What you need to do to get a Tennessee driver's permit

To get a Tennessee driver's permit, you visit your local Department of Safety and Homeland Security office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You pass a written test on road signs and traffic laws, pay a fee (currently $19.50 for a permit valid for one year), and receive your permit the same day. The permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat.

Tennessee does not mail permits — you must appear in person at a Driver Services office. The office nearest you depends on which county you live in. You can find the full list and hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call 615-251-5221 to confirm hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or birth certificate plus school ID), proof you live in Tennessee, and your Social Security number to the Driver Services office.
  • The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official manual free on the Department of Safety website before you go.
  • Your permit costs $19.50 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it, not from your birthday.
  • You must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive with a permit.
  • You can take the written test as many times as needed on the same visit if you do not pass the first time, at no extra cost.

Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services office

Bring one form of photo identification. A U.S. passport, Tennessee state ID, or a birth certificate paired with a school photo ID all work. If you use a birth certificate, the school ID must have your photo and signature. A driver's license from another state counts as well.

You also need proof that you live in Tennessee. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from them on their letterhead, plus a copy of their ID and a utility bill showing their address.

Bring your Social Security number — you can write it on a piece of paper if you do not have your card. The Driver Services office will not accept a photo of your card, but they will accept the number written down.

How the written test works

The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the Driver Services office; you do not need to bring anything except your documents.

You can study for free using the official Tennessee Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the Department of Safety website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people read through it once, then take practice tests online (several free versions exist) to see which topics they need to review more.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can take the test again when ready at the same office visit, at no extra charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it in one day. Most people who study the manual pass on the second attempt.

The cost and how long your permit lasts

A Tennessee driver's permit costs $19.50. You pay this fee at the Driver Services office when you pass the written test. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on-site, but do not count on it — bring cash or a card.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you turn 18 before the year is up, your permit does not automatically convert to a license — you will need to return to the Driver Services office and take the road test to get a full license. The road test is separate from the permit process and requires a different fee.

Restrictions that come with your permit

With a Tennessee driver's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older sits in the front passenger seat next to you. This person must have a valid driver's license from any state. They cannot be in the back seat — they must be in the front.

You can drive during daylight hours and early evening, but Tennessee does not impose a curfew on permit holders the way some states do. However, your supervising driver can set their own rules about when you drive. You cannot drive on interstate highways unless your supervising driver is with you and approves it.

You must follow all regular traffic laws — speed limits, traffic signals, seat belt rules, and phone restrictions. Breaking traffic laws while on a permit can result in a ticket, and accumulating too many violations can delay when you are allowed to take your road test for a full license.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have your permit, you can begin supervised driving practice. Tennessee requires you to hold your permit for a minimum of 180 days before you can take the road test for a full license. This means if you get your permit in January, you cannot take the road test until July at the earliest.

During those 180 days, you should practice with your supervising driver in different conditions — daytime and evening, residential streets and busier roads, dry weather and rain. The more varied your practice, the better prepared you will be for the road test.

When you are ready to take the road test, you return to the Driver Services office with your permit, your supervising driver, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. The road test itself takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You pay a separate fee for the road test (currently $7) when you schedule it.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. To find the one nearest you, visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and search by county, or call 615-251-5221. The office hours vary by location — some are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. Many offices are busier on certain days, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment. Check the website or call before you go. If you cannot reach your local office by phone, the main office line can direct you to the right number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I am under 16?

Tennessee does not have a minimum age for a driver's permit. You can get one at any age, though most people get their permit between 15 and 16. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process at the Driver Services office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test when ready at the same office visit at no extra cost. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people who study the manual pass on their second try. If you fail multiple times, ask the office staff which sections of the manual to focus on.

Do I need to bring my supervising driver with me to get the permit?

No. You only need to bring your documents and pass the written test. Your supervising driver does not need to be present when you get your permit. You can start practicing with any licensed driver 21 or older once you have your permit in hand.

Can I use my permit to drive alone to school or work?

No. Tennessee law requires a licensed driver 21 or older to be in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a permit. This applies even if you are driving to school or work. The supervising driver must be present every time you are behind the wheel.

How much does the road test cost after I hold my permit for 180 days?

The road test fee is currently $7. You pay this when you schedule your test at the Driver Services office. You will also need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and your supervising driver must accompany you to the test.