How to get a Tennessee Learners Permit

First Time Drivers

Under Tennessee DMV guidelines, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learners permit. All applicants are required pass a written exam and a vision test in order to obtain the permit. You then must hold the learners permit for 180 days from the issue date, be at least 16 years old, and have logged 50 hours of driving time (including a minimum of 10 hours of driving at night) prior to applying for an intermediate drivers license.

Prepare for the Written Test

The Tennessee DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.

All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Tennessee practice permit test now and test your driving knowledge.

Required Paperwork for your Instruction Permit

Before you head to the Tennessee DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your instruction permit:

• Primary and secondary proof of your age and identity
• Proof of any name changes since birth certificate (i.e. if married bring certified marriage certificate, etc.)
• Social Security number if one has been assigned, or Affidavit affirming that no SSN ever issued.
• Two (2) Proofs of Tennessee Residency
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence
• Parent to sign Minor/ Teenage Affidavit form and agree to financial responsibility law related to the issuance of the learner permit or license.
• Proof of School Attendance (Please see page 16 of the driver license handbook for further explanation.)

On the Road

During the learners permit phase, the licensee must complete 50 hours of driving time, 10 of which is for nighttime driving.

The licensee must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a restricted license. The nighttime restriction for a restricted license is not being allowed to drive between the hours of 10 PM to 6 AM. The licensee is not allowed to have more than one passenger at a time.

In order to get full driving privileges in Tennessee for removing nighttime driving and passenger restrictions, the applicant must be at least 17 years old. Learner's permit holders in Tennessee may not drive from 10 pm to 6 am.