Tennessee learner's permit test fees
The written test for a Tennessee learner's permit costs $20. This is the only fee you pay to take the knowledge test at a Driver Services office. You do not pay extra to retake the test if you do not pass on your first attempt — each retest also costs $20.
The $20 covers the written exam itself. It does not include the cost of your permit document, which is separate. When you pass the test and receive your learner's permit, Tennessee charges an additional fee for the physical permit card, which varies depending on how long you want it to be valid.
You pay both fees — the $20 test fee and the permit fee — at the Driver Services office where you take the exam. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card; most offices accept all three. Plan to have at least $40 to $50 on hand to cover both the test and the permit document, though the exact total depends on which permit validity period you choose.
Key Takeaways
- The written knowledge test costs $20 each time you take it, whether it is your first attempt or a retest.
- Your learner's permit document itself costs extra after you pass the test, with the price depending on the permit's validity period.
- You pay both fees at the Driver Services office on the day you test, so bring enough cash or a card to cover both.
- There are no hidden charges or online fees — the $20 test fee is the only cost to sit for the exam itself.
- The $20 test fee is the same at every Driver Services office across Tennessee.
Learner's permit validity and document cost
Once you pass the $20 written test, you need to pay for the permit document itself. Tennessee offers learner's permits with different validity periods, and the cost depends on which one you choose. A permit valid for one year costs less than a permit valid for four years.
The exact permit fee amounts vary, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call your local Driver Services office before you go in. This way you will know the total amount to bring and will not be surprised at the counter. Some offices post their current permit fees online, which can save you a phone call.
The permit document fee is separate from the $20 test fee, so you are paying for two distinct things on the same day. Budget for both when you plan your visit to the Driver Services office.
When you can retest and what it costs
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it. Tennessee does not charge a separate retest fee — you pay the standard $20 each time you sit for the exam. There is no waiting period between attempts at most offices, though some locations may ask you to wait a few minutes before retesting on the same day.
You will need to pay the $20 retest fee each time you take the exam again. Once you pass, you then pay the permit document fee and receive your learner's permit. Some people take the test multiple times before passing, so the total cost can add up if you need several attempts. Each failed attempt costs another $20.
What documents to bring and how to prepare
Bring your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport). You will also need to bring payment for the $20 test fee. Bring more than $20 if you plan to purchase your permit document on the same day.
Study the Tennessee Driver Handbook before you test. It covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can read it free from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services office. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
Preparing well before your test day reduces the chance you will need to pay for a retest. Most people who study the handbook pass on their first attempt, so the $20 you spend on preparation time is worth the $20 you save by not retesting.
Where to take the test in Tennessee
You take the learner's permit test at a Tennessee Driver Services office. These are located in every county. You do not need an appointment at most locations — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in larger cities may use an appointment system, so call ahead or check online to see if your local office requires one.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some may have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Check the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go.
Arriving early in the day often means shorter wait times, especially at busy urban offices. If you know your local office is crowded, plan to arrive when it opens or call ahead to ask when they typically see fewer people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the $20 fee if I fail the test?
Yes. You pay $20 each time you take the test, regardless of whether you pass or fail. If you do not pass, you pay another $20 when you retake it.
Can I pay online instead of at the office?
No. You must pay the $20 test fee in person at the Driver Services office when you take the exam. Payment is not available online or by mail.
What happens if I lose my learner's permit after I get it?
You will need to pay a replacement fee to get a new permit document. This fee is separate from the $20 test fee and varies depending on the permit's remaining validity. Contact your local Driver Services office for the exact replacement cost.
Is the $20 test fee the same at every Driver Services office in Tennessee?
Yes. The $20 written test fee is the same statewide. However, permit document fees may vary slightly by location, so confirm the total cost before you go.
What if I cannot afford the $20 test fee right now?
Tennessee does not offer fee waivers or reductions for the learner's permit test. You must pay the full $20 to take the exam. If cost is a barrier, save the money and schedule your test when you can afford it.