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 entire process takes about four to six weeks from start to finish, though the in-person visit itself usually takes one to two hours. You can schedule your appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, which reduces wait times.

Tennessee issues licenses valid for five years (or eight years if you are 65 or older). The fee is $27.50 for a five-year license. You do not need to hold a learner's permit first if you are 18 or older, though you will still need to pass both the written and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number to take the written and driving tests.
  • Scheduling an appointment online before you go saves time and is available through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
  • The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official handbook free online before your visit.
  • The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests and pay the $27.50 fee.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring one document that proves your identity, one that proves you live in Tennessee, and proof of your Social Security number. A valid passport works for identity. A birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa also works. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, a state ID card or military ID is acceptable.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Tennessee address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box address — it must be a physical street address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you cannot find any of these, call the Driver Services Center before your appointment to ask what else they will accept.

Scheduling Your Appointment Online

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the Driver Services section. Enter your zip code to find the nearest Driver Services Center. Most cities have at least one; larger cities have several.

Choose a date and time that works for you. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and the address of the center. Bring this confirmation or your appointment number when you arrive, though the staff can also look you up by name and date of birth.

If you cannot find an available appointment online, call the Driver Services Center directly. Phone numbers for each location are listed on the website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you will wait longer.

Passing the Written Test

The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Study the official Tennessee Driver Handbook before your appointment. It is free and available as a PDF on the Department of Safety website. The handbook covers everything the test covers and nothing more. Read it twice if you have time. Many people also study using online practice tests, which are free and widely available.

You may take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call your local Driver Services Center at least one week before your appointment to arrange it.

Taking the Driving Test

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. An examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive a set route through your town. The examiner watches how you handle turns, lane changes, parking, and stops. They also check that you use your turn signals, obey traffic lights, and maintain safe speed.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but the registration and proof of insurance must be in the vehicle. Bring your own vehicle if possible; some Driver Services Centers allow you to use a test vehicle, but this varies by location.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for a retest, but you must schedule another appointment. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

What Happens After You Pass Both Tests

After you pass the written and driving tests, you pay the $27.50 fee at the Driver Services Center. The staff will take your photo and ask you to sign your name. Your temporary license is printed on paper and given to you when ready. This temporary license is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being made.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Check the address on your temporary license to make sure it is correct. If it is wrong, tell the staff before you leave the center.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Keep your permanent license with you whenever you drive.

If You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least one year before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, visit a Driver Services Center with your documents, pass the written test, and pay $27.50. You will then be able to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the vehicle.

After one year with your learner's permit, you can return to take the driving test. You do not retake the written test. Once you pass the driving test, you receive your full license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Tennessee requires you to renew your license in person at a Driver Services Center. You must pass a new written test and vision test each time you renew. You can schedule your renewal appointment online just as you would for a new license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at most Driver Services Centers, though some locations require you to schedule a new appointment. There is no additional fee. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can take the driving test.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Tennessee license?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Driver Services Center before your appointment to discuss your options. Immigrants without a Social Security number may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead in some cases.

How much does a Tennessee driver's license cost?

A five-year license costs $27.50. If you are 65 or older, an eight-year license costs $27.50 as well. There are no additional fees unless you need a replacement license or a name change, which each cost $27.50.

What if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You do not need to update your address until you renew your license. However, you can request an address change at any Driver Services Center for free. Bring proof of your new residency and your current license.