Where to go for a driver's license in Shelby County
In Shelby County, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's license services. The main office is located in Memphis, but Shelby County also has satellite locations in other parts of the county where you can renew, replace, or obtain a license. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
The main DMV office in Memphis is at 1060 Germantown Parkway. Satellite offices are spread across the county to serve residents in different areas. You can find the current list of locations and their hours on the Tennessee DMV website or by calling the main office. Hours typically run from early morning through late afternoon on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport to obtain a new driver's license in Shelby County.
- The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The vision test and road test are separate appointments; you typically pass the vision and written test on the same day, then schedule the driving test later.
- A standard driver's license costs around $28 in Tennessee, though the exact fee may vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.
- You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a learner's permit, and at least 17 to obtain a full driver's license without parental consent.
Documents you need to bring
Before you go to the DMV, gather your documents. You will need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card is the easiest), a birth certificate or U.S. passport, and proof of your current address in Shelby County. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work as proof of residency.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms in person. Bring the original documents, not copies, because the DMV staff will need to see them. If your name has changed due to marriage or another legal reason, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.
The written test and what it covers
The written test in Tennessee covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You will answer multiple-choice questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly (80 percent) to pass.
You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts in Tennessee.
Vision and road tests
The vision test happens at the DMV office on the same day as your written test. You will read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed to the road test that day.
The road test is scheduled separately, usually a few days or weeks after you pass the written and vision tests. During the road test, a DMV examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have borrowed) and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must have a valid learner's permit before you can take the road test.
Learner's permit requirements
If you are a new driver, you will first obtain a learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Tennessee. To obtain one, you pass the written test and vision test at the DMV, and you pay the permit fee.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only during daylight hours (or until 10 p.m. if you are 17 or older) and only with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license. This waiting period gives you time to practice and build confidence behind the wheel.
Cost and how long a license lasts
A standard driver's license in Tennessee costs approximately $28, though the exact amount depends on whether you are getting a learner's permit, a regular license, or a commercial license. Fees can also vary slightly depending on how long the license is valid. A regular driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
When your license is about to expire, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. You can renew in person at the DMV, by mail, or online through the Tennessee DMV website if you meet certain requirements (such as having no medical conditions that affect your driving). Renewing online or by mail is often faster than going to the office in person.
What to do if you fail the road test
If you do not pass the road test on your first try, you can retake it. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts in Tennessee, so you can schedule another test as soon as the next available appointment. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt after more practice.
When you retake the test, you will pay the road test fee again. The examiner will focus on the same skills as the first test: basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. Ask the examiner or DMV staff what specific areas you struggled with so you can practice those skills before your next attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Tennessee requires a Social Security number to obtain a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.
What if I lost my learner's permit or driver's license?
You can replace a lost or damaged license at any DMV office in Shelby County. Bring your identification documents and pay the replacement fee, which is typically lower than the cost of a new license. The replacement usually takes a few minutes.
Do I need to pass the written test again if I already have a learner's permit from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state learner's permit, Tennessee may recognize it, but you will still need to pass Tennessee's written test and road test to get a Tennessee license. Contact the Shelby County DMV office to ask about your specific situation.
How long does it take to get a driver's license from start to finish?
The timeline depends on how quickly you pass each test. If you pass the written and vision tests on your first visit, you can schedule the road test within days or weeks. The entire process from learner's permit to full license typically takes one to three months, depending on how often you practice and when you can schedule the road test.
Can I renew my license online if I live in Shelby County?
You may be able to renew online through the Tennessee DMV website if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving. Check the DMV website to see if you meet the requirements, or call the Shelby County office to ask about your specific case.