Tennessee does not offer online written testing for your driver license
If you are looking to take your Tennessee written knowledge test from home, that option is not available. Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires all written tests to be taken in person at a testing location. This applies to Memphis and every other city in the state.
You must visit a Driver Services Center to take your written test on a computer terminal at the facility. The test is administered on-site, not remotely. However, you can prepare for the test online using free study materials, and you can schedule your test appointment ahead of time to avoid long waits.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee requires all written driver license tests to be taken in person at a Driver Services Center; online remote testing is not offered.
- Memphis has multiple Driver Services Centers where you can schedule a test appointment in advance.
- You can study for the test using Tennessee's free online study guide and practice tests before you go to the center.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Tennessee Driver Handbook.
- You must bring a valid form of identification and your learner permit to the testing center.
Where to take your written test in Memphis
Memphis has several Driver Services Centers operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The main locations include the downtown Memphis center and satellite offices in surrounding areas. You can find the full list of Memphis testing locations and their hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Each center has computer terminals where you sit down and take the written test. The test is multiple choice and covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. Testing staff are present to check your identification and answer procedural questions, but they cannot help you with test content.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time is the fastest way to get tested. You can book an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling the center directly.
How to prepare for the written test online
While you cannot take the test itself online, Tennessee provides free study materials you can use at home. The Tennessee Driver Handbook is available as a PDF on the Department of Safety website and covers everything tested on the written exam.
The handbook includes sections on traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices. You should read through the entire handbook before your test appointment. Many people find it helpful to take notes on sections they find confusing.
The Department of Safety also offers practice tests online. These are not official tests, but they follow the same format and cover the same topics as the real written exam. Taking practice tests helps you understand what to expect and shows you which areas need more study time.
What to bring to your test appointment
You must bring a valid form of identification to your test appointment. Acceptable forms include a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You also need your learner permit — you cannot take the written test without one.
Bring any documents the Driver Services Center told you to bring when you scheduled your appointment. If you are under 18, you may need to bring additional paperwork depending on your situation. Call the center ahead of time if you are unsure what documents you need.
Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Testing staff will check your identification, verify your information, and walk you through the testing process. You will then sit at a computer terminal and take the test.
How the written test works at the testing center
The Tennessee written test is taken on a computer at the Driver Services Center. You will answer multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
You have a set amount of time to complete the test — typically 30 minutes. The computer will show you one question at a time. You can review your answers before you submit the test, but once you submit, your test is scored when ready.
If you pass, you will receive a passing score printout. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test appointment and try again. Most people can retake the test within a few days.
Scheduling your test appointment in Memphis
The fastest way to schedule is through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. You will select your preferred Memphis location, choose an available date and time, and confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number.
If you prefer to schedule by phone, call the Memphis Driver Services Center directly. Staff can tell you which appointment times are open and book you for a specific day. Having an appointment means you will not have to wait in line as long as walk-in customers.
You can also walk in without an appointment, but wait times may be longer, especially during busy hours. If you walk in, you will be added to the queue and tested when a terminal becomes available.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass the written test, you are cleared to take the road test. You will need to schedule a separate appointment for your road test at a Driver Services Center. The road test is where you drive with an examiner to show you can operate a vehicle safely.
Between passing your written test and taking your road test, you should practice driving with a licensed adult. Tennessee requires supervised driving practice before you can take the road test. Check your learner permit for the specific requirements in your age group.
After you pass both the written test and the road test, you can explore for your full driver license. The Driver Services Center will issue your license on the same day if all your paperwork is in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Tennessee written test online from home?
No. Tennessee requires all written driver license tests to be taken in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot take the test remotely or from home, but you can study online using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook and practice tests before your appointment.
How many times can I retake the written test if I fail?
Tennessee does not limit the number of times you can retake the written test. If you do not pass, you can schedule another appointment and try again. Most people can retake the test within a few days of their first attempt.
What is the passing score on the Tennessee written test?
You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. That is an 80 percent score. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the Tennessee Driver Handbook.
Do I need an appointment to take the written test in Memphis?
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time means shorter wait times. You can book online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call the Memphis Driver Services Center directly.
How long does the written test take?
You have up to 30 minutes to complete the 30-question test. Most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. After you submit your test, you will receive your score when ready.