Where to go for a driver's license in Lebanon
The Lebanon Driver Services office is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It is located at 410 North Castle Heights Avenue in Lebanon, and this is where you will go to take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it is issued.
You can also renew a license by mail if yours is not expired by more than two years, but new licenses and replacements must be done in person at the office. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though hours vary by day — calling ahead at the local office number will tell you exactly when they open and close on the day you plan to visit.
Tennessee also allows you to complete some paperwork online before you arrive, which can speed up your visit. The state's online system lets you start the process from home, though you will still need to come in person for the photo, test, and final issuance.
Key Takeaways
- The Lebanon Driver Services office at 410 North Castle Heights Avenue is where you take your tests and receive your license in person.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number before you go.
- Tennessee charges a fee for a new license, and the amount depends on whether you are getting a regular license or a commercial one.
- You must pass both a written test and a road test to receive a new driver's license; the written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still need to take the road test.
Documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires specific documents before you can take a test or receive a license. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a military ID — one of these serves as your proof of identity. You also need proof that you live in Tennessee, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have either, you can explore for one before your visit, though this adds time to the process. Bring the actual card or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process and provide their own ID. If you are renewing and your address has changed, bring the same residency proof you would bring for a new license.
The written test and what it covers
The written test in Tennessee has 30 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles.
You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available online from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Many people study it for a few days before their test. The handbook explains every rule and sign you will see on the test, so reading through it once or twice usually gives you what you need to pass.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, Tennessee may waive the written test. Ask the staff at the Lebanon office whether your out-of-state license qualifies you for this waiver — rules vary depending on which state issued your license and how long you have held it.
The road test and scheduling
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test. This test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle in different situations.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If you bring a vehicle that does not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to test and will need to reschedule.
The Lebanon office will give you available dates and times for your road test when you pass the written exam. Wait times vary — sometimes you can test within a week, and sometimes it takes several weeks depending on how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before you schedule.
Fees and payment
Tennessee charges a fee for a new driver's license. The exact amount depends on the type of license you are getting — a regular passenger vehicle license costs one amount, while a commercial driver's license costs more. The fee also varies based on how long your license will be valid (usually four or eight years).
The Lebanon office accepts cash, check, and card payments. Ask when you arrive which payment methods they have available that day. If your license is lost or stolen and you need a replacement, there is a separate replacement fee, which is usually lower than the fee for a new license.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Tennessee, you can transfer it. You will need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of identity. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Tennessee, which means you may not need to take the written test again.
However, you will almost always need to take the road test, even if your out-of-state license is valid. Tennessee wants to make sure you know the state's specific roads and traffic patterns. The staff at the Lebanon office can tell you whether your particular state's license qualifies for a written test waiver.
Your out-of-state license remains valid while you are waiting for your Tennessee license to arrive. You do not need to surrender it when ready, though you should carry your new Tennessee license once you receive it.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass both the written and road tests, the Lebanon office will issue your license. In most cases, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use right away while your plastic card is being made. The plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Check the information on your temporary license before you leave the office. Make sure your name, address, and date of birth are correct. If anything is wrong, tell the staff when ready so they can fix it before your permanent card is printed.
Your new license is valid for four or eight years depending on which option you chose when you applied. You can renew by mail before it expires if you meet certain conditions, or you can come back to the Lebanon office to renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No, the written test must be taken in person at the Lebanon Driver Services office. You can prepare online using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, but you will sit down with a staff member or computer terminal at the office to take the actual test.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can schedule another test, and you may need to pay a fee to test again. The Lebanon office will tell you when you can schedule your next attempt and what the fee is.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Walk-in service is available at the Lebanon office, but wait times can be long during busy hours. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times helps you plan your visit. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see if that option is available.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you pass both tests on your first try, you can receive your temporary license the same day. Your plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The total time from your first visit to holding your permanent card is usually two to three weeks, though it depends on how quickly you schedule your road test after passing the written test.
What if I move out of Lebanon but keep my Tennessee license?
Your Tennessee license remains valid no matter where you move within the state. You do not need to update it unless your address changes and you want the license to show your new address. You can update your address by mail or in person at any Driver Services office in Tennessee.