences to ensure drivers are trained appropriately based on vehicle type and usage.
Learner's Licence for Non-Geared Motorcycles:
For scooters and mopeds having an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc.
Minimum age to apply is 16 years (with parental consent if the candidate is below 18 years)
The same standards apply to categories MC 50CC and FVG.
Learner's Licence for Motorcycles with Gear:
For geared two-wheelers, which would include motorbikes.
The minimum age to apply is 18 years
Corresponds to category MCWG.
Four-Wheelers
Learner's Licence for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV):
Includes personal cars, hatchbacks, and mini utility vehicles.
The minimum age to apply is 18 years.
Corresponding to LMV- NT (non-transport).
Learner's Licence for Commercial Vehicles:
Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV), Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), Medium Passenger Vehicle (MPV), Heavy Passenger Vehicle (HPV) and trailer, roller, and all other transport categories.
The minimum age for applying is 20 years
Note: A Medical certificate and proof of training from a government-authorised driving school may be required. This is in line with requirements for LMV-TR and HMV categories, as well as the need for additional documentation for commercial licences.
Additional Categories
Tamil Nadu also issues Learning Licences for other vehicle types such as invalid carriages, adapted vehicles, and other motor vehicles of specified descriptions.
How to Apply for a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
Let’s look at how to apply for a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu, both offline and online.
How to Apply for a Learning Licence Online in Tamil Nadu
Step 3: Click on “Apply for Learner’s License” under the Learner’s License menu.
Step 4: Fill out the online application form with all required details.
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents (proof of age, address, passport-sized photographs, etc.).
Step 6: Pay the application fee online (typically ₹130–₹260).
Step 7: Book a slot for the Learner’s Licence test (theory test on traffic rules).
Step 8: On the scheduled date, visit the RTO with original documents and the fee receipt for verification and to take the test.
How to Apply for a Learning Licence Offline in Tamil Nadu
Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Tamil Nadu.
Collect and fill out Form 2 (application for Learner’s Licence).
Submit the filled form along with required documents (proof of age, address, passport-sized photos).
Pay the application fee at the RTO counter.
Book a date for the Learner’s Licence test.
Appear for the test at the RTO on the scheduled date.
Documents Required for Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu
When applying for an LLR in Tamil Nadu, whether online or offline, you must provide valid proof of identity, age, and address, along with other supporting documents depending on the type of vehicle. Below is a comprehensive list of the main types:
Document Type
Accepted Documents/Forms
Notes
Proof of Age
Aadhaar Card, Birth Certificate, Passport, PAN Card, Class 10 Marksheet, School Leaving Certificate
Form 1A (Medical Certificate signed by registered medical practitioner)
Required for commercial licence or applicants over 40 years
Application Fee Receipt
Proof of payment of the application fee
As per the RTO fee structure
Consent Letter
Written consent from the parent/guardian
Required if applicant is under 18 years (for non-geared two-wheelers up to 50cc)
Fees for Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
Service
Fee (₹)
Notes
Issue of Learner’s Licence (single vehicle class)
230
For each class of vehicle.
Issue of Learner’s Licence (two vehicle classes)
380
For two classes of vehicles.
Learner’s Licence Test (included in above fee)
Included
No separate fee; part of the LLR fee.
Competence Test for Permanent Licence (per vehicle)
300
Payable when applying for a permanent licence.
Issuance of Permanent Driving Licence
800 (single class)
For a single class of vehicle.
Issuance of Permanent Driving Licence
1,000 (two classes)
For two classes of vehicles.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check the latest fee structure on the Tamil Nadu RTO or Parivahan portal before applying.
Test Procedure for Getting a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
Once you've submitted your Learning Licence application either online or offline you must appear for a test to assess your knowledge of traffic rules and safe driving practices. This test is mandatory and must be passed to receive your learner's licence. Here’s what you need to know:
The Learning Licence test is a written or computer-based exam, not a practical driving test.
The test can be taken either online or at the RTO, depending on the infrastructure in your area.
All the questions are multiple-choice and usually cover:
Traffic signs and signals
Road rules and regulations
Safe driving practices, including road etiquette and accident prevention discipline
Test Format and Passing Criteria
The test normally consists of a total of 15 questions.
You must answer at least 9 of them correctly to pass.
The duration of the test is usually 10–15 minutes.
The test is available in English, Tamil and Hindi
Key things to note Before the Test
Firstly, submit your application form and required documents (proof of age, address, photos, etc.)
Pay the required fees and schedule your test slot, online or at the RTO.
What to Do on the Day of the Test
Reach the RTO or log in online at your scheduled time, or a few minutes early to not miss your appointment.
Carry all your original documents for verification if appearing at the RTO.
Take the test as per the instructions given.
What to Do After the Test
If you pass, your Learning Licence is issued, often immediately or within a few days.
In case you fail, you can retake the test after 7 days. You'll have to pay an additional Rs. 50.
Validity of Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
The validity of a Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu is 6 months from the date of issue. During this period, you are allowed to practice driving under supervision. If you do not obtain a permanent driving licence within these 6 months, you can renew the Learner’s Licence for another 6 months upon expiry.
If your Learner’s Licence is not converted to a permanent licence and is not renewed within the allowed period, you will need to apply for a new Learner’s Licence. The Learner’s Licence issued in Tamil Nadu is also valid throughout India.
Checking Learning Licence Application Status in Tamil Nadu
How to check the Learning Licence application status online in Tamil Nadu
Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in)
Select “Tamil Nadu” as your state
Click on “Application Status” at the top right section of the website, highlighted in yellow.
Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth, the given captcha and click submit.
The portal will display your current application status, including whether it’s under process, approved, or if further action is needed.
How To Check The Learning Licence Application Status Offline In Tamil Nadu
You can visit your nearest RTO in Tamil Nadu. Give your application details there and request a status update from the RTO staff; they should be able to fill you in on your application status.
Renewal of Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu
A Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu cannot be renewed. If your LLR expires, you must apply for a new Learner’s Licence and retake the test, just like in Tamil Nadu.
The process involves visiting the Parivahan Sewa portal, selecting Tamil Nadu, and choosing the option to apply for a fresh Learner’s Licence if your previous one has expired.
Once your licence expires, you must follow the full application process and pay the necessary fees again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to Learning Licence in Tamil Nadu
What is the fee for a Learner’s Licence (LLR) in Tamil Nadu?
The fee for the Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu is ₹150 for the issue of the licence and ₹50 for the Learner’s Licence test or retest. Other charges may be applicable depending on the updates, like a change of address.
Can I apply for a Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu at the age of 17?
Yes, you can obtain a Learner’s Licence at the age of 17 in Tamil Nadu for non-geared two-wheelers with an engine capacity up to 50cc. You would need a written consent from your parents or a legal guardian.
Is driver's education compulsory to get a Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu?
No, driver's education is not compulsory for getting a Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu. However, to pass the learner’s test, basic knowledge of road rules, traffic signs, and ways of vehicle operation is required.
How many days does it take to get a driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
After a waiting period of 30 days from the date of issue of the Learner’s Licence, the candidate is eligible to apply for and appear in the driving test. Once the candidate clears the test, the permanent driving licence is dispatched through the post or can be collected from the RTO in 7 to 10 working days.
What is meant by a Class C driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
A Class C licence in Tamil Nadu and other Indian states usually means a licence for light motor vehicles (LMVs) such as cars and jeeps for personal or non-transport activity.
Can a 17-year-old learner's licence be given in any part of India?
Yes, a 17-year-old can apply for a learner's licence all across India, but only for non-geared two-wheelers with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc. Parental consent is needed for minors.
