{"state":"Tennessee","code":"TN","slug":"tennessee","questionCount":500,"manual":"Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual","manualUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/DL_Manual.pdf","examFormat":{"questions":30,"passing":24,"totalQuestions":30,"passingPercent":80},"keyFacts":[{"id":"test-fee","label":"Knowledge test fee","value":"No separate knowledge-test charge is listed in the state fee table; Class PD permit totals are $10.50 under 18 or $5.50 at 18+","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/fees.html","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"}],"documents":{"applicantScope":"First-time regular non-REAL ID Class PD passenger-vehicle learner permit applicants age 15 or older who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, including minors and adults. Optional REAL ID document differences are noted separately. Temporary/XPD permits, hardship permits, transfers, renewals and road tests are outside this checklist.","items":[{"label":"Complete the application; optional online document pre-approval can save time","detail":"Pre-approval does not replace bringing original or certified documents to the office.","who":"all","group":"application","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl.html"},{"label":"Original or certified documents proving identity and citizenship or permanent residence","detail":"Bring the actual accepted document or issuing-agency certified copy, even after online preapproval. Photocopies are not accepted.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl.html"},{"label":"One accepted U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence document","detail":"Examples include a government-issued U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, citizenship/naturalization certificate or Permanent Resident Card (I-551). Match your status to the official list; temporary legal-presence applicants use the separate temporary-license process.","who":"all","group":"lawful-presence","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/new-drivers.html"},{"label":"Your Social Security number, or a sworn no-SSN affidavit if never issued","detail":"For a regular non-REAL ID permit you may state your SSN verbally for electronic verification. If no SSN has ever been issued, sign the sworn affidavit before the examiner or a notary. For optional REAL ID, bring approved full-SSN documentation.","who":"all","group":"ssn","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/new-drivers.html"},{"label":"Two accepted proofs of Tennessee residency","detail":"Examples include a current utility bill and bank statement. Current generally means within four months; W-2 and property-tax documents have a 12-month rule. An unexpired Tennessee license/ID of a parent, guardian or spouse is accepted. A lease needs both signatures and a landlord letter dated within 30 days; check the official letter requirements.","who":"all","group":"residency","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/new-drivers.html"},{"label":"Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form signed by an eligible adult","detail":"A parent, same-address stepparent or legal guardian signs before the examiner; if absent, their signature must be notarized. A grandparent needs a notarized authorization from the parent, stepparent, custodian or guardian. A responsible-party alternative requires SR22 proof; bring financial-responsibility evidence required by your route.","who":"under18","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl/affidavit.html"},{"label":"Relationship evidence if the parent or guardian has a different last name","detail":null,"who":"under18","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl.html"},{"label":"Financial-responsibility form and insurance evidence","detail":"The teen application page lists an insurance card with the financial-responsibility form. The responsible-party alternative specifically requires SR22 coverage for the minor until age 18.","who":"under18","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl.html"},{"label":"School attendance certificate issued within 30 days, or high school diploma/GED","detail":"Ask your school for the Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance. The state also accepts the specified prior-state school letter signed by the principal or guidance counselor within 30 days.","who":"under18","group":"education","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl/affidavit.html"},{"label":"Payment for the $10.50 regular PD learner-permit fee (under 18)","detail":"Temporary/XPD applicants should use the separate temporary-permit row in the official fee schedule. County clerk transactions may carry an additional fee.","who":"under18","group":"fee","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/fees.html"},{"label":"Payment for the $5.50 regular PD learner-permit fee (18 and over)","detail":"Temporary/XPD applicants should use the separate temporary-permit row in the official fee schedule. County clerk transactions may carry an additional fee.","who":"18plus","group":"fee","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/fees.html"},{"label":"Be ready for written testing and vision screening","detail":null,"who":"all","group":"vision","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/new-drivers.html"},{"label":"Name-change documents, if your current name differs","detail":null,"who":"all","group":"other","sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/new-drivers.html"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl.html","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"},"lastReviewed":"2026-10-05","urls":{"hub":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/tennessee","practiceTest":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/tennessee/practice-test","handbook":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/tennessee/handbook","factsJson":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/tennessee/facts.json"}}