The Tennessee Driver License Office in Memphis

In Memphis, you get your driver license at the Tennessee Driver License Office located at 1060 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the main office where you take your written test, road test, and pick up your license after you pass. It is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the state agency that issues all Tennessee driver licenses.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot walk in without an appointment — you must schedule one ahead of time through the Tennessee online system or by calling the office directly. Wait times vary by season and time of day, but scheduling in advance keeps you from sitting in the lobby for hours.

This single location serves all of Shelby County, which includes Memphis and the surrounding area. If you live outside Shelby County but are taking your test in Memphis, you can still use this office, but you may find it faster to use a location closer to home.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Driver License Office is at 1060 Poplar Avenue and is the only place in Memphis where you can take your written and road tests.
  • You must schedule an appointment before you go — walk-ins are not accepted.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling the office directly.
  • Bring all required documents, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency, or your appointment will be cancelled.

How to Schedule Your Appointment

To schedule an appointment at the Memphis office, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the appointment booking system. You will choose the Memphis location, pick the type of test you need (written, road, or both), and select an available date and time. The system shows you open slots weeks in advance, so you can plan around your work or school schedule.

If you cannot use the online system or prefer to call, the Memphis office phone number is (901) 543-7500. Staff can book your appointment over the phone and answer questions about what documents to bring. Calling is also the fastest way to learn about same-week appointments are available.

Once you book, you will receive a confirmation email or text message with your appointment details. Save this confirmation — you may need to show it when you arrive. If you need to reschedule, do it through the same online system or call the office at least 24 hours before your appointment.

What Documents to Bring

You must bring specific documents to your appointment, or the office will cancel it and you will lose your slot. Bring one form of primary identification — a passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization. You also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.

Bring one document showing your current address in Tennessee, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with a valid ID. If you are renewing or replacing a license, bring your old license if you still have it.

The office staff will make copies of your documents, so bring originals, not photocopies. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost in the waiting area.

Taking Your Written Test at the Memphis Office

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take the test on a computer at the office during your appointment. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get your score when ready after you finish.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office visit. If you fail twice in one day, you will need to schedule a new appointment on a different day.

Before your appointment, study the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the Department of Safety website. Many people also use practice tests online to get familiar with the question format. The handbook covers everything the test asks about, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.

Taking Your Road Test at the Memphis Office

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You drive in the Memphis area around the office, mostly on city streets. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores you on how safely you handle the vehicle and whether you follow traffic signs and signals.

You must bring your own vehicle to the road test — the office does not provide one. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you start driving. If anything is broken, the test will be cancelled.

You pass the road test if you do not make any major errors, such as hitting a curb, running a red light, or failing to yield. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign do not automatically fail you. If you fail, you can retake the test by scheduling another appointment, usually within a few days.

Picking Up Your License After You Pass

If you pass both the written and road tests on the same day, you can pick up your temporary license at the office before you leave. The temporary license is a printed piece of paper that is valid for 30 days while the state prints your plastic card. You can drive with the temporary license just like a regular license.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The office will mail it to the address you provided during your appointment. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call the office to check the status. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during busy seasons.

If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited printing at the office for an additional fee, though this is not always available. Ask the staff when you pick up your temporary license whether expedited service is an option.

Other Driver License Services in Memphis

The Memphis office also handles license renewals, replacements, and address changes. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same office using the same appointment system. Renewals are faster than first-time licenses because you do not need to retake tests — you just update your information and pay the fee.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at the Memphis office. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required. Replacements usually take the same two to three weeks as a new license.

You can also change your address at the Memphis office if you move within Tennessee. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. Address changes are quick and do not require an appointment at some offices, but calling ahead is still a good idea to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a different city if I live in Memphis?

Yes. You can take your road test at any Tennessee Driver License Office, not just the one in Memphis. If you live closer to another office or prefer a different location, you can schedule your appointment there instead. The written test can also be taken at any office.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test by scheduling another appointment, usually within a few days. There is no waiting period between attempts. You do not have to retake the written test if you already passed it — your written test score stays on file for six months.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically. You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or any other document that shows your Social Security number. The office just needs proof of the number, not the card itself.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

Your permanent plastic license usually arrives within two to three weeks of passing your tests. Mail delivery times vary, so it may take longer during busy seasons. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call the office to check whether it was mailed and to your correct address.

Can I schedule my appointment on the same day I want to test?

Same-day appointments are sometimes available, but it depends on how busy the office is. Scheduling online shows you available slots weeks in advance, so you can see whether same-day times exist. Calling the office is the fastest way to learn about a slot opened up that day.