Tennessee

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.

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.

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

As long as you pass the driving test, fill out the proper paperwork, and pay the appropriate fees, you should receive your license in the mail after applying.

You'll have to apply with your closest participating Driver Service Center.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Tennessee DOS.

To apply for a first-time license in Tennessee if you're 18 or older, you'll need to bring:

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

To apply for your provisional license when you're under 18 in Tennessee, you'll need to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Tennessee address.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
• Your valid TN instruction permit.
• Log of behind-the-wheel practice hours.
• The appropriate fee.

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

If you're under 18, you'll have to go through several stages, called the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, before you can earn your full license in Tennessee.

First is your learner's permit. To earn it, you'll need to pass:

• A vision test.
• The written exam.

At that point, you'll have to:

• Practice on your instruction permit for 6 months.
• Log at least 50 hours of practice with a parent or guardian.

You'll then be eligible for an intermediate restricted license. To earn it, you'll need to pass the driving exam.

To graduate to your intermediate unrestricted license after that, you'll have to practice on your intermediate restricted license for at least 1 year, and remain violation-free.

To get your driver's license in TN if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Show proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Tennessee residency.
  • Legal presence in the U.S.
• Pay the appropriate fees.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to practice on your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test.

If you're 18 or older and applying for a first-time license, there is no required waiting period.

If your license has been suspended or revoked in Tennessee, it may be possible to apply for a restricted license, which will allow you to drive in limited circumstances.

The application for a Tennessee restricted license differs, depending on the reason why your license was suspended.

However, in any case, the process involves petitioning the court and paying fines. The Tennessee DOS has more information.

There are several other considerations to take in mind, depending on your specific case. You should speak with your lawyer, or contact the Tennessee DOS for more information.

No. You'll only need to pass the written exam once to move on.

First, you'll meet with an examiner, who will make sure you have the proper documentation and your vehicle meets the state's safety standards.

Once the test begins, the examiner will give you instructions and judge you on:

• How you prepare to drive.
• How you start the vehicle.
• How you control the vehicle.
• Whether your obey traffic signs and signals.
• How you drive in traffic.
• Your ability to safely stop the vehicle.
• Your ability to safely back up the vehicle.
• Whether you maintain a safe distance when driving in traffic.
• How you communicate with other drivers.
• How you share the road with other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Whether you change your driving speed to match the situation.

You may also be asked to perform additional tasks.

Make sure to show up to the test with:

• A parent or legal guardian, if under 18.
• A fully-licensed driver who's at least 21 years old, if you're 18 or older.

And make sure to show up on time. If you're 5 or more minutes late to the appointment, your test will be automatically cancelled.

You'll also need to have valid and up-to-date paperwork for the vehicle you're testing in, including:

• Proof of insurance.
• Registration.
• License plates.

If you're under 18, you'll need to arrive with a parent or legal guardian.

If you're 18 or older, you'll need to arrive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your Tennessee road test in must meet all state safety standards and be able to start under its own power. It must also have fully-functioning and/or in-tact:

• Seat belts.
• Brakes, including emergency brake.
• Headlights (high and low beams).
• Tail and brake lights.
• Windshield wipers.
• Windshield defroster and fan.
• Rearview mirrors.
• Horn.
• Windows and windshield (no obtrusive cracks).
• Muffler.
• Doors.
• Bumper.
• Speedometer.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Insurance.
• License plates.

You can take your Tennessee road test at one of the DOS' Driver License Service Centers.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Tennessee include:

• License/permit application fee: $2.
• Learner's permit (under 18): $10.50.
• Learner's permit (18+): $5.50.
• Intermediate restricted license: $24.50.
• Intermediate unrestricted license: $2.
• Graduating to regular license (when you turn 18): $10.
• Regular driver's license (after you turn 18): $28.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the TN Department of Safety for the most up-to-date information.

The Tennessee Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local TN DOS office for a copy.

In Tennessee, you must be at least:

• 15 to earn your learner's permit.
• 17 to earn your unrestricted intermediate license.
• 18 to earn your regular, unrestricted license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Tennessee include:

• License/permit application fee: $2.
• Learner's permit (under 18): $10.50.
• Learner's permit (18+): $5.50.
• Intermediate restricted license: $24.50.
• Intermediate unrestricted license: $2.
• Graduating to regular license (when you turn 18): $10.
• Regular driver's license (after you turn 18): $28.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the TN Department of Safety for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Tennessee driving permit.

