What You Need to Know About Tennessee Driver's Permits

Tennessee issues two types of permits: a learner's permit (also called a Class CP permit) for supervised driving practice, and a commercial learner's permit (Class CLP) if you plan to drive a commercial vehicle. Most people start with a learner's permit. You must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening at a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) driver license office. The permit is valid for five years and costs $20.

Age matters. If you are under 18, you must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to a Class D license, but many people still get a permit first to practice. Tennessee law requires anyone under 18 with a permit to drive only with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat.

You cannot use a learner's permit to drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. while holding one. These restrictions exist until you pass your road test and receive a full license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Tennessee, and you need to pass a written test and vision screening at a TDOSHS office.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date of issue.
  • Anyone under 18 with a permit must drive with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front passenger seat at all times.
  • You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit, and nighttime driving (midnight to 4 a.m.) is prohibited for permit holders under 18.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the driver license office.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Office

Tennessee requires specific documents before you can test for a permit. Bring one document that proves your identity and date of birth. A passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. If you use a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID as well—a school ID, work ID, or military ID is acceptable.

You also need proof of Tennessee residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian, their utility bill or lease is acceptable as long as you can show your name on the document or bring a letter from them stating you live there.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card—you can write the number on the process form—but having the card speeds up the process. If you do not have either, you will need to bring additional documents proving your legal status or work authorization.

The Written Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the TDOSHS website or at any driver license office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass (80 percent). You have up to one hour to complete it.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the driver license office ahead of time to arrange it. Some offices can accommodate requests; others cannot, so confirm before you go.

The vision screening checks your eyesight at 20 feet and your ability to see to the sides (peripheral vision). You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot get a permit until you pass a retest.

Where to Go and What It Costs

You must visit a Tennessee driver license office in person. There are offices in every county. Find the one nearest you on the TDOSHS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter wait times than urban ones. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, but most offices do not take appointments for permit tests.

The permit fee is $20 and must be paid in cash, debit card, or credit card at the time you pass the test. If you fail the test, you do not pay the fee. You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

The permit is valid for five years from the date you pass the test. If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get a full license, you will need to retake the written test and pay the fee again.

Restrictions for Drivers Under 18

Tennessee's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system places strict limits on new drivers under 18. With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. This person must be awake and able to supervise. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.

You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. while holding a learner's permit. This curfew applies even if you have an adult in the car. The only exceptions are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency.

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to report an emergency. This rule applies to all new drivers under 18 for the first six months after getting a full license, not just permit holders.

How to Move From a Permit to a Full License

You must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take a road test. During this time, you should practice driving with a licensed adult in various conditions—daytime and evening, city streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. The more hours you practice, the better prepared you will be.

When you are ready, schedule a road test at a driver license office. You can call the office or use the TDOSHS website to book an appointment. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.

If you pass the road test, you will receive a Class D license valid for five years. The fee for the license is $27. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring expired documents. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill is older than that, bring a recent bank statement or lease agreement instead. Expired documents will be rejected, and you will have to come back another day.

Do not assume you can take the test without studying. The written test covers specific rules and sign meanings. Many people fail because they do not study the handbook. Set aside time to read it before you go to the office.

Do not forget to bring your Social Security number or ITIN. Without it, you cannot complete the process. If you do not have either, call the office ahead of time to ask what documents you need to bring instead.

Do not schedule your road test too soon. You must hold a permit for at least 30 days, but that does not mean you should test after 30 days. Most people need 50 to 100 hours of practice before they are ready. Testing too early wastes your time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. Tennessee will not issue a permit or license if you have an active suspension or revocation in Tennessee or any other state. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required courses, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact the state that suspended your license to find out what you need to do.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts and no limit to how many times you can try. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully.

Do I need a permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to a road test and get a Class D license without getting a permit first. However, many people still get a permit to practice before testing, which is allowed.

Can I drive out of state with a Tennessee learner's permit?

Most states honor a Tennessee learner's permit, but the rules vary. Some states allow permit holders to drive alone; others require an adult in the car just like Tennessee does. Check the rules in the state where you plan to drive before you go.

What happens if I get a ticket while driving with a learner's permit?

You will receive a citation just like any other driver. If you were breaking a GDL rule (driving alone, driving after midnight, or using a cell phone), the ticket will likely be more serious. Pay the fine or contest it in court. A conviction may delay your road test or affect your insurance rates.