Where to go and what to bring

In Nashville, you get your driver's license at a Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The main location is the Nashville Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. You can also visit other regional centers in Middle Tennessee if that location is inconvenient, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your completed process form DL 44. You can fill out the form at home or at the center. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian's signature on the form and their ID.

Bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. If your proof of address is in someone else's name, bring a letter from that person authorizing you to use their address, or bring two documents that together show your name and address.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the Nashville Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue or a regional Middle Tennessee location with your photo ID, Social Security proof, address proof, and completed form DL 44.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
  • The fee for a regular driver's license is $28.50 for an eight-year license, or $17.50 for a four-year license if you are over 60.
  • Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, but you should arrive early because wait times can be one to three hours depending on the day and location.
  • If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to take the driving test again, but you will still take the written and vision tests.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice 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 based on the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which you can read online at the Department of Safety website or pick up at any Driver Services Center.

The questions cover topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. You can take the test on a computer at the center. If English is not your first language, you can request the test in Spanish or another language — call ahead to confirm which languages are available at your location.

You get one chance to pass during your visit. If you fail, you can return and take it again, but you will pay the full fee again.

The vision and driving tests

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the center. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a doctor's evaluation before you can take the driving test.

The driving test happens on the road with an examiner in your vehicle. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver over 21 can sit in the passenger seat while you take the test, but they cannot help you.

If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test, but there may be a wait of several days to a few weeks depending on how busy the center is.

Fees and how long it takes

A regular eight-year driver's license costs $28.50. If you are 60 or older, you can get a four-year license for $17.50. These are one-time fees — you do not pay anything else at the counter. The center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

The entire process from walking in to leaving usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, but the wait to see someone can be one to three hours. The busiest times are mid-morning on weekdays and early afternoon on Saturdays. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Your license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave. It is valid when ready, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail if there is a printing delay.

If you already have an out-of-state license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, Tennessee will not make you take the driving test again. You will still take the written test and vision test to make sure you know Tennessee's specific traffic laws and can see the road safely. This process is faster than a first-time license but still requires all the same documents and fees.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take all three tests as if you were a new driver. Bring your expired license anyway — it helps the examiner understand your driving history.

Getting a learner's permit first

If you are under 18 or have never driven before, you can get a learner's permit before taking the full driving test. A permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You take the written and vision tests to get the permit, but not the driving test. The permit costs $7 and is valid for one year.

With a learner's permit, you must follow these rules: a licensed driver 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat at all times, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. After you have held the permit for at least 30 days and practiced driving, you can return to the center to take the driving test and get your full license.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to any Driver Services Center with your ID and proof of address. You can get a replacement the same day. The replacement fee is $7.50. You do not need to retake any tests — the center will print a new card with the same license number and expiration date.

If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the Nashville Police Department non-emergency line at 615-862-5750 for a police report number, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment or do I have to walk in?

The Nashville Driver Services Center does not take appointments. You walk in and wait your turn. However, you can check the current wait time online at the Department of Safety website before you go, which helps you decide whether to go now or come back later.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days to a week. You do not have to retake the written and vision tests. You will pay a $7 fee to retake the driving test. You can schedule the retest at the center after you fail, or call ahead to book a time.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or just proof of the number?

You need proof of your Social Security number, but it does not have to be your card. A W-2, tax return, or other official document with your number works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring your Social Security card itself.

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

You can update your address at any Driver Services Center or online through the Department of Safety website. There is no fee to change your address. You do not get a new card — the address is updated in the system and printed on your next renewal.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. You can renew in person at a Driver Services Center, by mail, or online if you meet certain requirements. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from your original expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date.