No. The TN written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian will have to sign paperwork on your behalf at this appointment.

To apply for your learner's permit in Tennessee, you'll need to bring in

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • Tennessee residency.
• A completed Proof of School Attendance form.

A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a Minor/Teenage Affidavit form on your behalf.

You can apply for your Tennessee learner's permit once you turn 15.

Before you can start the learner's permit process, you'll have to be at least 15 years old.

Once the age requirement is met, the next step is passing the TN written exam. To do so, schedule an appointment with the DOS, and:

• Bring acceptable proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • Tennessee residency.
• Pass the:
  • Written exam.
  • Vision test.
• Pay the application and learner's permit fees.

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.

The Tennessee written driver's exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. The test will be evenly split between the following subjects:

• Tennessee traffic signs and signals.
• Safe driving principles.
• Rules of the road.
• Drugs and alcohol.

All questions will be sourced directly from the TN Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

No. Driver's Education is not required in Tennessee.

Reading the Tennessee Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your TN driver's license.

No. A physical exam is not required for a Tennessee driver's license.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or legal guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.

If you're 18 or older, you must arrive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can contact the TN Department of Safety by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.

Details can be found on the TN Department of Safety' website.

You can apply for your instruction permit in Tennessee once you turn 15.

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.

While 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.

To earn your permit in Tennessee, you (and your parent or guardian) will need to fill out a:

• Proof of School Attendance form.
• Minor/Teenage Affidavit.

The DOS has more information on how to find and fill out these forms.

To get your Tennessee driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

Tennessee doesn't require Driver's Education to earn your license.

Before you can earn a Tennessee learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass the written test and vision exam.
• Present the proper identifying documents to the DOS.
• Pay the appropriate fees.

No. Tennessee does not require residents renewing their license to pass a vision exam.

Yes. If your last license renewal did not take place online or through the mail, you should be eligible.

The Tennessee DOS has more information on how to apply for a license renewal through the mail.

Yes. Tennessee allows residents to renew their license online.

To renew your Tennessee license in person, you'll need to have:

• Your current TN license.
• Acceptable proof of your:
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • Tennessee residency.
• The license renewal fee.

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license:

• In-person.
• Online.
• Through the mail.

The TN DOS's site has more information on these options.

You can renew your license as early as 12 months before its official expiration date.

TN license renewals cost $28.

Fees are subject to change. You should check with the Tennessee DOS before renewing your license for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test with:

• Your parent or guardian (if under 18 years old).
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old (if 18 or older).

You can take the Tennessee written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait at least 7 days before you can try again.

Save yourself the time and hassle by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Acceptable proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Tennessee residency.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
• A completed Proof of School Attendance form.
• The application fee.

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

The Tennessee written driver's exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. The test will be evenly split between the following subjects:

• Tennessee traffic signs and signals.
• Safe driving principles.
• Rules of the road.
• Drugs and alcohol.

All questions will be sourced directly from the TN Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment online.

Some TN DOS locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Tennessee Department of Safety office.

If you have special needs or language preferences other than English, you can arrange alternate formats with the TN DOS.

Make sure the Tennessee, TN Department of Safety is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

Tennessee driving test appointments can be scheduled online.

After you pass the permit test, you'll be issued your learner's permit. At that point, you'll need 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 apply for your intermediate restricted license.

You can take the test in person at any Driver Services Center.

If you failed your TN road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

How long you'll have to wait to re-take your Tennessee driving exam depends on how you did on the test. The more errors you made, the longer you'll have to wait to reschedule.

The examiner will explain more about your exact waiting period.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 7 days before retesting.

Save yourself the time by taking a free practice test to help you pass the first time!

If you don't pass your written test in TN, you'll have to wait at least 7 days before you can take another shot.

Practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Tennessee, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to Tennessee permanently, you have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. You can drive in Tennessee on your out-of-state permit as long as you follow all permitting rules of your home state.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, you will not need to take additional driving tests to transfer your license to Tennessee.

You will, however, need to pass a vision screening.

If you're moving to Tennessee, you have 30 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the TN Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The Tennessee written exam consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 30 total questions on the TN permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

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.

The TN written knowledge exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 6 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!