What you need to get a new Tennessee driver license

To get your first Tennessee driver license, you will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Tennessee does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test before the license is issued.

The process takes multiple visits unless you already hold a valid out-of-state license. If you do, you may skip the written test but still must pass the vision screening and driving test. Plan for at least two trips to a Driver Services Center — one to explore and take the written test, and a second to take the driving test after you schedule it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number to a Driver Services Center; copies and digital photos do not work.
  • The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • You cannot take the driving test on the same day as your written test; Tennessee requires you to schedule it separately, usually one to four weeks later.
  • If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you can skip the written test but must still pass vision and driving tests.
  • The license fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license, and you must pay in cash, debit card, or credit card at the Driver Services Center.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. The document must be original — photocopies and digital images on your phone will not be accepted. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Bring one document that proves you live in Tennessee. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as proof of residency.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. You can show your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Tennessee driver license.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. Tennessee provides a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver's Handbook, which you can read online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or pick up at any Driver Services Center.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. The test is computer-based, and you will see your score when ready after you finish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. You have three chances to pass within a 12-month period; if you fail all three, you must wait one year before you can test again.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule your driving test at a separate appointment. You cannot take the driving test on the same day. The wait time for a driving test appointment varies by location — some Driver Services Centers have openings within one to two weeks, while others may have a wait of four weeks or longer. Call the Driver Services Center where you passed your written test to schedule, or use the online appointment system on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

For the driving test, bring the same documents you brought to your written test appointment, plus proof of vehicle insurance. Your vehicle must be registered in Tennessee or another state, have valid tags, and pass a safety inspection. The examiner will check your vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes driving on city streets and highways, parking, and backing up. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

What happens if you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one week. You do not need to retake the written test. You must bring your vehicle and proof of insurance to each driving test appointment. You have three chances to pass the driving test within a 12-month period. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one year before you can test again.

Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, and not checking mirrors and blind spots. The examiner will tell you which maneuvers you did not perform correctly. Many Driver Services Centers offer practice test information or can recommend local driving schools if you want additional instruction before your next attempt.

Getting your license after you pass

After you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one. Keep it with you when you drive.

Your new Tennessee driver license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires. The license costs $27.50, and you must pay at the Driver Services Center when you explore. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you already have a driver license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written test. You must still pass the vision screening and the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a Driver Services Center. The process is faster than getting a license for the first time because you skip the written test.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot use it to skip the written test. You will need to take the full test sequence as if you were a new driver. Bring your expired license along with the other required documents so the examiner can see your driving history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Tennessee requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You must visit a Driver Services Center during their business hours to test.

What if I fail the written test three times?

If you fail the written test three times within a 12-month period, you must wait one full year before you can test again. The year starts from the date of your third failed attempt. After one year has passed, you can return to a Driver Services Center and start over with a new set of three attempts.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No. Tennessee does not require a learner's permit for adults. You can take the written test and driving test back-to-back (on separate days) without holding a permit first. Minors under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before they can take the driving test.

What if my vehicle fails the safety check before the driving test?

If your vehicle does not pass the safety inspection, you cannot take the driving test that day. You must fix the problem and reschedule. Common failures include broken lights, worn wipers, or a non-functioning horn. Bring a different vehicle if you can, or fix the issues and book a new appointment.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 7 to 10 business days, or until your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail, whichever comes first. Do not lose it — you will need it to drive legally while you wait for the permanent license. If it arrives damaged or does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you tested.