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Tennessee

The Tennessee driver's manual isn't enough to pass the written exam. The Tennessee road signs practice test is just one more way you can prepare. We also have the Tennessee driver's license renewal test, and many more, to help you pass.

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Tennessee DOS Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Tennessee License
  • Preparing For Your TN Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your TN Permit Test
  • Renewing Your TN License
  • Taking Your TN Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your TN Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Tennessee or Just Visiting?
If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

Yes. Tennessee uses something called a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) system, which gives out certain driving privileges over certain periods of time.

If you're under 18 and driving on your learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive:

  • While accompanied by a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.
  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

If you're under 18 and driving on your intermediate restricted license, you will NOT be allowed to drive:

  • With more than 1 passenger, unless:
    • Accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
    • The additional passengers are your siblings.
  • Between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless:
    • You're accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
    • You're driving to or home from:
      • School.
      • Work.
      • A hunting trip. (Must have a hunting license.)

After this, you'll graduate to an intermediate unrestricted license. Aside from requiring all passengers between ages 4-17 to wear seatbelts, there are no further restrictions on this license.

Once you turn 18, you can apply for your regular unrestricted license.

What happens after I pass my TN road test?

After passing the Tennessee road test, you'll be eligible to receive:

  • Your intermediate restricted license, if you're under 18.
  • Your full, unrestricted license, if you're 18 or older.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

While driving on your permit, you'll be able to drive with:

  • A parent.
  • A legal guardian.
  • A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You may not drive unless accompanied by one of the above.

Once I get my TN permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

Once you earn your Tennessee learner's permit, you will automatically be eligible to drive with your parents.

What are the auto insurance requirements for TN drivers?

Tennessee auto insurance minimum requirements include:

  • Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident.
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Uninsured motorist property damage: $15,000 per accident.

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How To Get A Tennessee Driver’s License

Driving can afford wonderful freedom—but only if you can prove you’re responsible.

In order to legally drive in Tennessee, you must pass a number of tests that show the Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) that you can handle a vehicle and follow the rules of the road.

Still, the process looks slightly different, depending on your age and the type of vehicle you want to drive.

Tennessee License (Under Age 18)

Tennessee employs something called a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system for anyone applying for a first-time license under age 18.

You’ll be able to begin the process once you turn 15 years old. The process then has three steps, including earning your:

  • Learner’s permit.
  • Intermediate restricted license.
  • Intermediate unrestricted license.

Once you’ve completed each phase, you’ll be able to upgrade to a regular license once you turn 18.

Learner’s Permit

The first step toward earning your license in Tennessee is earning your learner’s permit. This involves passing the TN written exam.

To do so, schedule an appointment with the DOS, and:

Your parent or guardian will also have to be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Once the paperwork is filed, tests passed, and fee paid, you’ll be issued your learner’s permit.

TN Instruction Permit Restrictions and Requirements

Your TN instruction permit comes with some restrictions. While practicing with this credential, you’ll ONLY be allowed to drive:

  • While accompanied by a licensed driver who’s at least 21 years old.
  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

There are also a few things you must do before you can move on to the next phase. In order to be eligible for your intermediate restricted license, you’ll have to:

  • Practice on your permit for at least 6 months.
  • Log at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.                                                                                    

Once that’s accomplished, you’ll be able to move on.

Intermediate Restricted License

The next step in Tennessee’s GDL process is earning your restricted minor’s permit. Make sure you’ve completed all the above steps before you apply.

At this point, you’ll be able to take your driving test. Schedule an appointment with any Tennessee Driver Service Center, and bring:

A parent or legal guardian must also be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Once you pass the test, you’ll receive your intermediate restricted license.

TN Restricted Minor’s Permit Restrictions and Requirements

Your intermediate restricted license will let you drive by yourself, but the credential still comes with a few restrictions. While using this license, you will NOT be allowed to drive:

  • With more than 1 passenger, unless:
    • Accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old.
    • The additional passengers are your siblings.
  • Between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless:
    • You’re accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old.
    • You’re driving to or home from:
      • School.
      • Work.
      • A hunting trip. (Must have a hunting license.)

You’ll also have to practice with the document for at least 1 year before you can upgrade to your intermediate unrestricted license.

Intermediate Unrestricted License

The final GDL step before moving on to your regular license, this license affords you all the privileges of a regular license. However, the word “intermediate” will be prominent on the credential.

To move on to the final stage, you’ll need to:

  • Drive on your intermediate unrestricted license for at least a year.
  • Remain violation free during that time.

Then, you can finally move on to the final step.

Driver’s License

To make the final upgrade, you’ll have to visit the DOS again. Schedule an appointment, and bring:

The office should then issue your full license. Congratulations!

Driver’s License (Age 18+)

If you’re applying for a first-time driver’s license in Tennessee and you’re 18 or older, the process is a bit more streamlined.

Written Exam

To start, you’ll have to visit the DOS in order to pass:

  • The written knowledge test.
  • A vision test.

To do so, schedule an appointment with your closest participating DOS office, and make sure to bring:

  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • Tennessee address.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
  • The appropriate fee.

