A Complete Guide to Driving Licence Fees Online in Tamil Nadu

With 11% share in the country’s motor vehicle population, Tamil Nadu occupies the position of the second most motor-vehicle populated state in the country. With the number of new motor vehicles growing every day, the demand for skilled drivers on the roads is also increasing. In each state, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is responsible for issuing new learners’ and permanent driving licenses. It also handles services like duplicate license issuance and renewals of expired licenses. To make the process simpler for the applicants, driving licence-related services can now also be availed at MoRTH’s Sarathi.Parivahan website. On this website, one can apply for a new licence, track its status, pay the application fee, and book slots for driving tests, among others. The applicable fees for each service differ from state to state and also as per licence type. To learn more about the driving licence fee structure in Tamil Nadu, read on. 

Driving Licence Fees Structure in Tamil Nadu

The driving licence fee in Tamil Nadu depends on the type of licence you’re applying for. In India, there are primarily three driving licence types, and the same broad categorisation applies to TN as well. The three types of driving licence, along with applicable fees, are as follows: 

It is mandatory for all applicants to obtain a learner’s licence before they can apply for a permanent driving licence. 

In many states, driving license fees vary based on whether the driver will be licenced to drive a vehicle for commercial or non-commercial use and whether it is geared or non-geared. The following is a list of vehicle classes for driving licenses in India, which also apply to Tamil Nadu. It’s important to note these categories when applying, as the fee differs for single and additional classes of vehicles.

• Invalid carriage: Individuals with specific disabilities can obtain a license for modified vehicles, called Invalid Carriages, after passing a driving test and submitting their disability ID card.
• Motorcycle without gear (MCWOG): Individuals as young as 16 can obtain a DL for non-geared two-wheelers like scooters and mopeds with engine size less than 50 cc.
• Motorcycle with gear (MCWG): Individuals over 18 can get a DL for geared two-wheelers over 50 cc.
• Light motor vehicles (LMV): Individuals over 18 can get a DL for private cars and commercial LMVs like three-wheelers, taxis, and delivery vans.
• Transport vehicles: A commercial DL must be obtained for Medium and Heavy Goods/Passenger Vehicles (MGV/MPV and HGV/HPV), such as trucks and passenger buses weighing over 7,500 kg.

In addition to these categories, permanent driving licence holders can also apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Driving Licence Fees Structure for Learner’s Licence in Tamil Nadu 

The following structure applies to the Learner’s Licence fee for all vehicle types in Tamil Nadu:

Driving Licence Fees Structure for Permanent Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

The following fee structure applies for the permanent Driving Licence for all vehicle types in Tamil Nadu:

Driving Licence Fees Structure for International Driving Permit (IDP) in Tamil Nadu

Permanent driving licence holders can apply for an International Driving Permit at a cost of ₹1,500 in Tamil Nadu. The IDP is an internationally recognised permit that allows drivers to drive in various countries that recognise it.

How to pay Learner’s Licence and Driving Licence Fees online in Tamil Nadu

Anybody who wants to obtain a driving licence in Tamil Nadu can apply online via the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ central portal, Sarathi.Parivahan. One can also apply online through the Tamil Nadu state transport website, which will ultimately lead to the Sarathi.Parivahan portal. For a learner's licence, the applicant must pay the fees first before taking the online STALL test. But for the driving licence application, the applicant would need to pay the fees before booking the driving skill test slot. Below are the steps for paying the learning licence fees and the driving license fees in Tamil Nadu online:

Step 1: Visit the Sarathi.Parivahan portal. 

Step 2: Select “Tamil Nadu” from the drop-down.

Step 3: On the state homepage, click on the “Fee Payments” icon.

Step 4: Read the ‘Instructions For Online Payment for the LL / DL Applicants’ that appear on the screen. 

Step 5: Click on “Proceed”.

Step 6: Fill in the application number before clicking on “Click Here to Calculate Fee”.

Step 7: Your applicable fee, depending on the service, will appear on the screen. Select the payment option, and pay the fee.

Step 8: After completing the payment, save the receipt along with the application number for future procedures and status monitoring.

The other route for paying the 2+4 driving licence fees in TN is via the Tamil Nadu state transport website. For this route, go to the website homepage, click on “Services” from the menu bar, and click on “Licence Services” from the drop down. Then click on the appropriate service icon. The following page will redirect you to the Sarathi.Parivahan portal. Complete the transaction by following Step 3 onward from the above instructions. 

Facts about Paying Driving Licence Fees Online in Tamil Nadu

• The learner’s and driving licence fees can only be paid online after the online application form has been submitted. 
• The DL fees in Tamil Nadu for a single class of vehicle are less than the fees for two classes of vehicle. 
• There is no difference in the driving licence fee for 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers. 
• The driving licence fee remains the same across all vehicle categories, be they LMV, MGV/MPV or HGV/HPV. 
• The applicant must pay additional fees if they want to get a driving licence for more than one vehicle class. Like, a two-wheeler and an LMV licence would fall under the category of double-class of vehicle. 

FAQs

Q. How can I get a permanent driving Licence in Tamil Nadu?

To get a permanent driving licence in Tamil Nadu, you must be a valid learner’s licence holder. You can apply for the permanent DL after a minimum of 30 days of the LLR issuance date. Go to the Sarathi.Parivahan website, select the state, and follow the instructions to fill out the application form. Pay the fees and book a slot for your driving test. Once you clear the test, the RTO will process the application, and the DL will be delivered to the registered address within 30 days.

Q. Is a Tamil Nadu driving licence valid all over India?

Yes, a driving licence issued in Tamil Nadu is applicable all over the country.