Where to Get Your License in Columbia

In Columbia, Tennessee, you get your driver's license through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section. This is the only place that issues licenses in Maury County. The main office is located at 1150 Maury County Park Road, Columbia, TN 38401. You cannot get a license at a satellite office or through the mail — you must appear in person with your documents and pass both a written test and a road test.

The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours can vary by season. It's wise to call ahead at the local office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon). Some people arrive early or go on a Wednesday or Thursday to avoid the heaviest crowds.

You will need to bring original documents with you — photocopies are not accepted. The staff will not issue a license without proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbia Driver License office is at 1150 Maury County Park Road and is the only place in the county where you can get a Tennessee driver's license.
  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Tennessee residency, and Social Security number; photocopies will not be accepted.
  • You will take a written test and a road test on the same day or on separate visits, depending on whether you pass the written test first.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign consent forms.
  • Wait times are longest mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays; calling ahead can help you plan when to go.

Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot use a photocopy or digital image — the staff must see the original document.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or expired license will not work on its own. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document (such as a tax return or court order) that shows your name and a Columbia or Maury County address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you are under 18, bring your parent's or legal guardian's ID as well. They will need to sign a parental consent form at the office. If you are changing your name (for example, after marriage or divorce), bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the name change.

The Written Test and Road Test in Columbia

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 questions and must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask the staff when you arrive. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available online or in print at the Columbia office.

If you pass the written test, you can schedule a road test for the same day or a later date, depending on the office's schedule and how many people are waiting. The road test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping — and will observe how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to other drivers. You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but you will pay a fee each time.

License Types and What You Can Drive

Tennessee issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and what you want to drive. A Class D license is the standard license for driving a regular passenger car or light truck. You can get a Class D license at age 16 with a learner's permit and supervised driving hours, or at age 18 without a permit.

A Class C license allows you to drive a motorcycle. You must be at least 16 years old and pass a separate motorcycle written test and road test. Some people get a Class D and Class C together; others get only the Class C if they plan to ride a motorcycle instead of a car.

A Class B license is for driving a bus or a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers. A Class A license is for driving a tractor-trailer or other large commercial vehicle. Both require additional training and testing beyond the standard license. If you are interested in either, ask the staff at the Columbia office about the requirements and the training schools in the area.

Costs and How Long It Takes

The fee for a Class D driver's license in Tennessee is $27.50 for an eight-year license. If you are over 60, the license costs $19.50 and is valid for five years. The fee for a Class C motorcycle license is an additional $17.50. You pay at the time you explore, and the fee is non-refundable even if you do not pass the tests.

The written test is usually available the same day you arrive, but the road test may have a wait. Some people pass the written test and schedule the road test for a week or two later. Others wait and take both tests on the same day if the office is not too busy. Once you pass both tests, your license is printed on the spot, and you can leave with it the same day.

If you are under 18, your license will have a Graduated Driver License (GDL) restriction for the first six months. This means you cannot drive between midnight and 4:00 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 21 in the car (unless a parent or guardian is also in the car). After six months, you can request that the restriction be removed.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the Columbia office. You will pay the $27.50 fee, and your new Tennessee license will be issued the same day.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake the written test and road test as if you were a new driver. If you have a commercial license from another state, the rules are more complex — ask the staff at the Columbia office about the specific requirements for your situation.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for eight years (or five years if you are over 60). You can renew your license in person at the Columbia office, or you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call the Columbia office to see if you are may be able to access for mail renewal.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Columbia office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and you will pay a replacement fee (usually around $7 to $10). A replacement license is issued the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. The written test must be taken in person at the Columbia Driver License office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at any other location. You must go to the office, show your ID, and take the test on a computer or paper form at the office.

What if I fail the road test — how soon can I retake it?

You must wait at least one day before retaking the road test. You can retake it as many times as you need, but you will pay the test fee each time. There is no limit on the number of attempts.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the road test?

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to the written test and road test. If you are under 18, you must have a learner's permit and complete a certain number of supervised driving hours before you can take the road test.

Can someone else take the road test in my car if I don't have one?

No. You must provide the vehicle you will use for the road test, and it must be registered and insured in someone's name. The examiner will not use a staff vehicle or a borrowed car. If you do not have access to a car, ask family or friends if you can use theirs for the test.

What happens if I move out of Columbia but keep my Tennessee license?

Your Tennessee license remains valid no matter where you move within the state or out of state. You do not need to update your address on your license unless you want to. If you do want to update it, you can do so at any Driver License office in Tennessee, including the Columbia office, by bringing proof of your new address.