What a Tennessee driving permit is and who needs one

A Tennessee driving permit — officially called a learner permit or restricted license — is a document that lets you practice driving before you take your road test. It is not a full driver's license. You must have a permit before you can legally drive on Tennessee roads, and you must follow specific rules about who can be in the car with you and when you can drive.

Tennessee issues different types of permits depending on your age. If you are between 15 and 16 years old, you will get a learner permit. If you are 16 or older, you may be able to skip the learner permit stage and go straight to a restricted license, depending on your situation. Either way, the permit is a temporary document that expires once you pass your road test and receive your full driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee requires all new drivers under 18 to hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test.
  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner permit in Tennessee.
  • A parent or guardian must sign your process, and you must pass a written test to receive your permit.
  • While you hold a learner permit, you must have a licensed adult driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on a learner permit, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.

Age requirements and when you can explore

You must be at least 15 years old to get a Tennessee learner permit. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a learner permit if they are new to driving or have not held a license in a long time.

If you are under 18, Tennessee law requires you to hold your learner permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period gives you time to practice and build your skills. If you are 18 or older, you may be able to take the road test sooner, but you still need to pass the written test first.

Documents and information you need to bring

When you go to a Tennessee Driver Services office to explore for your learner permit, bring the following:

  • Proof of your date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form)
  • Proof of your Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your completed process form (DL 44), which you can fill out at home or at the office
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your process

Make sure all documents are originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your proof of residency is in someone else's name, bring a document showing your relationship to that person (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate).

The written test and what it covers

To get your learner permit, you must pass a written test at the Driver Services office. The test has 30 questions and covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass (an 80 percent score).

The test is based on information in the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which you can read online for free on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The handbook explains right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. Most people study the handbook for a few days or a week before taking the test.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner permit

Tennessee's learner permit comes with strict rules designed to keep new drivers safe. You must follow all of them, or you risk losing your permit and facing fines.

Supervision: A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times while you are driving. This person is responsible for helping you learn and for making sure you follow the rules.

Driving hours: You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This applies every day, including weekends and school breaks.

Cell phone use: You cannot use a cell phone, text, or use any handheld device while driving — not even at red lights. This rule has no exceptions.

Passengers: You can have passengers in the car, but they must follow the same rules as you. All passengers must wear seat belts.

Seat belts: You and everyone in the car must wear a seat belt at all times.

How long your permit lasts and what happens next

Your learner permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. After you pass the road test, your permit expires and you receive your full driver's license.

If your permit expires before you take the road test, you will need to explore for a new one. You will have to pay the fee again and take the written test again, though you do not need to bring all your documents a second time if you are still under 18 and your information has not changed.

Once you pass your road test and receive your full license, the restrictions on your learner permit go away — but if you are under 18, Tennessee's Graduated Driver License (GDL) law puts different restrictions in place. Those restrictions are less strict than the learner permit rules but still limit your driving hours and passenger rules until you turn 18.

Where to go and what it costs

You explore for your learner permit at any Tennessee Driver Services office. There are offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

The fee for a learner permit varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A one-year permit costs one amount; a four-year or five-year permit costs more. Check the current fee on the state website or call your local office, because fees can change.

Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online to see if your local office takes appointments, because wait times can be long during busy seasons (usually after school starts in fall and in summer).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner permit if I have not finished high school?

Yes. There is no education requirement to get a learner permit in Tennessee. You only need to be at least 15 years old, pass the written test, and have a parent or guardian sign your process if you are under 18.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Most people study the Tennessee Driver Handbook for a few more days and try again. You will pay the fee again each time you take the test.

Do I have to have my permit for exactly 30 days, or can I take the road test sooner?

You must wait at least 30 days if you are under 18. You cannot take the road test before that waiting period is over. If you are 18 or older, you may be able to take the road test sooner — ask at your local Driver Services office.

What happens if I get pulled over while driving on my learner permit?

You must show your permit and the driver's license of the adult who is supervising you. If you are breaking any of the permit rules — driving alone, driving after midnight, using your phone — you can be cited and fined. Violations can also delay when you are allowed to take your road test.

Can I drive to school on my learner permit?

Only if a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive to school alone, even if it is during daytime hours.