DMV Tennessee · Facts and practice test
Tennessee DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Tennessee DMV, plus a free 70-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old (must also pass vision screening and knowledge test)
Knowledge test fee
No separate test fee; learner permit fee is $10.50 for applicants under 18 ($5.50 for 18+)
Retake wait after failing
24 hours before retesting via the online knowledge test option (max 2 online attempts); no stated wait for in-person retests
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, including 10 at night, before the Intermediate Restricted License road test
Documents to bring
Proof of US citizenship/lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of TN residency, proof of school enrollment, parent/guardian signature if a minor
Find an office / appointment
Tennessee Dept. of Safety provides a Driver Service Locations and Appointments tool (searchable by county, zip, or city); appointments recommended/schedulable at select centers (not all).
REAL ID status
REAL ID available; obtaining one requires an in-person visit with proof of citizenship/legal presence, SSN, and two proofs of TN residency. Optional (non-REAL ID licenses remain valid). Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Motorcycle Only License at 16 (permit at 15). Requires vision screening, knowledge test, and on-cycle road skills test.
Commercial license (CDL)
Minimum age 18; drivers under 21 restricted to intrastate operation only. Must be 21 for interstate driving or hazmat transport.
Official source: TN Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security - Driver Services
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division site.
Getting a license in Tennessee
Getting your first permit
In Tennessee, the minimum permit age is 15 years old (must also pass vision screening and knowledge test). When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of US citizenship/lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of TN residency, proof of school enrollment, parent/guardian signature if a minor. Tennessee Dept. of Safety provides a Driver Service Locations and Appointments tool (searchable by county, zip, or city); appointments recommended/schedulable at select centers (not all).
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate test fee; learner permit fee is $10.50 for applicants under 18 ($5.50 for 18+). If you fail the knowledge test: 24 hours before retesting via the online knowledge test option (max 2 online attempts); no stated wait for in-person retests. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, including 10 at night, before the Intermediate Restricted License road test.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available; obtaining one requires an in-person visit with proof of citizenship/legal presence, SSN, and two proofs of TN residency. Optional (non-REAL ID licenses remain valid). Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: motorcycle Only License at 16 (permit at 15). Requires vision screening, knowledge test, and on-cycle road skills test. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18; drivers under 21 restricted to intrastate operation only. Must be 21 for interstate driving or hazmat transport.
The Tennessee bank has 70 questions across 9 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.