What you need to do to get a Tennessee driver's license

To get a Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Tennessee does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The whole process — from your first visit through passing both tests — typically takes a few weeks, though you can complete the written and driving tests on the same day if you pass the written test first.

Tennessee issues a Class D license for regular passenger vehicle driving. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate endorsement. If you are under 18, you go through a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program with different rules for permit holders and new drivers.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to start the process.
  • Tennessee requires you to pass a written knowledge test before you can take the driving test, and both tests happen at Driver Services offices.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; the driving test lasts about 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control and road awareness.
  • A Class D license costs $28.50 for an eight-year license, and you must renew in person the first time you renew after getting your license.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a permit for at least 30 days and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test.

Documents you must bring to a Driver Services office

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but you must bring at least one document from each category.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, a school ID, or a state ID from another state. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official copy with a raised seal or embossed seal, not a photocopy.

Proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government letter addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must be an official document from a utility company, bank, government agency, or landlord.

Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a bank statement showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the Social Security Administration office before you visit Driver Services.

How to pass the written knowledge test

The written test has 30 questions and covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the Driver Services office. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Tennessee provides a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver's Manual, which you can read from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or pick up at any Driver Services office. The manual covers everything on the test. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test.

You can request the test in languages other than English, including Spanish. Call your local Driver Services office ahead of time to confirm they offer the language you need.

How to pass the driving test

The driving test lasts about 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Driver Services office. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control, awareness of other traffic, and following traffic laws.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and brakes must all work. You must also bring proof of insurance — your insurance card or a printed copy of your policy. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a signed note from the owner saying you have permission to use it for the test.

You can take the driving test on the same day you pass the written test if you want to. Many people do this to get it over with in one visit. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and may have to pay a retest fee.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A Class D driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years. You pay this fee when you pass the driving test and receive your license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — the cost is $33.50 and the license is still valid for eight years. Real ID requires one additional document proving your legal presence in the United States, such as a U.S. passport or a birth certificate.

If you add a motorcycle endorsement, that costs an additional $10.50. You must pass a separate written test and riding test for the motorcycle endorsement.

Your license is mailed to you after you pass the driving test. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the Driver Services office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

The Graduated Driver License program for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, Tennessee requires you to complete a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program before you can get a full driver's license. The program has two stages: the permit stage and the provisional license stage.

In the permit stage, you must be at least 15 years old. You pass the written test and receive a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days. During this time, you must complete a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course — through an approved provider. Tennessee's Department of Safety website lists approved courses.

After 30 days and after completing driver education, you can take the driving test. If you pass, you receive a provisional license, which is valid until you turn 18. On a provisional license, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless a licensed adult is in the vehicle, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except for emergencies). These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the provisional license for one year, whichever comes first.

If you are 18 or older, you skip the GDL program entirely and go straight to the Class D license process.

Where to find a Driver Services office and what to expect

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you visit.

Bring all your documents, arrive early, and expect to wait. Most offices are busy, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some offices now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if you can reserve a time slot.

Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. The fee for the written test is included in the license fee, and the driving test fee is also included. You pay one total fee when you pass the driving test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license online or by mail?

No. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. However, if your license is not expiring soon and you have renewed before, you may be able to renew by mail on your second renewal and beyond. Call your local Driver Services office to ask about mail renewal options for your situation.

What if I fail the written test or the driving test?

You can retake either test. There is usually a one-day waiting period between attempts, and you may pay a retest fee (typically $5 to $10, though this varies by office). You do not have to retake the test you passed — if you passed the written test but failed the driving test, you only retake the driving test.

Do I need a Tennessee ID card before I get a driver's license?

No. A driver's license serves as your ID in Tennessee. You do not need a separate ID card unless you do not drive and want an ID for other purposes, like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.

What happens if I move to Tennessee from another state?

You must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of moving. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Tennessee license at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of residency in Tennessee, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not have to retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid.

Can I get a Tennessee license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can explore for a Social Security number at the Social Security Administration office before you visit Driver Services. Bring your birth certificate, passport, or other identity document. Once you have a Social Security number, you can proceed with the license process.