What you need to do to get a Tennessee driver's license for the first time
To get your first Tennessee driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services Center in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes several visits — one to explore and take the written test, then a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test once you have practiced. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail.
Tennessee issues licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which runs Driver Services Centers across the state. You can find the center nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Some centers are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person twice — once to explore and take the written test, and again to take the driving test after you have had time to practice.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, a document proving who you are (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof you live in Tennessee (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook available on the Department of Safety website.
- The driving test checks whether you can operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition.
- Fees vary depending on the type of license you want, but a standard four-year license costs money that you pay at your first visit.
Documents you must bring to your first visit
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form), and proof you live in Tennessee (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the document that shows the change.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. If you cannot produce an original birth certificate, the Department of Safety accepts other identity documents, but call your local Driver Services Center first to confirm what they will take.
The written test: what to study and how it works
The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the Driver Services Center, and you take it during your first visit after you submit your process.
Study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook, which you can read from the Department of Safety website or pick up in person at any Driver Services Center. The handbook covers everything the test covers. Many people study for a few days or a week before their visit. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a retest fee.
The driving test: scheduling and what the examiner checks
After you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test for a later date. Wait times vary by location; some centers can schedule you within a few weeks, while others have longer backlogs. You will receive a permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult while you practice.
On the day of your driving test, bring the vehicle you will be tested in, your permit, and a valid photo ID. The examiner will check that the vehicle has working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. Then you will drive on public roads for about 15 to 20 minutes while the examiner watches and scores you on things like lane control, stopping, turning, and following traffic laws. You must pass the driving test to receive your license.
Fees and how long the license lasts
A standard four-year Tennessee driver's license costs a set amount that you pay at your first visit when you explore. If you want a license that lasts eight years instead of four, the fee is higher. You can also pay extra for a REAL ID-compliant license, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after a certain date. Ask at your Driver Services Center which option you need.
Your license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process. It usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take longer. You can check the status of your license on the Department of Safety website using your driver's license number once it has been issued.
If you fail the driving test
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, though you pay a retest fee each time. You must wait at least one day before retaking the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice, so failing the first time does not mean you cannot get your license.
When you retake the test, bring the same documents and vehicle. The examiner will focus on the same skills they tested before, so ask what you did wrong on your first attempt and practice those specific things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person to take the written test. You cannot study at home and submit answers remotely. However, you can study the Tennessee Driver Handbook at home before you visit.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use other identity documents such as a valid passport or an out-of-state driver's license. Call your local Driver Services Center before you visit to confirm they will accept the documents you have, because requirements can vary slightly by location.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Tennessee, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. You cannot use a rental car or borrow someone else's vehicle unless it meets these requirements.
How long do I have to wait between the written test and the driving test?
There is no required waiting period. You can schedule your driving test as soon as you pass the written test. However, most people wait a few weeks to practice driving with their permit before taking the test.
What happens if I move to a different Tennessee county?
You do not need to get a new license. Your license is valid statewide. If you move, update your address with the Department of Safety online or at your next Driver Services Center visit, but you do not have to retake the tests.