Learner's License in Tamil Nadu

A learner's license is an official document which entitles the holder to learn the skill of driving while being supervised by someone with a permanent driving license. The learner's license (LLR) is valid only for six months. This validity cannot be extended, except for dire situations when the license holder is ill and is thus unable to apply for a permanent license.

Indian law makes it mandatory that every driver has a valid driving license. Nobody is allowed to drive in the country without this important document. Getting a driving license is a slightly tedious process which is often quite lengthy. An individual has to take a driving test to prove that he/she is capable of holding a permanent driving license. In case anyone loses the driving license, he/she will have to apply for a duplicate license in order to be able to drive.

Types of Learner License in Tamil Nadu

Driving license in Tamil Nadu is offered for four categories. People who wish to get a permanent Driving License in Tamil Nadu must first apply for a Learner License in the relevant category.

• Motorcycles without Gear

• Motorcycles with Gear

• Light Motor Vehicles (LMV)

• Transport Vehicles

Eligibility Criteria for Learner's License in Tamil Nadu

To get a permanent driving license for a certain category of vehicle, the applicant must have the Learner's License for the concerned vehicle type first. Those applying for Transport Vehicles license must hold a valid license for light motor vehicles. The age criteria for applying for a Learner License in Tamil Nadu are as follows:

• Learner License for a motorcycle without gear - the applicant must be of at least 16 years of age.

• Learner License for a motorcycle with gear - the applicant must be of at least 18 years of age.

• Learner License for transport vehicles - the applicant must be of at least 20 years of age.

• All other classes of vehicles - the applicant must be of at least 18 years of age.

Learner License in Tamil Nadu -  Documents Required

Applicants for a Learner's License in Tamil Nadu have to submit the following documents:

• Application (as per Form-2)

• Medical Certificate (as per Form 1-A)

• Self-declaration of physical fitness (as per Form-1)

• Required Fees of Rs.60

• Three passport size photographs

• Address proof (utility bills, Adhaar card, Passport, Voter ID card)

• Age proof (Birth certificate, PAN card, passport, School leaving certificate)

• Appointment/fee receipt.

• Approval letter from parents, in case the applicant is below 18 years of age.

• CMV-Form 1A issued by a registered doctor for applicants seeking a license for transport or commercial vehicle.

• Applicants above 50 years of age must submit the CMV Form issued by a registered medical practitioner.

• Applicants seeking a license for transport or commercial vehicle should submit a valid proof of experience in driving a light motor vehicle for at least one year.

Learner's Licence in Tamil Nadu - Offline Application Procedure

Applicants in Tamil Nadu can either visit an RTO and apply for their LLR or do so more conveniently online using the official website of the state's transport department. The following steps can guide you:

• Find out which RTO has jurisdiction over your area of residence.

• Visit the RTO and collect Form 2, which is the Learner’s Licence Application form. You must also collect Medical Certificate and the Declaration forms too.

• Fill up the forms accurately and sign them.

• Find out what are the required documents and attach their photocopies to your application.

• Pay the application fee to the RTO.

• The application will be processed once your documents are successfully verified. You will be notified about the same.

• A test slot will be fixed for you.

• After you successfully clear the test, your Learner’s Licence will be issued on the same day.

Learner's Licence in Tamil Nadu - Online Application Procedure

Alternatively, applicants can apply for their LLRs from the comforts of their home by doing so online. Here are the steps for it:

• Visit the Tamil Nadu Transport Authority’s official website www.tnsta.gov.in.

• Go to the 'Learner’s Licence online application form' tab.

• Fill out the required details. Upload the supporting documents.

• Select the suitable test slot and pay the fee.

• Submit the form and receive an acknowledgment receipt with an application number.

• Visit the RTO with the printout of the form, the supporting documents and the application receipt on the day of the test.

A written or computerized test has to be cleared to be eligible for an LLR. The test typically contains 20 multiple choice questions and one can pass it by securing at least 60% marks. This test mainly includes questions on road signs and symbols, basic traffic rules, driver’s duty, etc.

Learner's License in Tamil Nadu - Duplicate LLR

If your LLR is lost or stolen or damaged, you should apply for a duplicate Learner's License. Here is how you can apply for a duplicate LLR in Tamil Nadu.

• Get an LLD form from the RTO, fill it up and submit it at the same RTO that had issued the original Learner's License.

• Submit two passport-sized photographs along with other necessary documents as the RTO asks for.

• In case the old Learner's License is stolen or lost, then the applicant must submit a copy of a police report (FIR).

• The applicant must pay the required fee for the duplicate LLR.

FAQs

How long is a Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu valid for?

6 months from the date of issue.

Is a learner’s license issued in another Indian state valid in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, a learner’s license issued anywhere in India is valid in all states, including Tamil Nadu.

What are the documents required for a Learner’s Licence?

The following documents should be submitted while applying for a Learner’s Licence:

• Age Proof

• Address Proof

• ID Proof

• Application form

• Medical certificate

• Certificate for the Declaration of fitness

• A certificate from the concerned Motor training school for people who are applying for a commercial learner’s license.

What are the rules applicable to driving with a Learner’s Licence?

Whenever someone with a learner's license is driving, he/she should be accompanied by a person who has a valid permanent driving license on the vehicle. Moreover, he/she must have the letter "L" painted in red somewhere on the vehicle.

Can someone retake the driving test?

Yes, in case an applicant fails the driving test, he/she can retake the test after seven days.