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, your Social Security number, and proof that you're a Tennessee resident. The exact documents accepted vary — for instance, a passport works as identity proof, but a school ID does not. A utility bill or lease agreement works for residency, but a credit card statement does not.
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 standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Key Takeaways
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, a utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security card or a document with your SSN on it.
- You must pass a written test on Tennessee traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test before you receive your license.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook available on the TDOSHS website.
- Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid, but a standard five-year license costs around $27 for a first-time applicant.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the driving test again, though you will still take the written and vision tests.
Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center
Tennessee requires you to show proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not accepted — it must be certified by the issuing county or state office.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full SSN. For residency, bring a current utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your name and current Tennessee address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
If you are under 18, you will also need to bring a parent or legal guardian with you, and they must sign a consent form. If you are renewing a license rather than getting one for the first time, you can bring your expired Tennessee license instead of a birth certificate, which simplifies the process.
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, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles and school buses.
You can study for the test using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook, available as a PDF on the TDOSHS website or in print at any Driver Services Center. The handbook is about 50 pages and covers everything the test asks about. Many people read through it once, then take practice tests online or use flashcard apps to drill the material. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a single visit to the Driver Services Center if you do not pass on your first attempt.
Vision screening and the driving test
After you pass the written test, you will have your vision checked at the Driver Services Center. The screener will test your visual acuity and your ability to see colors and peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can take the test while wearing them, and your license will note that correction is required. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed that day and will need to see an eye care professional before returning.
The driving test takes place on a closed course or quiet residential streets near the Driver Services Center. A TDOSHS examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not have access to a vehicle, some Driver Services Centers have vehicles available for a fee, usually around $10 to $15.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include not using turn signals, rolling through stop signs, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots. You can retake the driving test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
Fees and how long your license is valid
The cost of a Tennessee driver's license depends on how long you want it valid and whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. A standard five-year license for a first-time applicant costs around $27. An eight-year license costs more. If you are over 65, you can get a four-year license at a reduced rate. Fees are paid at the Driver Services Center when you pass all tests and receive your license.
Tennessee does not currently offer online payment before your visit, so bring cash or a debit card to the center. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services Center for a smaller fee, usually around $7 to $10.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you do not have to take the driving test again. You will still take the written test and vision screening, and you will still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process is faster than for a first-time applicant because the driving test is skipped.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take all three tests — written, vision, and driving — just as a first-time applicant would. If you hold a license from a country outside the United States, you will need to take all three tests as well, though some countries have reciprocal agreements with Tennessee that may affect this requirement. Check the TDOSHS website or call your local Driver Services Center to confirm what applies to your situation.
What happens after you pass all the tests
Once you pass the written test, vision screening, and driving test, you will receive your Tennessee driver's license the same day. The license is printed on-site at most Driver Services Centers. You will be asked to sign it before you leave. Your license is valid when ready, and you can drive that day.
Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, a photo taken at the center, your license number, and the expiration date. If you wear glasses or contacts, the license will note "Corrective Lenses Required." If you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, you may be asked to provide documentation from a doctor, and this may result in restrictions on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the material online using practice tests and flashcard apps before you go to the center.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it by scheduling another appointment at a Driver Services Center. You will need to pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
You need a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not have one, some Driver Services Centers have vehicles available for a rental fee, usually $10 to $15. Call your local center ahead of time to confirm they offer this service.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license from start to finish?
If you pass all tests on your first visit, you receive your license the same day. The entire process at the Driver Services Center usually takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the center is and whether you have an appointment.
What if I move to a different address after I get my license?
You can update your address at any Driver Services Center or online through the TDOSHS website. You do not need to retake any tests. There is usually a small fee for an address change, around $7 to $10.