Where to go for a driver's license in Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, you get a driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. The office that serves Chattanooga is located at 5124 Highway 153, Chattanooga, TN 37343. This is the only place in the city where you can take the written test, the road test, and receive your license on the same day if you pass both.

You can also renew an existing Tennessee license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical restrictions. But if you are getting a license for the first time or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you must go to the office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chattanooga Driver Services office is at 5124 Highway 153 and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport to prove your identity.
  • First-time drivers must pass both a written test and a road test; you can take both on the same day if you arrive early enough.
  • Tennessee charges a fee for a license that varies by type and length — a standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
  • If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still take a road test.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, Tennessee accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. A Social Security card itself is the easiest proof of your number, but a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement also works.

For residency, bring something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current Chattanooga address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all count. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring one in a family member's name plus a signed statement from them saying you live there, but this is slower and the office may ask for additional proof.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different colored signs mean, and what to do at a red light or stop sign.

You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the Department of Safety website. Many people also study using practice tests online, which show you the kinds of questions you will see. The test is given on a computer at the office, and you get your score when ready.

The road test: what the examiner watches for

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on streets near the Chattanooga office. The examiner watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians. They are looking for things like whether you signal before turning, check your mirrors, maintain a safe speed, and stop completely at stop signs.

Before the test starts, the examiner will ask you to show that your car's lights, wipers, horn, and turn signals all work. Bring a car that is registered and insured — you cannot use a rental or a car that belongs to someone else unless that person is present and the car is insured for you to drive it. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard four-year driver's license costs $27. An eight-year license costs $47. These are the fees as of the most recent update, but Tennessee does change fees occasionally, so call the office at (615) 251-8000 to confirm the current price before you go.

If you pass both tests on the same day, you usually receive your license before you leave the office. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. If you fail the road test, you will need to schedule a new appointment, which may be weeks away depending on how busy the office is.

If you already have an out-of-state license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Tennessee, you do not have to take the written test. You still have to take the road test and bring all the same documents — proof of identity, Social Security, and residency. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Tennessee license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take both the written and road tests. The same rule applies if your license was suspended or revoked in any state.

Hours and how to prepare for your visit

The Chattanooga Driver Services office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an hour break for lunch. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not take appointments for first-time licenses or road tests — you arrive and wait your turn. Arrive early in the morning if you can, because the office gets busy by mid-afternoon and you may not finish both tests before closing time.

Bring all your documents, your Social Security card, and the cash or card to pay the fee. Wear clothes you can move in comfortably for the road test. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them for both the written test and the road test — the examiner will note this on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of going to the office?

No. Tennessee requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot take it online or by mail, even if you are renewing a license.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you will have to pay the road test fee again and schedule a new appointment. The wait for the next available appointment varies — it may be a few days or several weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Do I need to bring my car to the office before the road test?

No. You bring your car on the day of the road test itself. The examiner will check that it is safe and properly registered before you drive.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID, a passport card, or certain other documents. Call the office at (615) 251-8000 to ask whether a specific document will work before you make the trip.

Can someone else take the road test for me?

No. You must be the one driving during the road test. The examiner needs to see how you handle the car and follow traffic laws.