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  • 15Youngest age for a learner permitp. 3
  • 180 daysPermit time before an intermediate licensep. 14
  • 50 hoursSupervised driving, 10 of them at nightp. 14
  • 20/40Vision needed in each eyep. 21

Step by step

  1. Study the manual

    The knowledge test comes from Sections B and C of the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 21)

  2. Gather your documents

    Bring original or certified documents; photocopies aren't accepted.

    • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
    • Proof of identity
    • Two proofs of Tennessee residency
    • Your Social Security number

    (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 7–11)

  3. Forms for applicants under 18

    A parent or guardian signs the Minor/Teenage Affidavit, and you need proof of school attendance and progress (form SF1010) signed within the last 30 days. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 17)

  4. Pass the vision screening

    You need at least 20/40 in each eye and both eyes together, with or without glasses. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 21)

  5. Pass the knowledge test

    A multiple-choice test on signs, safe driving, rules of the road, and alcohol and drugs. If you fail, wait at least one day to retry. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 21–22)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before you go.

Rules while you have a Tennessee learner permit (Class PD)

  • Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older sitting in the front seat. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 14)
  • Under 18, no driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 14)
  • The driver and every passenger must wear a seat belt. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 14)
  • No cell phone use at all while driving. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 18)

If you don't pass

After failing the knowledge test you must wait at least one day; after a road test, the wait depends on your number of errors (one day to 30 days). (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 22–23)

What comes next

At 16, after 180 days on the permit, 50 hours of practice and a road test, you can get an Intermediate Restricted license: one passenger (with exceptions) and no driving from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. At 17, after a year, the Intermediate Unrestricted license. (Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p. 14, 19)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Tennessee practice exam: 30 questions, 24 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 (MT3Q28)), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 14 higher.