After passing the exam and paying the fee, you’ll be able to schedule your driving exam.

In the meantime, you may only drive while accompanied by someone with their full license who’s at least 21 years old.

Road Skills Exam

To earn your full license, you’ll have to take the road skills exam. There’s no required waiting period to take this test in Tennessee.

Schedule an appointment with any TN Driver Service Center, and bring:

  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • Tennessee address.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Your valid instruction permit.
  • The appropriate fee.

Make sure to show up to the appointment with a fully-licensed driver who’s at least 21 years old. The vehicle you test in will also need current and valid:

  • Liability insurance.
  • Registration.
  • License plates.

Once you pass the test, you should receive your license. Congratulations!

Transferring an Out-of-State License

Welcome to Tennessee!

If you’re new to the state, you’ll have to transfer your license within 90 days of establishing residency. Luckily, the process is pretty easy.

Simply visit your closest participating DOS Driver Services Center and bring:

  • Your current, valid license.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • Tennessee address.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
  • The appropriate fee.

If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will also have to be there to sign paperwork on your behalf.

All transfer applicants will also have to pass a vision test in order to complete the process. And if your license has been expired for 6 months or more, you may also have to take the written and driving exams.

Once all of the above credentials have been met, you’ll be issued your new Tennessee license. Congratulations!

Tennessee DOS Motorcycle Permit & License Info

To legally drive a motorcycle in Tennessee, you have to be at least 16 years old.

You then have two options. You can earn your motorcycle license by either:

At the end of the process, you’ll be issued a separate license to drive a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Rider Program

The simplest way to earn your TN motorcycle license is through an approved Motorcycle Rider Education Program.

All you’ll have to do is pass the class. Then, schedule an appointment with a DOS Full Service Center and bring:

  • Your course completion certificate.
  • Your valid TN driver’s license.
  • The appropriate fee.

You’ll then be issued a Tennessee motorcycle license.

Tennessee Motorcycle Permit

To earn your Tennessee motorcycle license through the state is a bit more involved. The first step is earning your Tennessee motorcycle permit.

To get your motorcycle permit in Tennessee, you’ll have to pass:

  • The motorcycle written knowledge test.
  • A vision test.

Schedule an appointment with a participating Department of Safety Full Service office and bring:

  • Your current, valid TN driver’s license, if applicable.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • Tennessee address.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
  • The appropriate fees.

If you’re under 18, you’ll also need to bring a:

After the tests have been passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you’ll be issued your permit.

TN Motorcycle Permit Restrictions and Requirements

While practicing on your permit, there are a few restrictions. You will NOT be able to ride:

  • Between sunset and sunrise.
  • Unless accompanied by a fully licensed motorcyclist who’s at least 21 years old.
  • With any passengers.

There’s no required waiting period to take your rider test, but your permit is valid for 1 year.

TN Motorcycle License

After practicing enough on your permit to feel comfortable, it’s time to get your motorcycle license. The final step is passing a riding test with the DOS.

To take it, schedule an appointment with your closest Full Service Center. Make sure to bring:

  • Proof of your:
    • Legal presence in the United States.
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Tennessee residency.
  • Your current, valid motorcycle permit.
  • The appropriate fee.

After passing the test, you’ll be issued your motorcycle license. Congratulations!

Tennessee CDL Requirements

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) will allow you to drive much larger vehicles than the average car. Before you can start the process, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Already have a valid Tennessee license.
  • Be cleared by a federally-approved doctor or receive a medical waiver.

Once the above is complete, you can begin the CDL process.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

The first step toward getting your commercial driver’s license is getting your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The process involves passing:

  • The written knowledge test.
  • A vision exam.

To get started, visit your closest DOS Full Service Center and bring:

  • Your current, valid TN driver’s license.
  • A completed medical self-certification form/waiver.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • Tennessee address.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
  • The appropriate fee.

After the paperwork is filed, the fee paid and the tests passed, you’ll be issued your CLP.

CLP Restrictions and Requirements

You must hold your Tennessee commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before you can take the road test.

While practicing on your permit, you are also required to drive with a CDL-holder who’s at least 21 years old.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

To turn your CLP into a CDL, you’ll have to pass the driving skills exam. This also requires making an appointment with a participating Department of Safety Full Service Center.

At your appointment, make sure to bring:

  • Your current, valid CLP.
  • Your current, valid driver’s license.

You must arrive to this appointment with a CDL-holding passenger who’s at least 21 years old. The vehicle you test in must also have current and valid:

  • Insurance.
  • Registration.

After passing the test, you’ll need to return to a DOS Driver Service Center and:

  • Turn in your test results.
  • Pay the CDL fee.

At that point, you’ll be issued your commercial driver’s license.

Tennessee DOS Handbooks

Tennessee CDL Handbook

Tennessee CDL Handbook

Tennessee CDL Handbook
Tennessee Driver's License Handbook

Tennessee Driver's License Handbook

Tennessee Driver's License Handbook
Tennessee Motorcycle Handbook

Tennessee Motorcycle Handbook

Tennessee Motorcycle Handbook