Types of Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu issues a variety of licences for those seeking a government issued permit to
ply a vehicle on the roads. Licences are broadly classified into Transport and non-transport licences,
as mentioned below:

Non-transport licences:

Non-transport licences are issued to those individuals who seek a licence for personal use only. Such
licences permit the licence holder to ply non-commercial vehicles such as private cars, two wheelers,
as well as larger vehicles solely for private use.

The minimum age requirement for obtaining a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu is 16 years for two
wheelers and 18 years for other vehicles.

Under non-transport vehicles, the applicant is required to specify the kind of vehicle he is applying
for a licence for. The various categories under non-transport licences are given below:
 Motorcycle without Gear- such as scooters and mopeds
 Motorcycle with Gear- All motorcycles with gears
 Light motor Vehicle- this includes small cars
 Motor vehicle- in case your motor vehicle is not covered in the above mentioned categories,
you will be required to specify the kind of vehicle it is

Transport Licences:

Transport licences authorise the licence holders to ply vehicles on a commercial basis. The following
vehicles are categorised under Transport vehicles as per the Tamil Nadu Transport Authority:
 Light motor vehicle (transport) - this includes autorickshaws, both for commercial as well as
transport use, taxis, jeeps, delivery vans etc.
 Heavy Motor Vehicle- this includes trucks, buses, tractors
 Trailers- can be applied for by those already holding a heavy motor vehicle licence
The above mentioned categories are broad classifications of the types of motor vehicle licences
issued by the state. There are additional sub-divisions based on the type of vehicle, as in the case of
heavy motor vehicles (subdivided into commercial heavy motor vehicle and passenger heavy motor
vehicle).