What You Need to Do to Get a Tennessee Driver's License
To get a Tennessee driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The process takes place at a local Driver Services Center and typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can walk in without an appointment. You'll pay a fee at the time you test, and if you pass both tests, you'll receive your license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Tennessee issues licenses to people age 16 and older, but the rules differ slightly depending on your age. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process. If you're 18 or older, you can explore on your own. Either way, the documents you bring and the tests you take are the same.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to explore.
- You will take a written test on Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, then a practical driving test in your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the center.
- The written test costs $25 and the driving test costs $20; you pay both fees when you test, whether you pass or fail.
- Your new license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests.
- If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Tennessee. For identity, the Tennessee Department of Safety accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid visa. A school ID or expired license does not count as proof of identity.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter (such as a tax notice or court document) dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A credit card bill or insurance document will not work. If you don't have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name plus a marriage certificate or birth certificate linking you to that person.
You must also provide your Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. You do not need to bring the card itself.
The Written Test: What to Expect and How to Prepare
The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Driver Services Center. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The Tennessee Department of Safety publishes a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. You can read it online or print it. Many people study the guide for a few hours the day before they test and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you do not pay again.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the Driver Services Center ahead of time to ask whether they can arrange it.
The Driving Test: Vehicle Requirements and What the Examiner Checks
After you pass the written test, you will take a practical driving test. You can use your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the Driver Services Center. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered in Tennessee, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before the test begins.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also observe how you handle traffic, follow road signs, and respond to other drivers. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include running a red light or stop sign, speeding, improper lane changes, or hitting a curb while parking.
You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no additional fee for retakes.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Test
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the address and hours of the center nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment; you can walk in during operating hours and wait your turn.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Centers in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in cities. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will usually wait less than an hour. If you go on a Friday afternoon or Saturday, you may wait longer. Call the center ahead of time if you want to know the current wait time.
Fees and What Happens After You Pass
The written test costs $25 and the driving test costs $20. You pay both fees when you test, whether you pass or fail. If you fail one test and retake it, you do not pay again. Your license fee is included in these costs.
If you pass both tests, the examiner will take your photo and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The address on your license will be the residency address you provided when you applied. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address at any Driver Services Center or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Your Tennessee driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. You will need to renew it before it expires.
What to Do If You Fail a Test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the same Driver Services Center. You do not pay another fee. Most people who fail study the official guide more thoroughly and pass on the second attempt. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day if the examiner has time, or you can schedule another visit for a different day.
If you fail the driving test twice, some Driver Services Centers may ask you to wait a few days before your third attempt, but this varies by location. Call your local center to ask about their policy. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, and you do not pay each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a learner's permit to drive while I wait for my license to arrive?
No. Once you pass the driving test, you have a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. You can drive using that paper license. You do not need a learner's permit after you pass the driving test.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You must provide a Social Security number to get a Tennessee driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Bring a document showing your number, such as a tax return or W-2, rather than the card itself.
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take both the written test and the driving test in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot test remotely or by mail.
What if I fail the driving test because I was nervous?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no fee for retakes and no waiting period. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after they feel more comfortable with the process.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the Driver Services Center?
No. You need to provide your Social Security number, but you can bring any document that shows it, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. You do not need the card itself.