How to Get a Tennessee Driver's License
Getting a driver's license in Tennessee involves passing a 30-question written knowledge test (80% to pass), holding a learner's permit for 180 days minimum, completing 50 hours total (10 at night) of supervised driving, and passing a road test. Below is the complete process — eligibility, required documents, fees, and Tennessee-specific rules.
Tennessee License — Quick Facts
- Permit Age
- 15
- License Age
- 16 (intermediate restricted) / 18 (full)
- Full Privileges
- 18
- Permit Fee
- $10.50
- License Fee
- $28 (5-year)
- Written Test
- 30 Q · 80%
- Issuing Agency
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ↗
Age: Learner's permit at 15; full driver's license at 16 (intermediate restricted) / 18 (full); full unrestricted privileges at 18 Residency: Must be a Tennessee resident with documentation Permit holding period: 180 days minimum before becoming eligible to take the road test Supervised driving: 50 hours total (10 at night) of practice with a licensed adult before the road test
Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted at most TN Safety offices.
Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage) Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization Parental/guardian consent form (signed in person or notarized) — required for under-18 applicants Proof of school enrollment or graduation (in many states, required for under-18)
Always verify current document requirements with the TN Safety ↗ before your visit.
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1
Verify your eligibility
Confirm you're at least 15 (the minimum age for a Tennessee learner's permit) and have all required documents.
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2
Apply for your learner's permit
Visit a TN Safety office (or apply online if available), submit your documents, pay the $10.50 fee, and pass a vision test.
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3
Pass the written knowledge test
30 questions, 80% required (24 correct out of 30). Format: Multiple choice. Try our free Tennessee sample test →
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4
Complete supervised driving practice
Drive with a licensed adult (typically 21+ with 3+ years of driving experience). Log 50 hours total (10 at night) as documented practice. Hold the permit for at least 180 days minimum.
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5
Pass the road test
A TN Safety examiner rides with you for 15–25 minutes, scoring your driving on standard maneuvers. Pass to qualify for licensing.
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6
Receive your driver's license
Pay the license fee ($28 (5-year)), have your photo taken, and receive your Tennessee driver's license. A temporary paper license is usually issued the same day; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks.
Standard road test components in Tennessee (and most US states):
Pre-drive vehicle inspection (lights, signals, horn, mirrors) Starting and proper signaling before moving Lane changes and merging into traffic Stop sign and traffic signal compliance Right and left turns at intersections Parallel parking Three-point turn (if road permits) Backing in a straight line Maintaining safe following distance Speed control (not too fast, not too slow) Mirror and blind-spot checks Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling stops — slowing without coming to a complete stop Failing to check blind spots before lane changes Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by 1–2 mph Not signaling far enough in advance of turns Improper or unsafe lane changes Failing to yield right-of-way at intersections Hitting curbs while parking Driving too slowly (perceived as unsafe in traffic)
Hands-free law (2019): no holding a phone, even at red lights. First-offense fine $50.
💡 Pro tip: Three-point turns and Smoky Mountain driving (downshifting on grades) are tested.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you can apply for a learner's permit at age 15. A full driver's license is available at age 16 (intermediate restricted) / 18 (full), with full unrestricted privileges by age 18.
How much does it cost to get a Tennessee driver's license?
Tennessee's permit fee is $10.50, and the license fee is $28 (5-year). Total cost varies depending on the length of license you choose. Always verify current fees with the TN Safety.
How many questions are on the Tennessee written test?
The Tennessee written knowledge test has 30 questions. You need to answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Format: Multiple choice.
How long do I have to hold my permit in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires holding your learner's permit for 180 days minimum before applying for a full license. During this time, you must complete 50 hours total (10 at night) of supervised driving practice.
What's a Tennessee-specific rule I should know?
Hands-free law (2019): no holding a phone, even at red lights. First-offense fine $50.
Ready to pass the Tennessee written test?
Practice with our free Tennessee sample test or download the full app for hundreds of practice questions.