How to get a Tennessee Driver's License
Find out how to get a new TN driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Tennessee DMV guide.
Tennessee Drivers License Rules
Under TN DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for an Intermediate Restricted Tennessee Driver's License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Tennessee Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for an Tennessee learners permit which requires you to pass a vision test and a written exam covering traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test to receive an TN drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 180 days and complete 50 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
At age 17, if you have held an intermediate restricted license for one year without any traffic violations, you can graduate to a Second Level - Intermediate Unrestricted License.
You may obtain a Class D regular driver license when you are 18 years of age, or when you graduate from high school or receive a GED, whichever is sooner.
New TN Residents
New residents holding a valid out-of-state driver license must obtain a Tennessee driver license no later than thirty (30) days after establishing residency. All out-of-state driver licenses must be surrendered. Tennessee law does not allow a resident of this state to hold more than one valid driver license.
If a new resident brings a valid, out-of-state driver license (or a certified driving record from that state showing the license has not expired), only the vision test is required. However, if the license has expired over six months, all tests are required.
International Drivers
New residents from other countries are required to take full tests: vision, knowledge, and road tests. They will be allowed to keep the license issued by that country.
Paperwork
Before you head to the DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will get your Class D driver's license. Your TN license is normally valid for 5 years and expires on your birth date. Permits normally expire one year from date of issuance. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Tennessee Driver's Manual |
