Where to explore for Your License in Knoxville

In Knoxville, you obtain your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section. The main office serving Knoxville is located at 1150 Foster Street, Knoxville, TN 37915. This is a walk-in facility — you do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is typically less crowded on weekday mornings before 11 a.m.

Tennessee also operates a satellite office in West Knoxville at 5411 Kingston Pike, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37919. Both locations handle the same services: new license issuance, renewals, replacements, and testing. You can visit either location; the choice depends on which is more convenient to you. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should confirm current hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go.

If you are unable to visit in person, Tennessee does not offer online license issuance for new drivers. You must appear at a Driver License office to complete the process, including the vision test and photograph.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Tennessee Driver License office in person in Knoxville; the main office is at 1150 Foster Street and a satellite office is at 5411 Kingston Pike.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you may study the Tennessee Driver Handbook online before you go.
  • A new driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for five years; you will also pay a $7 testing fee if you take the written or road test.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can test for a full license.

Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot complete your license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (original or certified copy), a valid state ID from another state, a military ID, or a Tribal ID. A photocopy is not acceptable; the document must be original or certified. If your birth certificate is not certified, you can obtain one from the Tennessee Vital Records office or the county where you were born.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full SSN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one at a Social Security office before you can get a driver's license.

For proof of Tennessee residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you have recently moved to Tennessee and do not yet have a document in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, plus a utility bill or lease in their name.

Written Test and Vision Screening

The Tennessee written test has 30 questions covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the Driver License office; you cannot take it online or by mail.

You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. The handbook covers all topics on the test. Many people study it for one to two weeks before testing. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Before you take the written test, you will have a vision screening. An employee will check your eyesight using a machine that measures your ability to see at distance and read small print. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be allowed to test for a license that day; you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrected vision report.

Road Test Requirements and Scheduling

After you pass the written test, you must pass a road test to receive your full license. The road test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. A staff member will inspect the vehicle before the test begins.

You cannot schedule a road test online in Tennessee. You must schedule it in person at the Driver License office when you pass your written test. The office will give you a date and time, usually within one to three weeks. If you cannot make that appointment, you can reschedule by phone or in person, but rescheduling may push your test date further out, especially during busy seasons.

You must bring the same vehicle to your road test that you used to schedule it. If you bring a different vehicle, the test will be cancelled. You must also bring your learner's permit (if you have one) and proof of insurance for the vehicle.

Costs and License Validity

A new driver's license in Tennessee costs $28.50 and is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you take the written test, you will pay an additional $7 testing fee. If you take the road test, you will pay another $7 testing fee. So a new driver who takes both tests will pay $28.50 + $7 + $7 = $42.50 total.

Tennessee accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at Driver License offices. If you pay by check, it must be made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, which you can use to drive legally until your plastic card arrives. Keep the temporary license in your vehicle.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, Tennessee law requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a license. The course is typically four to six weeks long and includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. You can take the course through a public high school, a private driving school, or an online provider approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety.

After you complete driver education, you will receive a certificate. Bring this certificate to the Driver License office when you explore. You will also need to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. During this 30-day period, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated next to you.

Drivers under 18 also face restrictions on their license. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for one year, whichever comes first.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

If your license is expiring soon or you have lost it, you can renew or replace it at either Knoxville Driver License office. A renewal costs $28.50 and extends your license for another five years. You do not need to take the written or road test to renew, but you will need to pass the vision screening again.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. A replacement costs $28.50 and takes the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may be required to retake the written test if it has been expired for more than two years. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call the Knoxville office to confirm whether you need to test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Tennessee Driver License office in Knoxville offers the written test in Spanish, Hmong, and several other languages. When you arrive at the office, tell the staff member which language you need. Not all offices offer all languages, so call ahead to confirm that your language is available at the location you plan to visit.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one business day. You must pay the $7 testing fee again each time you test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a different document?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically. You can bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return that shows your full Social Security number. However, the Social Security card is the fastest option because staff can verify it when ready.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, which is valid for driving until your card arrives. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Knoxville Driver License office to report it.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. You must visit a Driver License office in person to renew your license because you must pass a vision screening. Tennessee does not offer online or mail renewal for any driver's license type.