What you need to bring and where to go

To get a Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it. The state accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your Tennessee address.

You can find your nearest Driver Services Center on the TDOSHS website by entering your county or zip code. Most centers operate Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening hours. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary by center and time of day. You can also check online to see current wait times before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof you live in Tennessee, and your Social Security number or document showing it to any Driver Services Center.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • A Tennessee driver's license costs $27 for an eight-year license or $16.50 for a four-year license, paid at the time you complete your test.
  • Your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test on a computer at the Driver Services Center.

Tennessee provides a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver's Handbook, available as a PDF on the TDOSHS website. Reading through this handbook before you go to the center is the most direct way to prepare. Some people study the handbook multiple times; others take practice tests online through third-party websites. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a single visit if you do not pass on your first attempt.

Vision and driving tests

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the center. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a certificate showing your vision meets the state standard.

The driving test happens next and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A state examiner rides with you in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange. The test includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, plus driving on streets and possibly highways. You must follow traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving habits. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days.

Cost and how long it takes

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27 for an eight-year license or $16.50 for a four-year license. You pay this fee at the Driver Services Center after you pass all three tests. The fee is non-refundable if you do not pass a test, but you can retake the test without paying the fee again on the same day.

Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass. The center will give you a temporary paper license that day, which is valid while you wait for the permanent card. If you need your license sooner, some Driver Services Centers offer expedited mail options for an additional fee, though this varies by location.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written and driving tests again. You still need to bring proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number. You will take the vision screening and pay the license fee. The state will issue you a Tennessee license based on your out-of-state record.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take all three tests. Bring your expired license along with your other documents so the examiner can see your driving history.

Renewing or replacing a lost license

If your Tennessee license is expiring soon, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Mail renewal is the simplest option if your address has not changed and your vision is still good. You send in your current license, a renewal form, and the fee. Online renewal is also available through the TDOSHS website for many drivers.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Driver Services Center and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license. A replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Special situations and restrictions

If you are under 18, Tennessee has additional requirements. You must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you take the driving test. Your parent or guardian must sign your process. Drivers under 18 also face restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits during the first six months of licensure.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may need a doctor's statement or additional testing. If you have been convicted of certain traffic violations or crimes, you may be ineligible for a license or face a suspension period. The TDOSHS website lists disqualifying offenses and suspension rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must take the written test, vision screening, and driving test in person at a Driver Services Center. However, you can study the Tennessee Driver's Handbook online before you go.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test without paying the license fee again. Most centers let you schedule another test within a few days. You are allowed to take it multiple times until you pass.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes, unless you arrange otherwise with the Driver Services Center. Your vehicle must be in safe working condition and have valid registration and insurance. Some centers may have vehicles available, but this varies by location.

How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?

A standard license is valid for eight years. You can choose a four-year license instead, which costs less. Licenses for drivers over 65 may have different expiration periods.

What if I move to a different county in Tennessee?

You do not need to get a new license when you move within Tennessee. Your license remains valid at your new address. You only need to update your address if you want it to reflect your current residence, which you can do at any Driver Services Center.