What You Need to Do to Get a Tennessee Driver's License
To get a Tennessee driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services Center in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes two visits: first to get your learner's permit (which requires the written test), then to take your road test and receive your license. Most people complete both steps within a few weeks, though you must wait at least one day after getting your permit before you can test for the license itself.
Tennessee issues licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division. You cannot renew online or by mail for a first-time license — you must appear in person at a Driver Services Center. The state has centers in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Tennessee Driver Services website.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test to get a learner's permit, then wait at least one day before you can take the road test for your full license.
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current Tennessee address to your first visit.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook.
- Your road test lasts about 20 minutes and includes parking, turns, and stops on public roads; bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Tennessee charges a fee for the permit and a separate fee for the license; exact amounts vary slightly by county but are posted at each Driver Services Center.
Documents You Must Bring to Get Your Permit
Bring your original or certified birth certificate, not a photocopy. A certified copy has a raised seal or official stamp from the vital records office that issued it. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return is acceptable if it shows your full number.
Bring two documents that prove you live in Tennessee right now. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. Both documents must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill and a lease are the most common combination.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, your birth certificate, and your two proofs of address to your first visit. You will also need to bring money for the permit fee.
How the Written Test Works
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, parking rules, safe driving practices, and Tennessee traffic laws. You have 30 minutes to complete it.
Study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Driver Services website. The handbook contains all the material the test covers. Many people read through it once, then take practice tests online to identify weak areas before their test date.
The test is given on a computer at the Driver Services Center. You can request it in English or Spanish. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.
Getting Your Road Test Scheduled and Passed
You must wait at least one day after receiving your learner's permit before you can take your road test. You can schedule your road test when you get your permit, or you can call or visit the Driver Services Center later to book a time. Road tests are offered Monday through Friday during business hours; availability varies by location.
Bring a vehicle that is registered in Tennessee, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. Bring your learner's permit and proof of insurance. The examiner will check the vehicle before the test begins.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. You will drive on public roads in the area around the Driver Services Center. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting and stopping smoothly, turning left and right, parking (either parallel or in a lot), and following traffic signs and signals. You must obey all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.
If you pass, you will receive your Tennessee driver's license the same day. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Age Requirements and Restrictions for New Drivers
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Tennessee. You must be at least 17 to get a full driver's license, unless you have held a permit for at least 12 months and completed a driver education course approved by the state.
If you are under 18 when you receive your license, it will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.
If you are 18 or older, you can get a full license without a permit or waiting period, but you still must pass both the written and road tests.
Fees and How Long the Process Takes
Tennessee charges a fee for the learner's permit and a separate fee for the driver's license. The exact amount varies slightly by county but is typically between $15 and $25 for the permit and $25 to $35 for the license. Some counties charge additional fees for certain services. Call your local Driver Services Center or check the Tennessee Driver Services website for the exact fee in your county.
Payment is made in cash or by card at the Driver Services Center. Bring enough money to cover both the permit and license fees if you plan to complete both steps quickly.
The entire process — from your first visit for the permit to receiving your license after passing the road test — usually takes two to four weeks. The written test can be passed on your first visit. The road test can be scheduled within a few days in most areas, though some busy centers have longer waits. If you fail either test, you will need extra time to study and retake it.
What Happens If You Move or Your Information Changes
If you move to a different address in Tennessee after you receive your license, you must update your address within 30 days. You can do this in person at any Driver Services Center or online through the Tennessee Driver Services website. There is no fee to update your address online.
If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a Driver Services Center and request a replacement license. There is a fee for the replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third party. You must visit a center during business hours to take the test.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test. Study the areas where you made mistakes, practice driving, and schedule another test when you feel ready.
Do I need a driver education course to get my license?
No, a driver education course is not required for adults. However, if you are under 18 and want to get your full license before holding a permit for 12 months, you must complete an approved driver education course. The course is also useful for learning safe driving practices.
Can someone else take the road test in my vehicle?
No. You must be the one driving during your road test. The examiner will not test anyone else in your vehicle, and you cannot use someone else's vehicle if you are not the one being tested.
What if I lose my learner's permit before I take the road test?
You can request a replacement permit at any Driver Services Center. Bring your identification documents and pay the replacement fee. You do not have to retake the written test — the center will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as your original.