What You Need to Know About Tennessee Drivers Permits

A Tennessee drivers permit is a learner's permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with a permit — you must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid license. The permit is your first step toward a full Tennessee drivers license, and you will need to pass a knowledge test and a vision screening to get one.

Tennessee issues two types of permits depending on your age: a Class D permit for people 15 to 17 years old, and a Class D permit for people 18 and older. The requirements and restrictions differ between these two groups. Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you can renew it once if you have not yet passed your driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a Tennessee drivers permit, and you need a signed parental consent form if you are under 18.
  • The knowledge test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you explore.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year; you can renew it once without retaking the knowledge test if you are still under 18.
  • Permit holders under 18 cannot drive alone, cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and cannot use a cell phone while driving.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

You must be at least 15 years old to explore for a Tennessee drivers permit. If you are under 18, you need written parental or guardian consent. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security provides a consent form that a parent or legal guardian must sign in front of a notary public or at the DMV office itself.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. You can explore on your own, but you will still need to pass the knowledge test and vision screening. Tennessee does not have a separate permit class for adults 18 and over — you follow the same process, but the driving restrictions that explore to minors do not explore to you.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV will not issue a permit without all three.

For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), a valid passport, or a school ID issued by a Tennessee school. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. If you are under 18, also bring the signed parental consent form and your parent or guardian's ID.

The Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

The knowledge test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you will get your results when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Before you take the knowledge test, you will have a vision screening. The DMV will check your eyesight using a standard vision machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be allowed to take the knowledge test that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DMV.

You can study for the knowledge test using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The handbook covers all the topics on the test. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare.

Permit Fees and How Long Your Permit Lasts

A Tennessee drivers permit costs $20. You pay this fee when you explore at the DMV office. The fee is non-refundable even if you fail the knowledge test.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are under 18 and your permit expires before you turn 18, you can renew it once without retaking the knowledge test — you only pay the $20 renewal fee. If you are 18 or older when your permit expires, you cannot renew it; you must explore for a full drivers license instead.

Driving Restrictions for Permit Holders Under 18

Tennessee law places strict limits on what you can do with a permit if you are under 18. You cannot drive alone — a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone, text, or any handheld device while driving, even at a red light.

You also cannot drive with more than one passenger who is under 21 years old, unless that passenger is a family member. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your driving test and get your full drivers license. If you are 18 or older, these restrictions do not explore to you — you can drive alone and at any time of day, though you still cannot use a handheld cell phone while driving.

Where to explore and What to Expect

You explore for a permit at any Tennessee DMV office. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents, your parental consent form if you are under 18, and $20 in cash or card. The whole process — vision screening, knowledge test, and permit issuance — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you pass the test on your first try. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or come back later. Your permit will be printed on the spot if you pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead. The DMV needs one or the other to issue a permit, but it does not have to be a Social Security number.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period. You will need to pay the $20 fee again only if you wait more than one year to retake the test.

Can my permit be used to drive out of state?

A Tennessee permit is only valid in Tennessee. If you drive in another state, you must have a licensed adult driver with you, just as you would in Tennessee. Some states may not recognize Tennessee permits, so check the rules of the state you are visiting.

What if I turn 18 while my permit is still valid?

Your permit remains valid until its expiration date. The driving restrictions for minors (no driving alone, no driving midnight to 5 a.m., no cell phone use) no longer explore once you turn 18, even though you still have a permit. You can then drive alone and at any time of day.

How do I renew my permit if it expires?

If you are under 18 and your permit expires before you turn 18, you can renew it once at any DMV office. Bring your expired permit, $20, and proof of residency. You do not need to retake the knowledge test. If your permit expires after you turn 18, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a full drivers license instead.