What you need to bring to the Tennessee DMV
Tennessee requires six documents or pieces of information to issue your first driver's license. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and your birth certificate. The state also needs to verify your legal name and confirm you have not been issued a license in another state.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or state ID card. For Social Security verification, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not accept a name change without this document.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring six types of documents: identity proof, Social Security proof, residency proof, birth certificate, and proof of any legal name changes.
- The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official handbook free on the Tennessee DMV website before you go.
- The road test happens after you pass the written test and get your learner's permit; you must schedule it separately at a DMV office.
- Tennessee charges a one-time fee for your first license; the amount depends on how long you want the license to be valid.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.
Tennessee publishes the official Driver's Manual free on its DMV website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle weather and emergency situations. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. You can also take practice tests online through the Tennessee DMV website to see which topics you need to review more.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few hours. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
Getting your learner's permit before the road test
After you pass the written test, the DMV issues you a learner's permit on the spot. This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice for the road test. Tennessee requires you to hold the learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test, and you must be at least 15 years old to get one.
While you hold the learner's permit, you must follow these rules: you cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency. If you are under 18, you also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.
You schedule the road test separately from the written test. Call your local DMV office or book online through the Tennessee DMV website. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access.
The road test: what the examiner watches for
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging into traffic. The examiner also checks that you use your mirrors, signal before turning, and follow speed limits and traffic signs.
You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be rescheduled.
Common reasons people fail the road test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, and hitting another vehicle or object. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period; call your DMV office to find out how long you must wait before scheduling another appointment.
Fees and how long your license lasts
Tennessee charges a one-time fee for your first driver's license. The amount depends on the length of validity you choose: a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee varies, so check the Tennessee DMV website or call your local office for current pricing.
Your license is valid for the number of years you choose at issuance. When it expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal is simpler than getting your first license — you do not have to retake the written or road test — but you will need to bring updated proof of residency and pay a renewal fee.
What happens if you fail the written or road test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices without paying another fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours between attempts.
If you fail the road test, you must wait before scheduling another attempt. The waiting period varies by DMV office, so call ahead to find out. You will not pay another fee to retake the road test, but you will need to bring the same documents and proof of insurance again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, receive your learner's permit, and then wait at least 30 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period is required by Tennessee law.
What if I fail the road test because of something wrong with the car?
If the examiner finds a safety problem with the vehicle before the test starts — broken lights, bad brakes, or missing wipers — the test is rescheduled rather than counted as a failure. You will not pay another fee, but you must bring a vehicle in safe condition to the next appointment.
Do I need to bring the same car for the road test that I will use after I get my license?
No. You can use any vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for the road test. It does not have to be the car you will drive after you get your license.
What if I move to Tennessee from another state and already have a driver's license?
This article covers getting your first Tennessee license. If you already hold a valid license from another state, the process is different — you may be able to transfer it without retaking the written and road tests. Contact your local Tennessee DMV office for information about license transfers.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?
The DMV issues your license on the day you pass the road test. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and can drive with it while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.