In Tennessee, you must be at least 15 years of age to obtain a Learner’s Permit. Visit the Tennessee Teen Driver’s page here: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/gdl.html

Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills. The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program places certain restrictions on teens under the age of 18 who have learner permits and driver licenses. The program requires parent/legal guardian involvement and emphasizes the importance of a good driving record.  Information about the Tennessee Teen/Graduated License Program can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/gdl.html

The Graduated Driver License law provides for three phases of licensing for teens under 18 years of age:

• Learner Permit
• Intermediate Restricted License
• Intermediate Unrestricted License

For the issuance of a Tennessee Learner Permit:

• Must be at least 15 years of age
• Pass a standard vision screening.
• Pass the Class D knowledge exam

If you are under the age of 18, you will also need to:

• Have a parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) present to sign a minor/teenage affidavit and financial responsibility form
• Show proof of school attendance/progress from a current Tennessee school or a letter from the school in your previous state that confirms your attendance and satisfactory progress during enrollment in that school. This letter must be signed and dated by the principal or guidance counselor no more than 30 days prior to your Tennessee application
• Provide all required documentation

The requirements for the issuance of a Tennessee Intermediate Driver License are:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must have held a valid learner permit for a minimum of 180 days.
• Must have 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience (including 10 hours of night driving)
• A 50-Hour Certification form must be signed by your parent, guardian or driving instructor confirming this experience.
• Pass a road skills test
• Provide all required documentation
• A vision screening will be required only if you are exchanging a learner permit or license from another state

To get your full operator’s license if you are under eighteen (18) years of age you will need:

• Required Documents
• Proof of school attendance/progress (SF-1010 Form, provided by the school; necessary for Learner Permit only unless student is applying for TN Intermediate Driver License with an out-of-state Learner Permit or Driver License)
• 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)
• If you are applying for an Intermediate License with an out-of-state permit, you must also provide a Motor Vehicle Record from the issuing state

The required documents can be found here:

https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/classd.html#documents

When applying for a Tennessee Learner’s Permit, driver's license, or identification card for the first time, you must present originals of all of the following documents:

• Proof of lawful status in the United States
• Social Security Card showing full social security number (or other approved document on list)
• Two Proofs of Current, Residential/Physical Address
• Proof of Legal Name Change History (if applicable)
• Liability insurance information (not required for a beginner's permit or ID)

You must pass a knowledge test consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions based on the Tennessee Drivers Handbook regarding driving rules, regulations, procedures and highway signs. A score of 80% is required to pass. You must answer 24 out of the 30 questions correctly to pass the Tennessee written knowledge exam.

Schedule your road test appointment here: https://dl.safety.tn.gov/_/

The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) main phone numbers for all locations can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations/dllocationcity.html

The email address for the Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) is Safety@tn.gov

• The Website for the Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) is: https://www.tn.gov/driver-services.html
• The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) Driver’s services page is: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html
• The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) online services page is: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html
• Tennessee DOS Driver’s License appointments can be made online here:

https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/online.html#Appointments

Tennessee DOS hours and locations and branch phone numbers can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations/dllocationcity.html

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) present to sign a minor/teenage affidavit and financial responsibility form

A vision test is required to obtain a Tennessee Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License

A physical exam is not required to obtain a Tennessee Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License

A photograph will be taken at the Tennessee DOS

• After passing the written knowledge test, you must hold the Learner’s Permit for a minimum of 180 days.
• Get the 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience (including 10 hours of night driving) and get a 50-Hour Certification form must be signed by your parent, guardian or driving instructor confirming this experience
• Pass a road skills test