Book your Tennessee driver's test through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or by phone

Tennessee lets you schedule your written test, road test, or both through two methods: the online appointment system at the TDOSHS website or by calling your local Driver Services office. The online system is faster — you pick your test type, choose a location and date from available slots, and receive a confirmation number when ready. If you prefer to call, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready, and the staff member will walk you through available times at your chosen office.

You cannot walk in and test the same day at most locations. Appointments typically fill two to four weeks ahead, especially in urban areas like Nashville and Memphis. If you need a test sooner, call your local office directly — cancellations happen regularly, and staff can sometimes fit you in faster than the online calendar shows.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call your local Driver Services office to book a written or road test.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, or learner's permit to complete an appointment.
  • Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the documents required for your test type on the day of your appointment.
  • Cancellations open up regularly, so calling your local office can sometimes get you an earlier slot than the online system shows.

What documents to bring on test day

For a written test, bring your current driver's license or learner's permit and one form of identification with your photo. A passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You do not need to bring anything else — the test is administered on a computer at the office.

For a road test, bring your vehicle registration, proof of current insurance, and your learner's permit or current driver's license. Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection — the examiner will check that your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work, and that your tires have adequate tread. If anything fails the safety check, you will not take the road test that day and will need to reschedule after repairs.

Bring the same documents for a combined appointment (written and road test on the same day). You will take the written test first, and if you pass, the road test follows when ready after.

How to find your nearest Driver Services office

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. The TDOSHS website has a location finder where you enter your county or zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure about holiday closures or reduced hours.

Urban offices in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga tend to have more appointment slots and shorter wait times for road tests. Rural offices may have fewer slots and longer gaps between available dates. If your local office is booked solid, you can often schedule at a nearby county office instead.

What happens during the written test

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer. You must score at least 24 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive your score when ready after finishing.

If you fail, you can reschedule and take it again. There is no waiting period between attempts in Tennessee, though you may need to book a new appointment slot. Most people pass on their second or third try if they study the Tennessee Driver Handbook beforehand — it is free on the TDOSHS website and covers everything the test asks.

What to expect during the road test

The road test lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping smoothly. You will drive on local streets and possibly a highway or busier road depending on your location. The examiner watches for safe speed, proper signaling, smooth braking, and awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians.

Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, hitting the curb while parking, or unsafe speeds. If you fail, you can reschedule when ready — there is no waiting period. Many people pass on their second attempt after practicing the specific maneuver they struggled with.

Fees and what they cover

The written test costs $15. The road test costs $15. If you take both on the same day, you pay $30 total. Payment is cash or card, depending on the office. Fees do not change based on whether you pass or fail — if you fail and reschedule, you pay the full fee again.

The fee covers the test administration only. It does not include your driver's license itself. If you pass both tests, you will pay a separate fee to get your license issued — that fee varies by license type and how long you want it valid (typically $27 to $32 for a standard four-year license).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Yes. Cancel or reschedule through the online system if you booked there, or call your local Driver Services office. Most offices ask for at least 24 hours notice. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to book again.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again when ready — there is no waiting period in Tennessee. Schedule a new appointment at your local office. Study the Tennessee Driver Handbook before your next attempt; it covers all the material on the test and is free on the TDOSHS website.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?

No. The written test is taken on a computer at the Driver Services office. You only need to bring your ID and learner's permit or driver's license. You will need your vehicle for the road test only.

What if my vehicle fails the safety inspection during the road test?

The examiner will tell you what needs to be fixed — usually lights, wipers, brakes, or tire tread. You will not take the road test that day. Fix the problem and reschedule your road test appointment. You do not pay the test fee again if you reschedule within a certain timeframe; ask your local office about their policy.

Can I take the test in a different county than where I live?

Yes. You can schedule at any Driver Services office in Tennessee, not just the one in your home county. This is useful if a nearby county has earlier appointment slots available.