What You Need to Know About Tennessee Driver's Licenses
Tennessee issues three types of driver's licenses: a learner's permit (which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult), a restricted license (which comes after you pass your road test but before you turn 18), and a full unrestricted license (which you get at 18 or after holding a restricted license for a set time). The path from learner's permit to full license takes at least several months, and the rules change based on your age when you start.
You will explore through your local Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) driver license office. Tennessee has offices in every county, and you can find yours on the TDSH website. You cannot renew or obtain a license online — you must appear in person with the documents listed below.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test to get a learner's permit, then hold it for a minimum waiting period before you can take your road test.
- If you are under 18, you will receive a restricted license after passing your road test, not a full license, and restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or meet other conditions.
- You need proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN to explore; bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
- The road test includes both a written portion and a driving portion, and you must bring your own vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Tennessee recognizes out-of-state licenses and permits, so if you already hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to retake the written test.
Getting Your Learner's Permit in Tennessee
Your first step is to visit your local TDSH driver license office and pass the written knowledge test. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the TDSH website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
Bring your proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. Once you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit on the same day.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you must follow all other traffic laws. You must hold your permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can take your road test — this waiting period cannot be waived.
Taking Your Road Test and Getting a Restricted License
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule your road test at your local TDSH office. The road test has two parts: a written portion (usually five to ten questions about vehicle safety and road signs) and a driving portion where an examiner watches you drive for about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered in Tennessee, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition (working lights, brakes, wipers, and mirrors).
If you pass your road test and you are under 18, Tennessee will issue you a restricted license instead of a full license. A restricted license comes with rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free), and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in your car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your restricted license for six months and have no traffic violations.
If you are 18 or older when you pass your road test, you will receive a full unrestricted license when ready.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Office
Tennessee requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of your identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Tennessee address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also be present and bring their own proof of identity and residency. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights), you will need additional documents — ask your local office which ones explore to your situation.
If You Already Hold an Out-of-State License
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you do not have to retake the written knowledge test. Instead, you can go directly to your local TDSH office, pass a vision screening, and exchange your out-of-state license for a Tennessee license. You will still need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake the written test. If you are under 18 and your out-of-state license is unrestricted, Tennessee will still issue you a restricted license when you arrive, because Tennessee law requires all drivers under 18 to hold a restricted license first.
License Renewal and Real ID Compliance
Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew your license in person at your local TDSH office or, if you meet certain conditions, by mail. To renew by mail, your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you must not have any outstanding violations or suspensions.
Tennessee offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. If you want a Real ID license, you must bring additional documents proving your identity and residency — your local TDSH office can tell you exactly which ones. Standard licenses are still valid for driving in Tennessee and for most other purposes.
What Happens If You Fail Your Road Test
If you do not pass your road test, you can retake it. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, but you may need to schedule your next test in advance, depending on how busy your local office is. You can take the road test as many times as you need until you pass. Each attempt costs the same fee as your first test.
If you fail multiple times, consider getting more practice with a licensed driver or taking a professional driving lesson. Some driving schools in Tennessee offer instruction specifically for people preparing for the road test, and they can give you feedback on what you need to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or a letter from the IRS. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency.
How much does a Tennessee driver's license cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A learner's permit, a restricted license, and a full license each have different fees. Your local TDSH office can tell you the exact cost before you explore. Fees are paid at the time you explore.
Can I take my road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?
Yes. You can take your road test in any vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will not penalize you for the type of transmission. However, if you take your test in an automatic, your license will not restrict you to automatics — you can drive either type.
What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?
Go to your local TDSH office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license. You will receive your replacement license on the same day.
Do I need to pass a vision test to get a Tennessee license?
Yes. A vision screening is part of the process process at your local TDSH office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate before you can receive your license.