Where to go for your license in Morristown

The Morristown Driver Services office is located at 560 West First North Street in Morristown, Tennessee 37814. This is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security facility where you will take your written test, road test, and receive your license once you pass both. You cannot get a license by mail or online in Tennessee — you must visit in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change, so call ahead at the office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit; if you are missing anything, you will have to return another day.

Key Takeaways

  • The Morristown Driver Services office at 560 West First North Street is where you take your written test, road test, and receive your license.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to your appointment.
  • Tennessee requires you to pass a written test first, then schedule a separate road test appointment, which can take several weeks.
  • The road test fee is $20 and the license fee depends on your age and license type, ranging from about $27 to $35.
  • If you fail your road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military ID. A school ID or work ID alone will not work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Morristown address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address on your license.

If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian with you, and they must sign your process in front of the examiner. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

The written test and what it covers

The Tennessee written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the Morristown office.

The test covers Tennessee traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Department of Safety website. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test.

You can take the written test the same day you bring your documents, or you can schedule it for another day. Once you pass, you will receive a permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult while you prepare for your road test.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule a separate appointment for your road test. The Morristown office will give you information about how to book your test — you may be able to schedule it by phone or online, depending on current availability. Road test appointments often fill up weeks in advance, so ask about the soonest available date.

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, stopping at traffic lights, and merging. You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day. You will pay the $20 road test fee again for each attempt. Many people pass on their second or third try, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your license.

License types and fees in Tennessee

Tennessee offers several license types depending on your age and driving history. A Class D license is the standard license for drivers 18 and older. If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which has restrictions on when and where you can drive.

The fee for a Class D license is $27 if you are 18 to 64 years old, and the license is valid for eight years. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $19 and the license is valid for five years. GDL licenses for teenagers cost $27 and are valid for four years, then convert to a Class D license.

You can also get a Real ID-compliant license for an additional fee of about $8 to $10. A Real ID license has a gold star in the corner and is required for federal buildings and air travel starting in 2025. You will need an extra document to prove citizenship or legal residency if you want a Real ID.

What happens if you fail your road test

If you do not pass your road test, the examiner will tell you which skills you need to practice. Common reasons for failing include not checking mirrors, rolling through stop signs, hitting the curb while parking, or not signaling before turning. You will receive a written report explaining what you did wrong.

You can retake the test as soon as the next day. You must pay the $20 road test fee again. Many people find it helpful to practice the specific skills the examiner mentioned before their next attempt. The Morristown office can tell you how far in advance you need to schedule your next test.

Renewing or replacing your license

Once you have your license, you can renew it by mail or online before it expires — Tennessee sends you a reminder about 60 days before your expiration date. You do not need to take another test to renew. If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at the Morristown office for a small fee, usually around $7 to $10.

If you move to a different address in Tennessee, you should update your address at the Morristown office or online. You do not need a new license just to change your address, but your license should show your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you must take your road test at the office where you passed your written test. If you live closer to a different Driver Services office, you can take your written test there instead and then schedule your road test at that location.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test, and you can take it as many times as you need. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the handbook between tries.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured in Tennessee. The car must have working brakes, lights, wipers, mirrors, and a valid inspection sticker. You cannot use a vehicle that belongs to someone else unless you have written permission from the owner.

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

You will receive your license the same day you pass your road test. The examiner will take your photo and print your license at the Morristown office before you leave.

What if I am moving out of Tennessee soon?

You can still get a Tennessee license even if you plan to move. Once you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Tennessee does not issue temporary or out-of-state licenses.