Where to go for your driver's license in Columbia

The Columbia Driver Services office is operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It is located at 1414 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN 37404. This is the only full-service location in Columbia where you can take the written test, road test, and obtain or renew your license in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (931) 388-8004 to confirm current hours before you go. Wait times can be long during peak hours, typically mid-morning and early afternoon, so arriving early or late in the day may reduce your time there.

You can also handle some transactions online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, including license renewals if you meet certain conditions. However, if you need to take a test, pass a vision screening, or obtain your first license, you must visit the office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbia Driver Services office at 1414 Trotwood Avenue is where you take tests and obtain your license; call (931) 388-8004 to confirm hours.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency to obtain a new license.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook available free online.
  • If you fail the written or road test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.
  • License renewals by mail or online are available for some drivers, but you must visit in person if your license has expired more than two years or if you need a new photo.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires specific documents before you can obtain a driver's license. Bring one document that proves your identity — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.

Proof of Tennessee residency is required. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. If you have recently moved, bring both your old address proof and your new address proof.

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license or the renewal notice you received in the mail. If you are obtaining your first Tennessee license, bring all three categories of documents listed above.

Taking the written test

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the Columbia office, and you receive your score when ready after completing it.

You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free as a PDF on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days before taking the test and pass on their first attempt.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, or you can return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Bring the same documents each time you return.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule a road test at the same office. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

You will drive on local streets while an examiner observes your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers such as parallel parking or backing up. You must follow all traffic laws during the test, including speed limits and traffic signals.

If you do not pass the road test, you can retake it another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. The examiner will tell you which skills need improvement before you return.

License types and restrictions

Tennessee offers several license classes depending on what you will drive. A Class D license is for regular passenger vehicles and is the most common type. A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle. You can obtain both at the same time if you pass both tests.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.

If you wear corrective lenses to see clearly, your license will be marked "Corrective Lenses Required." You must wear them whenever you drive. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the examiner may require additional testing or may deny your license.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is still valid and has not expired more than two years ago, you may renew by mail or online without visiting the office. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew online or return it by mail with the required fee.

Online renewal takes a few minutes and you can pay by credit card or debit card. By mail, you send the renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the notice. Processing takes about two weeks by mail.

If your license has expired more than two years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must visit the Columbia office in person. You cannot renew online or by mail in those cases.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a new driver's license varies depending on the type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Class D license costs less than a Class M license. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Ask the staff for the exact fee when you arrive, as fees can change.

If you fail the written test, there is no additional fee to retake it the same day. If you fail the road test, you must pay the road test fee again when you schedule your next attempt. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a driver's license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office after passing both the written and road tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Tennessee Department of Safety offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages at the Columbia office. Tell the staff which language you need when you arrive, and they will provide the test in that language.

What happens if I fail the road test?

The examiner will tell you which skills need work and give you written feedback. You can retake the test another day by returning to the office and paying the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. Calling ahead at (931) 388-8004 to ask about current wait times can help you plan when to go. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling; ask the staff whether Columbia does.

What if I move out of Tennessee after I get my license?

Your Tennessee license remains valid for the full term printed on it, even if you move to another state. However, you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires, usually 30 to 60 days after moving.