Where to get your driver's license in Knoxville

In Knoxville, you get your driver's license from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section. The main office that serves Knoxville is located at 1150 Foster Street, Knoxville, TN 37915. This is the office where most Knoxville residents go to take their written test, road test, and pick up their license.

You can also visit other Driver License offices in Knox County if the Foster Street location is inconvenient — there are satellite offices in some areas — but Foster Street is the primary full-service location. Hours vary by office, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call ahead before you go. Many offices are closed on Sundays and some holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and road test before you receive your driver's license, and you must be at least 16 years old.
  • You need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to explore.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free online or in print at the Driver License office.
  • Your road test is scheduled after you pass the written test, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • The cost of a driver's license in Tennessee varies by age and license type, but a standard Class D license for an adult costs around $28 for an eight-year renewal period.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a military ID. A photocopy is not acceptable for identity documents.

For Social Security, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that shows your full Social Security number. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Tennessee address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

If you are under 18, you may need additional documents. Minors explore for a learner's permit or restricted license must have a parent or legal guardian present with their own ID. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for the complete list specific to your situation, since requirements can differ for minors, name changes, and license renewals.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the Driver License office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.

The Tennessee Driver Handbook covers all the material on the test. You can read it free from the Tennessee Department of Safety website, or pick up a printed copy at any Driver License office. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. The handbook is also available in Spanish.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a fee each time you take the test. Once you pass, you move on to scheduling your road test.

The road test: what happens and what your vehicle needs

After you pass the written test, you schedule an appointment for your road test. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate basic driving skills: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Driver License office.

Your vehicle must be registered in Tennessee, have valid liability insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your lights, wipers, horn, brakes, and steering all work. Bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration with you. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you cannot take the test that day.

You are allowed one person to sit in the passenger seat during the test — usually a parent or friend — but they cannot help you or distract the examiner. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you may pay a fee each time.

License types and restrictions for new drivers

Tennessee offers different license types depending on your age and driving experience. A Class D license is the standard license for drivers 18 and older with no restrictions. If you are 16 or 17, you start with a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. After holding the permit for a set period and meeting other requirements, you can upgrade to a restricted license, which has fewer restrictions than a permit but more than a full license.

Restricted licenses for drivers under 18 typically prohibit driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (with some exceptions for work or school), limit the number of teenage passengers you can carry, and require a hands-free phone policy. These restrictions are in place to reduce crash risk for new drivers. Once you turn 18 or meet other conditions, you can upgrade to an unrestricted Class D license.

Fees and how long the process takes

The cost of a Tennessee driver's license depends on your age and the type of license. A standard Class D license for an adult costs around $28 for an eight-year renewal period. A learner's permit for a minor costs less. Fees are subject to change, so confirm the current cost when you visit the office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

The timeline varies. If you pass your written test on your first try and schedule your road test quickly, you could complete both tests in one or two weeks. However, road test appointments can have a wait, especially during busy seasons. Once you pass both tests, you receive your license on the same day or within a few days, depending on whether it is printed on-site or mailed to you.

If you fail either test, you will need to reschedule and try again. There is no waiting period between attempts, but scheduling the next appointment may take time depending on office availability.

Renewing or replacing your license

A Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewal can be done in person at a Driver License office or, in some cases, online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if you meet certain conditions (such as no address change and no medical restrictions).

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any Driver License office. You will need to show proof of identity and residency again. A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a Tennessee Driver License office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the Tennessee Driver Handbook online before you go to the office.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to schedule another appointment, which may take time depending on office availability. You may be charged a fee for each road test attempt.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

If you are moving to Tennessee and have a valid driver's license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of Tennessee residency to the Driver License office. Requirements vary, so ask about your specific situation when you visit.

How do I know if my vehicle will pass the safety check for the road test?

Your vehicle must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, wipers, horn, brakes, and steering. The examiner will check these during the test. If you are unsure, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle beforehand, or ask the Driver License office what they check for.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. After you pass both the written and road tests, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you or available for pickup within a few days.