What the Memphis written test covers and how to schedule it
Tennessee's written knowledge test in Memphis covers road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and traffic laws specific to Tennessee. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You take it at a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Driver Services office in Shelby County.
To schedule your test, you can walk into any Driver Services office in Memphis without an appointment, or you can call ahead to check wait times. The main Memphis office is located at 1414 Poplar Avenue. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits. You must bring your current ID, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you sit down at a computer terminal. You answer multiple-choice questions on a touchscreen, and you get your results when ready. If you pass, you can move forward with the road test. If you don't pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day—there's no waiting period between attempts in Tennessee.
Key Takeaways
- The Memphis written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, signs, and safe driving, and you need 24 correct to pass.
- You take the test at a TDOSHS Driver Services office in Shelby County, most commonly the Poplar Avenue location, and can walk in without scheduling.
- Bring a current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN when you arrive.
- You get your results when ready after finishing, and you can retake the test the same day if you don't pass.
What to study before the Memphis test
Tennessee publishes a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which covers everything on the written test. You can read it from the TDOSHS website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services office. The handbook is organized by topic—speed limits, parking, turns, pedestrian rules, and so on—so you can focus on areas where you feel less confident.
The test emphasizes practical situations you'll actually encounter while driving. For example, you'll see questions about what to do at a four-way stop, how to handle a school bus with its lights flashing, and what speed to drive in residential areas. Study the handbook section by section rather than trying to memorize random facts. Many people find it helpful to read through once, then go back and focus on the sections that felt unclear.
Some people use online practice tests to get used to the format and pacing. These aren't official, but they can help you feel more comfortable sitting at a computer and answering multiple-choice questions under time pressure. The real test doesn't have a strict time limit per question, but you should plan to spend about 30 seconds per question on average.
Documents and fees you'll need in Memphis
When you arrive at the Driver Services office, bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents to prove your identity: a current passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card. A driver's license from another state counts if it's still valid. If you don't have any of these, call the office ahead of time to ask what alternatives they accept.
You also need proof that you live in Tennessee. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
The written test itself costs $10 in Tennessee. You pay this fee when you arrive at the office, before you sit down to take the test. If you fail and want to retake it the same day, you pay the $10 fee again. There's no charge to walk in and ask questions or to reschedule if you need to come back another day.
Retaking the test if you don't pass
If you score below 24 out of 30, you don't pass, but you can retake it when ready. Many people retake it the same day after spending 15 or 20 minutes reviewing the handbook in the waiting area. You pay the $10 fee again each time you test. There's no limit to how many times you can retake the written test in Tennessee.
If you fail, the office staff can sometimes point you toward the sections of the handbook where you missed questions. Use that feedback to study more carefully before your next attempt. Common trouble spots include right-of-way rules at intersections, speed limits in different zones, and what to do when you see different road signs.
Some people find it helpful to take a break and come back another day rather than retaking when ready. If you're frustrated or tired, you might do better after resting. There's no penalty for waiting a few days, and the office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass, you'll receive a receipt showing your passing score. Keep this receipt—you'll need it when you schedule your road test. The road test is the next step, and it's administered by the same TDOSHS office or at a contracted testing location in Memphis.
You don't have to schedule your road test when ready after passing the written test. You can take the receipt home and call to book a road test appointment when you're ready. However, if you're a new driver or explore for your first license, you'll need to hold a learner's permit for a certain period before you can take the road test. Check the TDOSHS website or ask the office staff about permit holding periods based on your age.
The road test itself is a separate appointment and a separate fee. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and involves driving with an examiner in your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the office. You'll demonstrate basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.
Memphis Driver Services office locations and hours
The main Memphis Driver Services office is at 1414 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. This is the busiest location and handles most written tests. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing.
There may be other satellite offices in Shelby County that also administer written tests. Call the main office at the Poplar Avenue location or check the TDOSHS website for a complete list of nearby offices and their hours. Some satellite locations have shorter wait times, especially mid-morning on weekdays.
If you're unable to visit during regular business hours, ask whether the office offers any evening or Saturday appointments. Not all locations do, but some may have limited extended hours. It's worth calling to ask rather than making a trip and finding the office closed.
Common mistakes to avoid on the Memphis test
One frequent mistake is misunderstanding right-of-way rules at intersections. The test includes several questions about who goes first at a four-way stop, at a yield sign, and when turning left across oncoming traffic. Read these questions carefully and visualize the scenario before you answer. If you're unsure, take a moment and think through the rule step by step rather than guessing.
Another common error is confusing speed limits in different zones. Tennessee has different speed limits for residential areas, school zones, and highways. The handbook spells these out clearly, so study that section thoroughly. On the test, pay attention to the specific scenario described in each question—a school zone at 2 p.m. is different from a school zone at 6 p.m., for example.
Some test-takers rush through and misread questions. The test isn't timed per question, so take your time. Read each question twice before selecting your answer. If a question seems confusing, flag it and come back to it after you've answered the others. This strategy often helps you spot what you missed on the first read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Tennessee offers the written test in several languages, including Spanish. Call the Memphis Driver Services office ahead of time to confirm which languages are available and whether you need to bring any documentation to request a test in another language. You may need to provide proof that English is not your primary language.
What if I fail the test three times?
Tennessee doesn't impose a limit on retakes, so you can keep trying. However, if you've failed multiple times, consider taking a driver education course or asking a more experienced driver to help you study. Some people benefit from working through the handbook with someone else or taking a practice test in a quieter environment than the office.
Do I need an appointment to take the written test in Memphis?
No, walk-ins are accepted at the Poplar Avenue office and most other Memphis locations. However, wait times vary throughout the day and week. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait than mid-afternoon or Friday.
Can I retake the test the same day if I fail?
Yes, you can retake it when ready after failing. You'll pay the $10 fee again. Many people spend 15 to 20 minutes reviewing the handbook in the waiting area before retaking, which can help them catch mistakes they made the first time.
What if I lose my passing receipt before I schedule the road test?
Contact the Memphis Driver Services office and explain that you lost your receipt. They can look up your test results in their system and issue a replacement or confirm your passing score so you can move forward with scheduling your road test. Bring your ID when you visit.