Get your first driver's license in Tennessee

Online or in person

Start online: application and document pre-approval · In person at a Driver Services CenterIn e-Services you can complete the application and have your documents pre-approved (allow up to 5 business days; you still bring the originals). The online knowledge test is only for ages 15 to 17. Road tests can be scheduled online. You need a vision screening, the knowledge test and a road skills test at a Driver Services Center. The manual says road test applicants should make an appointment; without one you may not be able to take the road test.

Cost

$5.50 permit + $28.00 licenseFees page: learner permit (18 and over) $5.50 for 1 year; Class D operator license $28.00 for 8 years (both include a $2.00 application fee). Each failed test costs the $2 application fee again.

You leave with

Class D (Regular) driver licenseA learner permit for ages 18 and over is also issued. The agency does not state a minimum time to hold it at 18 or older.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence
     Originals or certified copies only; photocopies are not accepted, even if your documents were pre-approved online. Bring every name change document that links back to your original name.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory (Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are not accepted)
     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
     • Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. (FS-240) or Certificate of Birth Abroad
     • Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
     • Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551)
   • Social Security number
     For a non-REAL ID license you may give the number verbally; it is verified electronically. A REAL ID needs a document showing your full number.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2
     • 1099
     • Payroll check stub
     • Sworn affidavit (Only if no Social Security number was ever issued; signed before an examiner or notary)
   • Proof of Tennessee residency · 2 different documents
     "Current" means dated within the last four months unless stated otherwise.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Current utility bill (Landline phone, electric, water, gas or cable)
     • Current bank statement (Checks are not accepted)
     • Unexpired automobile, life or health insurance policy (Wallet cards are not accepted)
     • Unexpired Tennessee driver license or ID of a parent, legal guardian or spouse
     • Unexpired Tennessee vehicle registration or title (One, not both)
     • Tennessee voter registration card
     • Rental lease (Counts as one proof only with a signed landlord letter dated within 30 days)
   • Payment · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Cash, check or money order
     • MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover

2. Apply online and get your documents pre-approved

   In e-Services, select Apply for a License, Permit, or ID and upload your documents. Allow up to 5 business days for pre-approval. You still bring the original documents to the center.

   Adult First-Time Drivers (TN Driver Services) ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Tennessee Driver License Practice Test: 30 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Tennessee practice test

4. Pass the knowledge test

   Take the Class D knowledge test at a Driver Services Center; scheduling a knowledge test appointment saves time. It is multiple choice, based on Sections B and C of the manual. If you fail, you must wait one day before trying again.

   Comprehensive Driver License Manual (TN) ↗

5. Pass the vision screening

   You need 20/40 vision in each eye and both eyes together, with or without glasses or contacts. A learner permit for ages 18 and over is available; with it you may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older.

6. Pass the road skills test

   At a Driver Services Center (express centers do no testing). Schedule an appointment; you must pass the knowledge test first. Bring your own car with valid tags and working safety equipment; it is inspected before the test. If you hold a learner permit, a licensed driver 21 or older must come with you. Arrive 15 minutes early; more than 5 minutes late and the test is canceled. After a fail you wait 1, 7, 14 or 30 days depending on your errors.

   Comprehensive Driver License Manual (TN) ↗

7. Get your Class D license

   After passing the vision, knowledge and road skills tests at a Driver Services Center, pay the fee and get your Regular (Class D) license.

   Adult First-Time Drivers (TN Driver Services) ↗