Where to go for your Lebanon driver's license

The Lebanon Driver Services Center is the only place in Lebanon where you can get a Tennessee driver's license. It is located at 610 South Hartmann Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087. This is a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security office, and it handles all license types — learner's permits, regular licenses, and renewals.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, the line moves faster than afternoons or Fridays. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you want to check the current wait time before you go, you can call the office at (615) 444-8000.

If you cannot reach the Lebanon office or need to know about other nearby locations, the Wilson County Clerk's office can also direct you to the closest alternative. However, the Lebanon Driver Services Center is your primary location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lebanon Driver Services Center at 610 South Hartmann Drive is where you get your Tennessee driver's license, and you do not need an appointment.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency — the specific documents depend on your age and whether you are a new resident.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook online.
  • The road test is performed at the same location, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working safety equipment.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written test, but you still need the same identity and residency documents.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency. What counts in each category depends on whether you are a new resident or already live in Tennessee.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with their own ID.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return works too. If you do not have any of these, you will need to explore for a Social Security number first at your local Social Security office.

For proof of Tennessee residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you just moved to Tennessee, bring the document that shows your new address. If you are homeless, ask the staff about alternative proof options — they have procedures for this.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and Tennessee traffic laws. You take it on a computer at the Driver Services Center, and you get your score when ready.

The Tennessee Driver Handbook is free and available online at the Tennessee Department of Safety website. It covers everything on the test. You can read it on a screen or print it. Most people spend 3 to 5 hours studying it before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts.

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test. You can exchange it for a Tennessee license by bringing your out-of-state license plus the identity, Social Security, and residency documents listed above. This is faster than the full process.

The road test: what to expect and what your vehicle needs

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test at the same Lebanon location. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping smoothly. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers a route in and around Lebanon.

Your vehicle must be registered in Tennessee, have current insurance, and have working safety equipment: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and a functioning horn. The examiner will check these before you drive. The vehicle must also have a valid inspection sticker. If anything is broken or missing, the examiner will not let you test that day.

You get one attempt per scheduled test. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but there is usually a wait of several days to a week depending on how busy the office is. Bring your learner's permit, your ID, and proof of insurance in the vehicle.

Fees and how long it takes

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27 and is valid for five years. If you are 18 or older, the cost is the same whether you are getting your first license or renewing. Payment is cash or card at the Driver Services Center.

The timeline depends on whether you already have a license from another state. If you are exchanging an out-of-state license, the process takes one visit: bring your documents, pass the vision test, and you walk out with your license the same day. If you are getting your first license, you need two visits — one for the written test and one for the road test — and the whole process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on how quickly you schedule the road test after passing the written test.

Your temporary license is issued when ready after you pass the road test. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your Tennessee license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary — often 30 days to one year — and happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or DUI convictions. Revocations are permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

To find out the status of your license, call the Lebanon Driver Services Center at (615) 444-8000 or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website. They will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to clear it. This might mean paying a fine, completing a DUI education program, or waiting out the suspension period.

Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can return to the Driver Services Center with your documents and get a new license. Bring the same identity, Social Security, and residency documents as a first-time applicant.

Real ID and what it means for your Lebanon license

Tennessee offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights. A standard license does not.

Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($27) and requires the same documents, plus one extra step: you must show proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This can be your passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. If you do not have one of these, you can get a standard license instead, but you will need a passport to fly domestically after May 7, 2025.

Most people getting a new license in Lebanon choose Real ID because the cost is the same and it works for more purposes. Tell the staff at the Driver Services Center that you want the Real ID version when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license the same day I take the written test?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate road test appointment. The road test usually happens within a few days to a week. Once you pass the road test, you get a temporary license that day and the permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another test, usually within a few days. There is no extra fee to retake it. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next attempt. Many people pass on the second try.

Do I need an appointment at the Lebanon Driver Services Center?

No. You can walk in anytime during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Wait times vary, but calling ahead at (615) 444-8000 lets you know how busy it is before you go.

Can I use my out-of-state license to drive in Tennessee while I wait for my Tennessee license?

Yes. Your out-of-state license is valid in Tennessee for 30 days after you move there. After that, you must have a Tennessee license. If you are exchanging your out-of-state license, you get your Tennessee license the same day, so this is not usually a problem.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or pay stub?

You will need to get a replacement Social Security card from your local Social Security office before you can get a driver's license. Bring your birth certificate and ID to Social Security. Once you have your card or a document showing your number, you can return to the Driver Services Center with all your other documents.