Nashville Driver's License Offices and Their Locations

In Nashville, you obtain your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section. The main office is located at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. This is the primary location where you can take your written test, road test, and receive your license on the same day if you pass both exams.

Tennessee also operates a satellite office in Nashville at 2081 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217. This location handles renewals, replacements, and some initial license transactions, though road tests are not available there. Both offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some variation by location. Saturday hours are not available at either Nashville location.

Before visiting either office, check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call ahead to confirm current hours, as staffing and schedules can change. Wait times at the Foster Avenue location are typically longer during mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Nashville driver's license office at 1150 Foster Avenue is where you take both your written and road tests; the Murfreesboro Pike location handles renewals and replacements only.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of identity to any office; the specific documents depend on your citizenship status.
  • Road tests are scheduled through the Foster Avenue office only, and you must pass your written test before you can schedule a road test appointment.
  • Tennessee offers a knowledge test in multiple languages, but you must request this in advance when you arrive at the office.
  • Fees vary by license type and age; a standard Class D license costs one amount for a five-year term and another for an eight-year term.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Your Social Security number is required for all driver's license transactions in Tennessee. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, but you must be able to provide the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible for one.

Proof of Tennessee residency is mandatory. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Nashville address. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. Post office boxes do not count as proof of residency.

Proof of identity must be an original document or certified copy. A U.S. passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to bring citizenship documents. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring your passport and visa or other immigration documentation showing your legal presence in the United States.

The Written Test and Road Test Process

The written knowledge test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, or Somali; request your language when you arrive. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You are allowed one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return on another day to retake it.

After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test at the same office. Road tests are not given on the same day as your written test; you must return for a separate appointment. The road test takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle operation, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially during spring and summer months. Some people wait two to four weeks for an available slot. You can schedule your road test in person at the Foster Avenue office when ready after passing your written test, or you may be able to schedule online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Class D driver's license costs $28.50 for a five-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. These are the most common license types for regular drivers. Fees are paid in cash, debit card, or credit card at the time you receive your license.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is $17. A replacement license due to name change costs $28.50 or $57 depending on the term you choose. Renewal fees are the same as initial license fees.

Tennessee does not charge a separate fee for the written test or road test; both are included in your license fee. However, if you fail your road test and need to retake it, you do not pay an additional fee for the second attempt.

Hours, Wait Times, and What to Expect

The Foster Avenue office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Murfreesboro Pike location operates the same hours. Neither location is open on weekends or state holidays. During peak times—typically 10:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.—wait times can exceed one hour, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter waits. You do not need an appointment for the written test; you walk in and take a number. However, road test appointments must be scheduled in advance.

Bring all required documents in original form or certified copies. The staff will not accept photocopies of your proof of residency or identity. If any document is missing, you will be turned away and must return another day. Plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours at the office depending on how busy it is and whether you are taking your written test, road test, or both.

Special Situations: Minors, Renewals, and Name Changes

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the office. They must bring their own photo ID and sign your process. Minors in Tennessee can obtain a learner's permit at age 15 and a restricted license at age 16 with parental consent and completion of a driver education course.

Renewing your license before it expires is straightforward: bring your current license, proof of residency, and your fee. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake both tests as if you were a new driver.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your fee. You do not retake tests for a name change; the office issues a new license with your updated name.

Online and Alternative Options

Tennessee does not allow you to take your written test or road test online. Both must be completed in person at a driver's license office. However, you can renew your license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired for more than one year, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not need to update your address or name.

To renew online, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website and follow the renewal portal. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This option is faster than visiting an office in person, but it is only available for straightforward renewals.

If you cannot visit Nashville in person, you may be able to use a driver's license office in another Tennessee city. However, road tests must still be taken in the county where you live or where you plan to work. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to confirm whether you can take your tests in a different location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day as my written test?

No. You must pass your written test first, then schedule a separate road test appointment for a later date. Road test appointments are not available on the same day as your written test at any Nashville office.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake your road test at no additional charge. Schedule your next appointment at the Foster Avenue office or online. You do not need to retake your written test unless it has expired; written test results are valid for 12 months from the date you pass.

Do I need to make an appointment for my written test?

No appointment is needed for the written test. Walk in during office hours, bring all required documents, and take a number. Road tests, however, must be scheduled in advance.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible for a Social Security number. You can request this letter from your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass my road test?

You receive your temporary license when ready after passing your road test at the office. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this waiting period.