What you need to know about Tennessee driver's licenses

Tennessee issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age, citizenship status, and what you plan to drive. A standard Class D license lets you drive regular passenger vehicles and is what most people get. If you're under 18, you'll start with a learner's permit, then move to a restricted license, and finally a full license. Tennessee also issues commercial driver's licenses (CDL) for people who drive trucks or buses for work, and motorcycle endorsements if you want to ride a motorcycle.

To get any Tennessee license, you'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision test, and pass a driving test (except for some permit holders). You'll also need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Tennessee residency. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which type of license you're getting and whether you're a first-time driver.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee offers Class D licenses for regular drivers, learner's permits for new drivers under 18, and commercial licenses for truck and bus drivers.
  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Tennessee address to get any license.
  • First-time drivers under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test for a restricted license.
  • A standard Class D license costs $28.50 in Tennessee and is valid for eight years, while a learner's permit costs $10 and lasts one year.
  • You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal.

Class D license for regular drivers

A Class D license is the standard license for driving a car, truck, or van on Tennessee roads. You can get one at age 16 if you've held a restricted license for at least six months and passed all required tests, or at age 18 if you're a first-time driver. If you're 18 or older and have never had a Tennessee license, you can skip the learner's permit and restricted license steps and go straight to the Class D test.

To get a Class D license, you'll need to pass a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test with a Department of Safety examiner. The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly. The driving test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. A Class D license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years.

Learner's permit and restricted license for drivers under 18

If you're under 18 and getting your first Tennessee license, you must start with a learner's permit. You can get a permit at age 15 by passing the written test and vision test. You do not take a driving test for the permit. A learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year. While you hold a permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you whenever you drive.

After holding your permit for at least 30 days, you can take the driving test to get a restricted license. A restricted license lets you drive without a supervising adult, but it comes with rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., you cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car (unless they're a family member). A restricted license is valid for two years and costs $28.50. Once you turn 18 or have held the restricted license for six months, you can upgrade to a full Class D license without taking another driving test.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) for truck and bus drivers

If you drive a truck or bus for work, you need a commercial driver's license. Tennessee issues CDLs in several classes depending on the vehicle's weight and what you're hauling. You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL (21 if you're driving across state lines). Before you can take the CDL test, you must hold a valid Class D license and pass a medical exam by a certified examiner.

The CDL process includes a written test on commercial driving rules, a vision and medical test, and a skills test with a vehicle you'll actually drive. The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection where you walk around the truck and point out safety features, a basic control skills test in a closed course, and a road test. A CDL costs $80 and is valid for eight years. You may also need endorsements for hazardous materials, passenger transport, or other specialties, each of which requires an additional written test.

Motorcycle endorsement

To ride a motorcycle on Tennessee roads, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. You can add an endorsement to any valid Class D or CDL license. To get a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. The written test has 20 questions and covers things like how to brake, turn, and handle hazards on a motorcycle.

The riding skills test takes about 20 minutes and is done in a closed course. You'll be tested on starting the motorcycle, shifting gears, turning, braking, and swerving to avoid obstacles. You can use your own motorcycle or a Department of Safety training motorcycle. A motorcycle endorsement costs $10 and is added to your current license. If you don't have a Class D license yet, you must get one first before adding a motorcycle endorsement.

Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services office

Tennessee requires specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization if you're not a U.S. citizen, or a military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable — it must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For proof of Tennessee residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Tennessee address. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the Driver Services office.

How to renew your Tennessee driver's license

You can renew your Tennessee license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and when your license expires. If you're 18 or older and your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Online renewal costs $28.50 and takes about one week. You do not need to take any tests or visit an office.

If you're under 18, your license has been expired for more than two years, or you want to renew in person, you must visit a Driver Services office. In-person renewal requires you to pass a vision test and may require a new photo. Renewal by mail is available in some cases — contact your local Driver Services office to ask if you're may be able to access. A renewed Class D license is valid for eight years from the renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Tennessee issues driver's licenses to non-citizens who have a valid visa or work permit. You'll need to bring your passport, visa or work permit, and proof of Tennessee residency along with your other documents. The license will be marked to show your immigration status, and it will expire when your visa or work permit expires.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again after waiting one business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you'll pay the license fee each time you test. Many Driver Services offices let you schedule your next test appointment before you leave after failing.

How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license?

If you pass all tests on your first visit, you'll receive your license the same day or within a few days by mail. If you're a first-time driver under 18, the whole process from learner's permit to restricted license takes at least 30 days because you must hold the permit for that long before testing. Upgrading from a restricted license to a full Class D license is when ready if you're may be able to access.

Can I use my Tennessee driver's license to fly on an airplane?

A standard Tennessee Class D driver's license is not acceptable for domestic air travel as of May 2025. You'll need a Real ID-compliant license, which has a gold star in the upper right corner, or a passport. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at any Driver Services office by bringing additional proof of identity and residency.

What's the difference between a restricted license and a full Class D license?

A restricted license has driving time limits (no driving between midnight and 4 a.m.), passenger limits (only one passenger under 21 unless they're family), and a cell phone ban. A full Class D license has no restrictions. You can upgrade to a full license at age 18 or after holding a restricted license for six months, whichever comes first.