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 documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes about four to six weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Most people complete the written test on their first visit and schedule the driving test for a later date at the same location.
Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which operates Driver Services Centers across the state. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — you must appear in person at a center. The state charges a fee for the license itself, and fees vary depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency before you can take either test.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook available on the Department of Safety website.
- You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test, which is conducted by an examiner at the Driver Services Center.
- After you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within four to six weeks.
- If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for a set period before you can take the driving test.
Gather Your Documents Before You Visit
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document that proves your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one document that proves you live in Tennessee (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and proof that you are a lawful permanent resident or have another legal immigration status. The Driver Services Center staff will tell you on the spot if a document is not acceptable; if that happens, you can return with the correct document and will not lose your place in line.
Pass the Written Test at Your First Visit
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. Before you go, read the free Tennessee Driver Handbook from the Department of Safety website and study it — the test questions come directly from the handbook, and there is no trick to the questions.
When you arrive at the Driver Services Center, check in at the front desk and tell staff that you are taking the written test for the first time. You will pay the test fee (the amount varies by license type) and then sit at a computer terminal to take the test. The computer scores it when ready. If you pass, you move forward to schedule your driving test. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or return another day; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the fee each time.
Schedule and Pass Your Driving Test
After you pass the written test, staff will help you schedule your driving test. You can often take it the same day if an examiner has an opening, but most people schedule it for a later date. The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes on public roads.
Bring the same documents you brought for the written test, plus proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use during the test. You must also bring the vehicle itself — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. If anything is broken or missing, the test will not happen and you will need to reschedule. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow you to operate the pedals safely.
Understand the Rules for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for a minimum of 30 days before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you follow the same process as an adult — bring your documents, pass the written test, and pay the permit fee. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat.
After you have held the permit for 30 days, return to the Driver Services Center and take the driving test. Once you pass, you receive a restricted license that has certain rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you can have only one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18, at which point you can exchange your restricted license for a full license.
What Happens After You Pass the Driving Test
When you pass the driving test, the examiner will give you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the Driver Services Center within four to six weeks. Do not throw away the temporary license — you need it to drive until the permanent one arrives.
If your permanent license does not arrive within six weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you took the test and provide your name and date of birth. They can check the status and reissue if needed. Once your permanent license arrives, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services Center by paying a replacement fee and showing your identity and residency documents.
Find a Driver Services Center and Check Wait Times
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Department of Safety website. Some centers are busier than others — rural centers often have shorter waits than urban ones. If you live near multiple centers, calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Most centers operate during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with some offering limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most centers — you straightforward arrive, check in, and wait your turn. However, some centers now offer online scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check your local center's website to see if this option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. You must visit a center to take the test and provide your documents in person.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You must pay the test fee each time. Most people wait a few days or a week before retaking it to practice more. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner's permit or written test result has expired.
How much does a Tennessee driver's license cost?
The fee depends on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard driver's license costs less than a commercial license. Fees also vary if you are renewing or replacing a lost license. Call your local Driver Services Center or check the Department of Safety website for the exact fee in your situation.
What if I moved to Tennessee from another state?
You must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. You will take the written test and driving test just like a first-time driver. You do not need to hold a learner's permit if you are over 18 and already have a valid license from another state, but you still must pass both tests.
Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the Driver Services Center?
No. You must appear in person at the Driver Services Center to take the written and driving tests. No one can take these tests on your behalf. However, once your permanent license is mailed to you, you do not need to pick it up in person — it will arrive at your home address.