Tennessee Driver’s License Requirements (A Complete 2024 Guide)

Looking to get your driver’s license in Tennessee?

Confused about where to start?

Since different states have different requirements, it can be hard to make out the driver’s license process in Tennessee.

But don’t worry — we’re here to help. 

Today, we’re going to give you a complete 2024 guide on the Tennessee driver’s license requirements. 

We’ll walk you through the whole process — and give you all the details. 

We’ll even answer some frequently asked questions. 

So are you ready?

Let’s go!

How to Get A Driver’s License in Tennessee

You can start working on your Tennessee driver’s license as long as you’re 15 years old. 

However, if you are under 18, you’ll have to go through an extended process called the Graduate Driver License Program, or GDL for short.

The GDL has 3 license stages to go through, namely:

• Learner’s permit
• Intermediate license
• Full driver’s license

Now, the objective of this program is to slowly introduce driving to younger drivers. This allows them to hone their skills before they can drive independently.

That said, let’s go through each GDL stage below. 

How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Tennessee

Anyone between 15-17 years old is required to get a learner’s permit. 

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. OPTIONAL: Complete driver’s education course. This will help you ace the knowledge test. 

2. Apply for a learner’s permit online through the Tennessee e-Service. 

3. Prepare these documents:
   1. Completed Application for a Tennessee Driver’s License
   2. 2 proof of identity (one primary and one secondary)
   3. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   4. 2 proof of Tennessee residency (you can use one with your parent’s name)
   5. Social Security Number
   6. Minor/Teenager Affidavit (must be signed by a parent/legal guardian in front of a DMV officer)
   7. Certification of Compulsory School Attendance form, high school diploma, or GED certificate

4. Register for the online knowledge test OR schedule an in-person knowledge test appointment. 

NOTE: If you choose to do the knowledge test online, you should take and pass it before you head over to a Driver Service Center.

5. Go to a Driver Service Center and submit your documents. 

6. Take a vision screening. 

7. Take and pass the knowledge exam (or present passing score proof if you took it online).

8. Pay the learner’s permit fee of $10.50 ($8.50 for the permit and $2 for the application).

9. Receive your learner’s permit. 

With a learner’s permit, you can start practicing how to drive.

However, you MUST follow these restrictions:

• Be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.
• You can only drive between 6 AM to 10 PM
• All passengers must wear a seatbelt

How to Get an Intermediate License in Tennessee

The second stage is your intermediate license. This will give you more driving freedom. 

Here are the requirements and steps to get one:

1. Be at least 16 years old. 

2. Hold your learner’s permit for at least 180 days (6 months).

3. Have no tickets or driving offenses adding to 6 points. 

4. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours done at night. 

5. Schedule your road skills test. 

6. On test day, bring the following:
   1. Your valid learner’s permit
   2. A parent or legal guardian
   3. 2 proof of identity (one primary and one secondary)
   4. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   5. 2 proof of Tennessee residency (you can use one with your parent’s name)
   6. Social Security Number
   7. A completed 50-Hour Certification form signed by your parent or legal guardian (you can download the form here or get it at the Driver Service Center)

7. Submit your documents. 

8. Take and pass the road skills test. 

9. Pay the intermediate license fee of $24.50 ($22.50 for the license and $2 for the application).

10. Receive your intermediate license. 

NOTE: When you turn 17 years old and held your intermediate license for a year, you can change to an unrestricted intermediate license. You will have to apply for an upgrade online and pay an additional $2 to get it.

Okay, we said an intermediate license gives you more freedom. This means you can now drive solo. 

But that doesn’t mean you have no more restrictions. You still have to follow these guidelines:

• You cannot drive solo between 11 PM to 6 AM
• You are only allowed to have 1 passenger if there is no one above 21 years old in the car
• Passengers 4-17 years old must always wear a seat belt

And if you have an unrestricted intermediate license, the only restriction is:

• Passengers 4-17 years old must always wear a seat belt

How to Get a Full Driver’s License in Tennessee

Once you turn 18 years old, you can now get a full Tennessee driver’s license. 

This is all you need to do:

1. Have no or less than 6 points on your driving record. 

2. Don’t have more than 2 seatbelt violations. 

3. Go to the Tennessee e-Service and apply to upgrade an intermediate license to a Class D license. 

4. Pay the driver’s license fee of $10 ($8 for the license and $2 for application).

5. Receive your full driver’s license. 

CONGRATULATIONS!

YOU DID IT!

But hold up…

What if you’re already 18+ and getting a driver’s license for the first time?

The good news is that you can skip the GDL program — you can jump straight to applying for a full driver’s license. 

Here are the steps:

1. OPTIONAL: Complete a driver’s education to help you with the knowledge test. 

2. Apply for a license online through the e-Service.

3. Schedule your knowledge test (18-year-olds and above CANNOT take the knowledge test online).

4. On your appointment date, bring the following documents:
   1. Completed Application for a Tennessee Driver’s License
   2. 2 proof of identity (one primary and one secondary)
   3. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   4. 2 proof of Tennessee residency (you can use one with your parent’s name)
   5. Social Security Number
   6. Name change documents (if applicable)

5. Take a vision screening. 

6. Take and pass the knowledge test. 

7. OPTIONAL: Get a learner’s permit and practice driving. 

8. Schedule your road skills test.

9. On your schedule, don’t forget to bring and submit the necessary documents mentioned above. 

10. Take and pass the road skills test. 

11. Pay the driver’s license fee of $28 ($26 for license and $2 for application).

12. Receive your full driver’s license.

As you can see, the process for someone 18+ years old is a lot shorter. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Driver’s License Requirements

Can You Get Your License Online in Tennessee?

Yes and no. 

In Tennessee, you can apply for your driver’s license online through the e-Service. Teens aged 15-17 can also take the knowledge test online. 

However, you will still need to visit a Driver Service Center to submit a few documents and receive your license. 

Can Foreigners Drive in Tennessee?

Foreigners holding a driver’s license issued in another country will be able to drive in Tennessee for up to 30 days. If they pass that period, they are required to get a TN-issued driver’s license. 

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Driver’s License in TN?

Here is a chart showing the driver’s license fees in Tennessee:

License Type:	License Cost:	Application Cost:	Total Cost:
Learner’s permit	$8.50	$2	$10.50
Intermediate Restricted License	$22.50	$2	$24.50
Intermediate Unrestricted License	$2	N/A	$2
Full Driver’s License (upgraded from an intermediate license)	$8	$2	$10
Full Driver’s License (for the first time)	$26	$2	$28

Prices as of Januart 2024

How to Pass the TN Driver’s Test?

The knowledge test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You have to answer at least 24 right to pass the test. This means you need a score of at least 80%.

If you want to ace the test on your first try, then we highly recommend taking a driver’s education course. If not, then you can find FREE practice tests online. 

Is Driver’s Training Required in Tennessee?

Driver’s training or driver’s education is NOT required for teens in Tennessee. 

However, it’s highly recommended that you take one so that you can ACE the knowledge test. 

NOTE: If you fail the online knowledge test 2 times, you can no longer take it online. 

Does Tennessee Test Parallel Parking?

Yes, you will be required to parallel park in the Tennessee road skills test. 

So if you’re looking to make a good impression, devote some extra time to practicing with some cones before your test.

Conclusion

And that was your complete guide to Tennessee driver’s license requirements. 

If you’re starting at 15 years old, then you’ll have to undergo the full GDL program. 

But if you’re already 18+ years old, you can jump straight to a full driver’s license. 

So what are you waiting for?

Now that you know all the requirements and steps, you can get started right away.

Good luck!