The Tennessee Permit Test: What You'll Answer

The Tennessee driver permit test is a written exam administered by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Tennessee. You must score at least 24 correct answers (80%) to pass.

The test covers material from the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which the state provides free online and at any Driver Services office. Questions focus on what you need to know to drive safely on Tennessee roads: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions like rain or ice.

You take the test on a computer at a Driver Services office. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. You receive your score when ready after you finish.

Key Takeaways

  • The permit test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass; you take it on a computer at a Driver Services office.
  • All test content comes from the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which you can read free online or pick up in person before you test.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you must wait at least one day between attempts and pay the fee each time.
  • Bring your proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the test.
  • The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you have no time limit to complete it.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring three categories of documents to the Driver Services office on test day: proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a valid visa, or a military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter (such as a tax notice). A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized statement from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. If you have neither, contact your local Driver Services office before you go to the test.

How to Prepare for the Test

The Tennessee Driver Handbook is your primary study resource. You can read it as a PDF from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services office. The handbook is organized by topic: traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, seat belts, distracted driving, and driving in bad weather.

Read the entire handbook at least once before you test. Pay special attention to sections on traffic signs (the test includes several sign-recognition questions) and right-of-way rules (these appear frequently). Many people miss questions about what to do at a four-way stop or when merging onto a highway.

Some Driver Services offices offer free practice tests on computers in the office. Call ahead to ask if your local office has this option. You can also find practice tests online through the state website, though these are not official and may not match the real test exactly.

Study the handbook more than once if you are nervous about the test. Most people who fail have not read the handbook thoroughly or have skipped sections they thought were obvious.

Retaking the Test If You Fail

If you score below 80%, you can retake the test the same day at the same Driver Services office. You must pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day.

If you do not retake it the same day, you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You can schedule your next test online through the Tennessee Driver Services website or by calling your local office. Each attempt costs the same fee.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the fee each time. If you fail multiple times, spend more time studying the handbook before your next attempt rather than testing again when ready.

Test Fees and Payment

The permit test fee varies depending on your age and the type of permit you are seeking. Fees range from approximately $20 to $35, though the exact amount depends on whether you are under 18, between 18 and 21, or 21 and older. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call your local Driver Services office for the current fee for your age group.

Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You must pay the fee at the time you take the test, whether it is your first attempt or a retake.

What Happens After You Pass

When you pass the permit test, you receive a temporary permit that day. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. The adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver license.

Your temporary permit is a printed document, not a plastic card. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services office for a small fee.

Within 30 days of passing the test, you must go back to a Driver Services office to get your official learner permit, which is a plastic card valid for one year. Bring the same documents you brought for the test (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN). You will have your photo taken for the card. There is an additional fee for the learner permit, separate from the test fee.

Finding Your Local Driver Services Office and Test Hours

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you, along with its hours and phone number, on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location.

You do not need to schedule an appointment for the permit test at most offices, but some locations do require one. Call your local office or check the website before you go. If appointments are required and the office is booked, you may have to wait several days for an opening.

Arrive early on the day of your test. Bring all required documents. The office staff will check your documents, collect the fee, and direct you to a computer to take the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online from home?

No. Tennessee requires you to take the permit test in person at a Driver Services office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and a staff member must verify your identity before you begin.

What if I fail the test multiple times?

There is no limit to retakes. If you fail, study the handbook more thoroughly before your next attempt. Many people who fail multiple times have not read the entire handbook or have focused only on sections they thought were straightforward.

Do I need to pass the permit test before I can get a learner permit?

Yes. Passing the written permit test is the first step. After you pass, you get a temporary permit that day, then return within 30 days to get your official learner permit card.

Is the permit test the same as the driver license test?

No. The permit test is a written exam only. The driver license test includes both a written exam and a driving skills test. You take the driving test after you have held your learner permit for the required time and practiced driving.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead. If you have neither, contact your local Driver Services office before your test date to find out what alternative documents you can bring.