Tennessee Drivers License Instructions

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	Tennessee Drivers Education Course

DMV got you confused? Check out our easy instructions for getting your Tennessee drivers license.

1. Study for the Tennessee learners permit test

2. Apply for the Tennessee learners permit

3. Practice driving under supervision

4. Take the driving test for the Tennessee drivers license

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4

1. Study for the Tennessee learners permit test

Drivers education is not mandatory in Tennessee. However, it’s always a good idea for new drivers to take a Tennessee drivers education course. With quality drivers education, you can:

Learn the rules of the road and essential safe driving skills
Have a better chance of passing your learners permit test
Qualify for an auto insurance discount (where applicable)

Take the DriversEd.com Tennessee drivers education course online at your own pace and on your own schedule.

In order to get the learners permit and eventually the Tennessee drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

Pass the first time when you learn the rules of the road with DriversEd.com and prepare for the learners permit test with our Tennessee DMV practice permit tests. Our online practice permit tests can be purchased separately or are free when you purchase our online Tennessee drivers education course.

2. Apply for the Tennessee learners permit

Apply for the learners permit at a Drivers License Station near you.

In order to apply for the learners permit, you must:

Be at least 15 years old.
Bring proof of identity, age, residence and Social Security number. View acceptable documents.
Pay the applicable fee
Pass a vision test.
Pass a written knowledge test.

Once you pass the written test, you will be issued a learners permit which allows you to drive only if supervised by another licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older and seated in the front passenger seat.

If you are under 18 years old, the following additional restrictions apply:

You must not drive between the hours of 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.
Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers age 4 through 17. Children under 4 must be in an approved child restraint device.
You must hold the learners permit for at least 180 days.

3. Practice driving under supervision

Practice driving under supervision in accordance with the restrictions of your learners permit. If you are under 18 you must practice for at least 180 days and you must log at least 50 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving practice.

DriversEd.com can help make the supervised driving period less stressful. Our Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide teaches important concepts and guides parents step-by-step through the process of teaching their teen to drive. It also comes with a FREE Passenger Side Rear-View Mirror which allows you to see exactly what your teen sees when behind the wheel.

4. Take the driving test for the Tennessee drivers license

Schedule an appointment for the driving test at online or by calling a Drivers License Station near you.

In order to be eligible for the Tennessee drivers license, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Have held a learners permit for 180 days if under 18.
Bring proof of identity, age, residence and Social Security number. View acceptable documents.
Provide proof of enrollment in or graduation from high school if under 18.
Have you parent/guardian sign the Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form.
Submit a Certification of 50 hours of in-car driving lessons if you are under 18.
Pass the written knowledge test if you are 18 or over and do not have a learners permit.
Pay the applicable fee.
Pass the driving test.

Once you have passed the driving test, if you are 18 years or older, you will be issued a Class D regular drivers license.

Intermediate Restricted License

If you are under 18, you will be issued an intermediate restricted license with the following restrictions:

You can have only one passenger, unless one or more passengers are age 21 or older.
You are restricted from driving between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless accompanied by parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver age 21 or older designated by parent or legal guardian.
Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers ages 4 through 17. and under. Children under 4 must be in an approved child restraint device.

Intermediate Unrestricted License

Once you turn 17 and have held your intermediate restricted license for 1 year, you will be eligible for the intermediate unrestricted license provided that

You have accumulated no more than six points on your driving record.
You have not had a traffic accident that was your fault.
You have not had 2 or more seat belt violations.

The intermediate unrestricted license requires that passengers between 4 and 17 years of age wear a seat belt or a child restraint device if under 4.

You may obtain a Class D regular driver license when you are 18 years of age, or upon graduating from high school or receiving a GED. The word "Intermediate” will be removed; however, the license will still include the “Under 21” indicators.

DriversEd.com is a privately held company and is in no way associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. DriversEd.com does not claim any responsibility for the accuracy of the drivers license information posted within or for the business practices associated with any other schools listed on the DriversEd.com site. For up-to-date information, please consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles or vehicle registration agency. Also, DriversEd.com is not liable for any information or claims posted within third party links.

‡ Discount does not apply to in-car lessons, traffic school courses, and Utah and Indiana drivers ed courses.

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