What You Need to Do to Get a Tennessee Driver's License

To get a Tennessee driver's license, you need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The process takes place at a local Driver Services Center and typically takes one to two hours if you pass both tests on your first attempt. You cannot get a license by mail or online — you must appear in person.

Tennessee issues different types of licenses depending on your age and driving history. If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can test for a full license. If you are 18 or older with no prior Tennessee license, you can go directly to the test without a permit. If you already have a valid license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retesting, though Tennessee will still require you to pass a vision screening and provide new documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you must answer at least 24 of 30 questions correctly to pass.
  • The driving test is conducted by a Department of Safety examiner and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.
  • Minors aged 16 and 17 must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before they can take the driving test.
  • The fee for a driver's license in Tennessee is $27 for an eight-year license, or $17 for a four-year license if you are over 65.

Acceptable Documents for Identity and Residency

Tennessee requires you to bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Tennessee. For identity, the Department of Safety accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid visa, or a state ID from another state. Your document must not be expired, though a passport or military ID that expired within the last five years may still work.

For proof of residency, you need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Tennessee address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you do not have a document in your name, you may bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

The Written Test on Traffic Laws and Road Signs

The written test consists of 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 such as speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or emergency situations.

You can study for the test using the Tennessee Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the Department of Safety website and in print at any Driver Services Center. The handbook contains all the information covered on the test. Many people study the handbook for a few days or a week before taking the test. You are allowed to take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most Driver Services Centers allow you to schedule a test appointment online or by phone, which can reduce your wait time.

The Driving Test and What Examiners Look For

The driving test is conducted by a Department of Safety examiner and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as starting the vehicle, turning left and right, changing lanes, parking, and backing up. The examiner also watches how you use your mirrors, signal your turns, follow traffic laws, and respond to other vehicles and pedestrians.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check that the vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work before the test begins. If the vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot take the test that day.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include failing to signal, not checking mirrors before turning, speeding, not stopping completely at stop signs, and hitting the curb while parking. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting one day. You must pay the test fee again, which is $7 for the driving test.

Waiting Periods and Age Requirements for Minors

If you are 16 or 17 years old, Tennessee requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. The learner's permit itself requires passing the written test, so you will take the written test to get the permit, then wait 30 days, then take the driving test.

If you are 16 or 17, there are also restrictions on when and how you can drive once you have your full license. 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 stay in place until you turn 18.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go directly to the Driver Services Center, pass the written test, and then take the driving test. There is no waiting period between the two tests — you can take both on the same day if you pass the written test.

Transferring a License from Another State

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests. Instead, you can transfer your license by visiting a Driver Services Center with your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of identity. You will need to pass a vision screening and pay the $27 fee for a new Tennessee license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to retake the written and driving tests. If your license was suspended or revoked in another state, Tennessee may not issue you a license until you clear that issue with the other state.

The transfer process usually takes about 30 minutes. Your new Tennessee license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue, or four years if you are over 65. You will receive your license in the mail within one to two weeks after your visit.

Fees and How Long the License Is Valid

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27 for an eight-year license. If you are 65 or older, you can get a four-year license for $17. These fees cover the cost of the license itself and do not include the $7 fee for the driving test if you need to take it.

Your license will be valid for the full eight years (or four years if you are over 65) from the date it is issued. You do not need to renew it before then unless your information changes, such as your name or address. If you move within Tennessee, you should update your address at a Driver Services Center, though you do not have to get a new license card.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services Center for $7. You will need to bring proof of identity and residency, just as you did when you first got your license.

Finding a Driver Services Center and Scheduling Your Test

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the location, hours, and phone number of the center nearest you on the Department of Safety website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. A few centers have extended evening hours.

You can schedule a test appointment online through the Department of Safety website or by calling the center directly. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time from one to two hours to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted at most centers, but you may wait longer. During busy times, such as summer or after school starts, wait times can be longer even with an appointment.

Bring all required documents with you, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring the vehicle you will use for the driving test if you are taking that test the same day. Arrive at least 10 minutes early so you have time to check in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. Tennessee offers the written test in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local Driver Services Center to ask about options. Some centers may be able to provide an interpreter, though this is not may provide at all locations.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting one day. You must pay the $7 test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so you can keep trying until you pass. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to take a test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you can transfer it to Tennessee without retaking the written and driving tests. You will need to pass a vision screening and provide proof of Tennessee residency.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the Driver Services Center on the day you pass both tests. Your official plastic license card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the document that shows your ITIN, along with proof of identity and proof of residency. If you do not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, contact your local Driver Services Center to ask about other options.