What you need to do to get a Tennessee learner's permit
To get a Tennessee driver's permit, you will visit your local Department of Safety and Homeland Security office in person, bring the right documents, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit — you can walk out with your permit the same day if you pass. Tennessee calls this permit a learner's permit, and it lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for a full license.
The steps are straightforward: gather your documents, go to your nearest TDSH office, fill out the process form, pass the written knowledge test, and pay the fee. There is no separate eye exam at the TDSH office — you will need to bring proof that you have already had one done by an eye care professional, or you can have one done at the office for an additional fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency to your TDSH office visit.
- The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs and you can study using the free Tennessee Driver's Manual available online.
- You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Tennessee.
- Your learner's permit is valid for five years and costs $20 when you first get it.
Documents you must bring to the TDSH office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card as proof of identity. If you do not have one of these, a school ID with a photo plus a report card or school transcript will work. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your name and number on it. If you cannot find any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
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. A school enrollment letter or a letter from your employer also works.
How the written test works
The Tennessee written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test covers information from the Tennessee Driver's Manual, which you can read for free on the TDSH website before you go.
You can take the test on a computer at the TDSH office. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their first try if they study the manual ahead of time.
The test is given in English, but Tennessee also offers it in other languages. Call your local TDSH office ahead of time if you need the test in a language other than English.
Finding your nearest TDSH office and making an appointment
Tennessee has TDSH driver services offices in every county. You can find the address and phone number of the office closest to you on the TDSH website by entering your county or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea.
You do not need an appointment in most Tennessee counties — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the TDSH website or call your local office to see if you can book a time slot in advance. This can save you from waiting in line.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some offices have extended hours one or two evenings per week. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead to confirm the hours for your location.
The cost and what your permit covers
A Tennessee learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You do not pay extra to retake the written test if you fail the first time. If you need an eye exam at the TDSH office, that costs an additional $15.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules are part of Tennessee's Graduated Driver License system, which is designed to give new drivers time to practice safely before they drive on their own.
How long you must hold your permit before taking the road test
Tennessee requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license. This waiting period gives you time to practice driving with a licensed adult and build your skills. You must also be at least 16 years old to take the road test.
During those 30 days, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, light traffic and heavier traffic, highways and local roads. The more experience you get, the better prepared you will be for the road test. There is no minimum number of practice hours required by law in Tennessee, but many driving instructors recommend at least 50 hours of practice, with at least 10 of those at night.
What happens if your permit expires or you lose it
If your learner's permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to get a new one. You can renew it at any TDSH office by bringing your expired permit and paying the $20 fee again. You will not have to take the written test again if you renew within a certain time frame — ask your local office about their renewal policy.
If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any TDSH office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The replacement permit will have the same expiration date as your original permit, so you will not lose any of your five-year validity period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my permit if I am under 15?
No. Tennessee law requires you to be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. Once you turn 15, you can go to your local TDSH office and start the process.
Do I have to study the manual before I take the test?
You do not have to, but studying the Tennessee Driver's Manual before you go will help you pass. The manual is free and available on the TDSH website. Most people who read it before taking the test pass on their first try.
What if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass after studying the manual more carefully or waiting a few days and trying again.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me?
No. You must be present at the TDSH office to get your learner's permit. You will need to sign the process and take the written test yourself.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get my permit?
No. A driver's education course is not required to get your learner's permit in Tennessee. However, taking one can help you learn the rules of the road and may lower your insurance costs later. Some high schools offer driver's education courses for free or low cost.