Thinking about getting your driver's license at the Tennessee DMV? Here's exactly what you need to know to get your permit, pass your road test, and get your Tennessee driver license
Here's How to Get Your Tennessee Driver's License
Here's what you'll need to get your Tennessee license:
- Proof of U.S Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status
- Proof of any name change
- Two proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address
- A Social Security Number or sworn affidavit if no Social Security number has been issued.
- Proof of registration and safety inspection for vehicle used for road test
- Payment for required fees: $3 for Learner’s Permit fee, $32 for Class D driver’s license fee
Applicants Under 18:
- Required Documents
- Proof of school attendance/progress (SF1010 Form, provided by the school; necessary for Learner Permit only
- Teenage Affidavit/Financial Responsibility (also available at the Driver Services Center)
- Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience (SF-1256) (also available at the Driver Services Center)
Here's what you'll need to do to get your Tennessee license:
- Read the Tennessee Driver Manual and take written practice tests online
- Apply for your Learner’s Permit: submit the required documents and ID at the DMV; consider making a DMV appointment or getting a line waiting concierge.
- At the DMV, submit the application for a driver's license, pay the fees, pass the written test, pass the vision test, receive your Learner’s Permit.
- Once you're ready, schedule your road test on the DMV website or you can schedule on Skip. If you need a car or driver for your road test, you can schedule a road test concierge here.
- Before your road test, visit the ultimate Tennessee DMV road test guide to find out more information about the Tennessee driving test.
- Once you pass your road test you'll receive a temporary driver's license.
Here are Tennessee driver's license exceptions to note:
- The majority of applicants for a Tennessee driver license will be operators of regular passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, or vans. The Driver License Manual is designed to provide the information you need to get a Class D license.
- If a person holds a valid Tennessee license and is in the United States Armed Forces, that license shall remain valid regardless of the displayed expiration date
Need more Tennessee DMV or Tennessee driver's license help?
Search the Skip blog or download the free Skip app on the App Store or Google Play. On the app, you can find more help, book services, and even ask our team questions via chat.