What you need to know about getting a license in Millington

Millington is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, so you'll get your driver license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security — the same agency that issues licenses across the state. There is no separate Millington license; instead, you follow Tennessee's standard licensing path, which moves from a learner permit through a restricted license to a full unrestricted license. The closest place to test and renew is the Shelby County Driver Services office in Memphis, about 20 minutes away.

Tennessee does not issue licenses by city, but your address in Millington will appear on your license. The process is the same whether you live in Millington, Memphis, or anywhere else in the state — you pass a written test, a road test, and pay the state fee. This guide covers what that process looks like and what documents you'll need.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee issues all driver licenses through the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security, not through individual cities like Millington.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a road test at a Shelby County Driver Services office before you receive a full license.
  • You can start with a learner permit at age 15, move to a restricted license at 16, and get an unrestricted license at 17 or 18 depending on how long you've held the restricted license.
  • The nearest testing location for Millington residents is the Shelby County Driver Services office in Memphis, which requires an appointment for road tests.
  • You'll need documents like a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN before you can test.

The three-stage path from learner permit to full license

Tennessee uses a graduated licensing system that starts with a learner permit, moves to a restricted license, and ends with an unrestricted license. Each stage has different age requirements and driving rules. You cannot skip stages — you must hold each one for a set period before moving to the next.

The learner permit is your first step. You can get one at age 15 by passing a written knowledge test. While you hold it, you must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat with you at all times. There is no minimum time you must hold a learner permit, but you cannot move to the restricted license until you are 16.

The restricted license comes next, at age 16. You explore for it after you pass your road test. With a restricted license, you can drive alone during the day, but you have nighttime and passenger limits: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under age 21 (with some exceptions for family members). You must hold the restricted license for at least six months before you can get an unrestricted license.

The unrestricted license is your final stage. You can get one at age 17 if you've held the restricted license for six months, or at age 18 regardless of how long you've held it. Once you have it, there are no time, passenger, or age-based driving restrictions.

Documents you'll need to bring to the Driver Services office

Before you can take either the written or road test, you must prove your identity, age, and residency. Tennessee requires specific documents — bringing the wrong ones will delay your test. Bring originals, not copies, unless the office tells you otherwise.

For proof of identity and age, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a valid passport. A school ID alone is not enough. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Millington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have one in your name, a parent or guardian's document with your name listed may work — call ahead to ask.

You will also need your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. Bring any documents related to your name if it has changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.

How to schedule your written and road tests

The written test and road test are separate appointments. You take the written test first, and you can schedule it online or by phone through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. Road tests must be scheduled in advance — you cannot walk in and test the same day. For Millington residents, the nearest testing location is the Shelby County Driver Services office in Memphis. Call them directly to book your road test appointment, as online scheduling for road tests is not always available. The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.

Both tests have fees. The written test costs money, and the road test costs money. Fees vary slightly by year, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for current amounts before you go.

What to bring and expect on road test day

On the day of your road test, bring your learner permit or restricted license, proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be testing in, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to test that day.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping smoothly. They will also have you drive on local streets and follow traffic laws. The test is not designed to trick you — it measures whether you can control the vehicle safely and obey the rules of the road. Most people pass on their first try if they have practiced with their learner permit.

If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again.

Renewing your license after you get it

Once you have your unrestricted license, you will need to renew it periodically. Tennessee licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age when you get them. A license issued between ages 18 and 64 is usually valid for eight years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office.

You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you move within Tennessee, you can update your address online or at the office without renewing the whole license. If you move out of state, you will need to get a new Tennessee license or switch to your new state's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in Millington, or do I have to go to Memphis?

Road tests are only given at the Shelby County Driver Services office in Memphis. There is no testing location in Millington itself. The office is about 20 minutes from Millington, and you must schedule an appointment in advance.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another test without waiting. You will pay the test fee again. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt after more practice with their learner permit.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Tennessee license?

You need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you don't have either, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access. You can still get a license without a Social Security number, but you must have one of these documents.

Can I get my license if I live in Millington but my parents live somewhere else in Tennessee?

Yes. Your license will show your actual address — the place where you live. If you live in Millington, your license will say Millington. You test at the Shelby County office regardless of where your parents live.

How long does it take to get a license from start to finish?

It depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how much you practice. You can take the written test as soon as you have your documents. After you pass it, you can schedule the road test. Most people complete both tests within a few weeks if they book appointments promptly.