Where to Get Your License in Nashville
In Nashville, you obtain your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section. The main office that serves Nashville and Davidson County is located at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. This is a walk-in facility — you do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
Tennessee also operates a satellite office in the Nashville area at the Hermitage Driver Services Center, 3700 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076. Both locations issue all types of driver's licenses and handle renewals, replacements, and testing. You can check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go.
If you cannot visit in person, Tennessee offers limited services by mail for renewals only — not for new licenses or tests. First-time applicants and anyone changing license class must appear in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency to get a new license in Nashville.
- Tennessee requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive a driver's license.
- The fee for a four-year driver's license is $27.50; an eight-year license costs $55, and a REAL ID-compliant license costs $35 for four years or $70 for eight years.
- You can schedule a road test appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, which reduces wait time at the testing facility.
- If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to retake the written test, but you must still pass the vision screening and road test.
Documents You Need for a New License
Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot get a license without all three, so gather these before you go to the Driver Services Center.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a valid military ID, a valid state ID from another state, a certified birth certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photo is required on the document.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A document showing your full nine-digit number is required.
For proof of Tennessee residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Nashville address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government notice. A PO Box does not count as proof of residency.
The Testing Process and What to Expect
You must pass three separate tests to receive your license: the written knowledge test, the vision screening, and the road test. You can take the written test and vision screening on the same day at the Driver Services Center, but the road test is scheduled separately and usually takes place within one to three weeks.
The written knowledge test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 24 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the free Tennessee Driver's Manual, available on the Department of Safety website.
The vision screening checks your eyesight to the standard required for safe driving. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot proceed until you return with corrective documentation.
The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A state examiner drives with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) through Nashville streets and evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Common reasons for failing include improper lane changes, failure to yield, speeding, and not checking mirrors.
Fees and License Validity
Tennessee driver's licenses come in two validity periods: four years and eight years. The fee depends on which you choose and whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license.
| License Type | 4-Year Cost | 8-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver's License | $27.50 | $55.00 |
| REAL ID-Compliant License | $35.00 | $70.00 |
A REAL ID-compliant license is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. It has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not need REAL ID compliance, the standard license is less expensive and works for all state and local purposes.
Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at the Driver Services Center. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.
If You Hold an Out-of-State License
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you do not automatically have to retake the written knowledge test. However, you must still pass the vision screening and the road test before Tennessee will issue you a license.
Bring your current out-of-state license along with the same identity, Social Security, and residency documents required for a new applicant. The examiner will review your driving record from your previous state. If you have recent violations or suspensions, Tennessee may require you to take the written test anyway.
The road test requirement cannot be waived, even if you have held a license for many years. This is Tennessee's standard for all new residents.
Scheduling Your Road Test Online
You can schedule your road test appointment through the Tennessee Department of Safety website without visiting the Driver Services Center in person. Go to the department's online scheduling system, select your preferred testing location (Nashville or Hermitage), and choose an available date and time.
You must have already passed your written knowledge test and vision screening before you can schedule a road test. Once you schedule, you will receive a confirmation number and instructions about what to bring on test day.
Scheduling online typically reduces your wait time compared to walk-in testing. If you miss your scheduled appointment, you can reschedule online, but repeated no-shows may result in a waiting period before you can book again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. Tennessee offers the written knowledge test in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, and several other languages. Tell the staff member at the Driver Services Center which language you need when you arrive. You do not need to request this in advance.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule a new appointment. Each road test attempt costs the same as the first test — there is no additional fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the road test?
Yes. You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use a vehicle belonging to the testing facility or the examiner.
How long does a driver's license take to arrive if I explore in person?
If you pass all tests on the same day, Tennessee will issue your license when ready as a temporary paper document. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary document until the plastic card arrives.
What is the age requirement for a driver's license in Tennessee?
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a driver's license in Tennessee. Applicants under 18 have additional restrictions, including a learner's permit phase and a supervised driving requirement. The Department of Safety website details the graduated licensing system for minors.