How to Get Your Tennessee Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Tennessee license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a Tennessee learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Tennessee residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Tennessee residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the Tennessee permit knowledge test

The Tennessee knowledge test has 30 questions; you must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Tennessee-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Tennessee knowledge test online, you must wait 24 hours before retesting and you only get 2 online attempts. If you fail at a Driver Services Center, you must wait 7 days and pay a $2 retake fee.

The best prep path is to read the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free TN practice test and the full 30-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Tennessee learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division office and pay the permit application fee (currently $10).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Tennessee's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full Tennessee license

Schedule your Tennessee road test through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $28 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full Tennessee steps in order

As listed by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division:

1. Be at least 15 years old.
2. Gather proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or legal presence, two proofs of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number.
3. If under 18, have a parent or legal guardian sign your application.
4. Visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center (or take the proctored online knowledge test if you are 15-17).
5. Pay the $10.50 permit fee and pass the vision screening.
6. Pass the 30-question knowledge test (24 correct to pass).
7. Receive your Class PD learner permit and hold it for at least 180 days while logging 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night).
8. At 16, pass the road skills test to advance to the Intermediate Restricted License.

FAQ: Getting Your Tennessee License