Where to go for your Millington driver's license
Millington does not have its own driver's license office. You will need to visit a Tennessee Driver Services location in or near Shelby County, where Millington is located. The closest full-service office is the Memphis Driver Services Center on Poplar Avenue, which handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
Tennessee also runs several satellite offices throughout the county that handle certain transactions. Before you drive to any location, check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to confirm which services that specific office provides — some satellite locations only handle renewals or specific document types, not new license applications.
You can also call ahead to the Memphis Driver Services Center at the phone number listed on the state website to ask about current wait times and whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but appointment slots fill up during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- Millington residents must go to a Tennessee Driver Services office in Shelby County; the main Memphis location on Poplar Avenue handles all license types.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore for a new license.
- Tennessee requires you to pass a written test, vision test, and driving test before receiving your first driver's license.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook available free online.
- Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
Documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires specific original documents or certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must bring proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which you will need to fly domestically after May 2025), bring an additional proof of residency document and proof that you have a valid Social Security number.
The Driver Services office staff can tell you which specific documents they will accept for your situation. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, bring it along with a backup option — it is better to have extra documents than to make a second trip.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written knowledge test. The test has 30 questions and covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass.
The official Tennessee Driver Handbook is free and available as a PDF on the Department of Safety website. It contains all the information tested on the exam. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment and take practice tests online through the state website.
The test is administered on a computer at the Driver Services office. You can request a test in Spanish if English is not your primary language. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment.
Vision and driving tests
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the office. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you must wear them during the test if you normally wear them while driving.
The driving test happens at a separate appointment, usually scheduled within a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is. During the test, a state examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and evaluate your ability to handle basic driving tasks, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the vehicle's lights, brakes, and wipers work before you begin. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
Fees and payment methods
Tennessee charges a fee for a new driver's license. The exact amount depends on the type of license you are getting and how long it is valid. A standard license for someone under 21 costs less than one for someone 21 and older because it is valid for a shorter period.
The Driver Services office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Call ahead to confirm the current fee amount, as it can change. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, there may be an additional replacement fee.
Some offices also offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need your license quickly, though this varies by location. Ask the staff when you arrive whether expedited service is available.
Timeline from process to receiving your license
The entire process typically takes several weeks from your first visit to receiving your physical license in the mail. On your first visit, you will take the written test and vision screening. If you pass both, you will schedule a driving test appointment, which may be one to three weeks away depending on the office's schedule.
After you pass the driving test, the office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks of passing the driving test.
If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all driving purposes. Keep it with you at all times while driving, as it serves as your proof of licensure.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test on your first attempt, you can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week before you can schedule another test, and you may have to pay the test fee again.
The examiner will give you feedback on what you need to improve — common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop, improper lane changes, or not following traffic signs correctly. Use that feedback to practice the specific skills before your next attempt.
You can take the driving test as many times as needed. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though each attempt requires a new fee and a new appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment online or do I have to walk in?
Tennessee Driver Services accepts both walk-ins and appointments. You can schedule an appointment through the state website, which often reduces wait times. However, appointments fill up quickly during peak hours, so walk-ins may face longer waits. Call the Memphis office to ask about current availability before you go.
What if I already have a license from another state?
You will need to surrender your out-of-state license when you explore for a Tennessee license. You still must pass the written test and driving test unless Tennessee has a reciprocity agreement with your previous state — check the Driver Services website to see if your state qualifies. You will not need to retake the vision test if your out-of-state license is current.
Do I need a Real ID license or can I get a regular license?
You can get either. A Real ID license has a gold star and is required for domestic air travel after May 2025. A regular license works for driving and state identification but not for federal purposes. Real ID requires one additional proof of residency document. Ask the staff which type you need based on your plans.
What happens if I move after I get my license?
You must update your address with the Driver Services office within 30 days of moving. You can do this in person at any Driver Services location, by mail, or online through the state website. You do not need to retake any tests — it is an address change only.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. Tennessee offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Request your preferred language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office. The driving test is conducted in English by the examiner, but you can bring a licensed interpreter if you need one.