What you need to do to get a Tennessee driver license for the first time
To get your first Tennessee driver license, you will visit a Driver Services office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Tennessee residency. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Tennessee does not let you renew or get a license online or by mail if you have never held one before. You must show up in person at a Driver Services center with your documents, take the tests, and have your photo taken. The office will give you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee address to get your first license.
- You will take a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at the same office on the same day or on separate days, depending on the location.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing both tests, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- A Tennessee learner's permit costs around $20 and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the driving test.
- You must bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove who you are. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents — the Driver Services website lists what combinations work. You also need your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a recent tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement.
To prove you live in Tennessee, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
Bring your Social Security card even if you have another document with your number on it — having the card itself speeds up the process. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, along with their ID.
Taking the written knowledge test
The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the Driver Services website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you will need to schedule another appointment.
Some Driver Services offices let you take the written test and the driving test on the same day. Others require you to pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test for a later date. Call ahead to find out how your local office works. If you fail the written test, you can retake it at your next appointment, which you will need to schedule.
Taking the behind-the-wheel driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. If anything is broken, you will not be able to test that day.
You need a valid learner's permit or a valid license from another state to take the driving test. If you do not have either, you must get a Tennessee learner's permit first. The permit costs around $20 and is valid for one year. You can get it at the same Driver Services office where you plan to take the driving test.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money.
Getting a learner's permit before the driving test
A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the official driving test. To get one, you pass the written knowledge test and pay the permit fee. You do not need to take the driving test to get the permit. The permit is valid for one year, and you can renew it if you need more time to practice.
With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone. If you are under 18, there are additional rules — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Costs and how long it takes
A Tennessee driver license costs $28.50 for an eight-year license. A learner's permit costs around $20. These fees can change, so check the Driver Services website before you go. You pay at the office when you explore.
The temporary paper license you get on the day you pass both tests is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that time, contact Driver Services to report it.
The time it takes to get an appointment depends on how busy your local office is. Some offices have same-day appointments available, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the Driver Services website.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Driver Services website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. A few offices are open on Sunday.
You can book an appointment online before you go, or you can walk in without an appointment. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day. If you book ahead, you will know roughly when to expect to be called, which saves time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot take it online or by mail, even for your first license.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. You will need to schedule another appointment at a Driver Services office and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?
You need either a valid learner's permit or a valid driver license from another state. If you have neither, you must get a Tennessee learner's permit first by passing the written test.
How long is a Tennessee driver license valid?
A standard Tennessee driver license is valid for eight years. You will need to renew it after that time. Licenses for people over 65 are valid for four years.
What if I move to Tennessee from another state?
If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without taking the tests again. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of Tennessee residency to a Driver Services office.