What you need to bring to the Tennessee DMV

Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver licenses at their Driver Services Centers across the state. To get a license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — all in original form or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the raised seal, not a photocopy from a hospital or vital records office. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and phone images will not be accepted at the Driver Services Center.
  • Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number are all required; each category needs a separate document.
  • Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
  • You will take a written test, a vision test, and a road test; the written test covers traffic laws and road signs specific to Tennessee.
  • The fee for a driver license is set by the state and does not vary by location; you can pay by cash, check, or card at most centers.

The written test and what it covers

Before you take the road test, you must pass a written knowledge test at the Driver Services Center. The test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the center, and you can take it the same day you bring your documents.

The Tennessee DMV publishes a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver's Manual, which covers all the material on the test. You can read it online at the DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services Center. Many people study the manual for a few hours before taking the test and pass on their first try. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

The vision and road tests

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the center. An employee will check your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the road test that day, and you may be required to get a vision exam from an eye doctor before you return.

The road test happens at the Driver Services Center or at a location nearby. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle and watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If the vehicle fails inspection — for example, if the brakes are worn or a light is broken — you will not be able to take the test.

How long the process takes and when you get your license

The entire process at the Driver Services Center usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how busy the center is. You will spend time waiting, taking the written test, having your vision checked, and scheduling your road test. Some centers let you take the road test the same day; others schedule it for a later date. Call your local Driver Services Center ahead of time to ask whether same-day road tests are available.

If you pass all three parts — written test, vision screening, and road test — you will receive a temporary paper license at the center. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your card arrives. If you move before the card arrives, contact the DMV to update your address so the card goes to the right place.

Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers

Tennessee issues different types of licenses based on your age. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a Restricted Class D license, which has limits on when and where you can drive. With a Restricted license, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot drive on interstate highways unless an adult is in the car with you. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held the license for one year, whichever comes first.

If you are 18 or older, you can get an unrestricted Class D license with no driving limits. If you are under 18, you must have held a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a Restricted license. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test; you do not need to pass the vision or road test for the permit.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a Tennessee driver license depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A license valid for 4 years costs less than one valid for 8 years. As of now, the 4-year license costs one amount and the 8-year license costs a higher amount, but these fees can change. Call your local Driver Services Center or check the DMV website to confirm the current fee before you go.

Most Driver Services Centers accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Some smaller centers may only accept cash or check, so call ahead if you want to be sure. If you pay by check, write it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. There is no fee to retake the written test or the road test if you do not pass the first time.

What to do if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong — for example, failing to signal, speeding, or hitting a curb while parking. You can retake the road test at no extra charge. Many people schedule the next test for a few days or a week later so they have time to practice. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless the DMV tells you to.

If you fail the road test three times, some Driver Services Centers require you to take a driver education course before you can test again. Ask your local center what their policy is. Taking a course from a licensed driving school can also help you feel more confident before your next test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person to take the written test, have your vision checked, and take the road test. The DMV does not offer online testing. You can study the Tennessee Driver's Manual online before you go, but the test itself must be taken at the center.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring the original document or a certified copy. Contact your local Driver Services Center before you go to make sure they have what you need.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can get a driver license?

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to the Driver Services Center and take the written test, vision screening, and road test. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a Restricted license.

What happens if I move to a different address before my license arrives?

Contact the DMV right away and give them your new address. You can call your local Driver Services Center or update your address online through the DMV website. Your permanent license will be mailed to your new address. Your temporary paper license is still valid while you wait.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the center?

No. You must be present at the Driver Services Center to take the written test, vision screening, and road test. These are required steps that only you can complete. You cannot send someone else to do them for you.