Teen penalties, phones and school rules

Key points

1. A teen can have 90 days added to the minimum 1 year on the Intermediate Restricted License.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “A teen driver will be ineligible for an Unrestricted Intermediate License for additional ninety (90) days beyond the minimum one year if:”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

2. One cause is 6 or more points, about 2 minor traffic citations, on the Intermediate Restricted License.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “The driver has received six (6) or more points (the equivalent of two (2) minor traffic citations) on their Intermediate Restricted License, or”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

3. Contributing to a traffic crash or a second seat belt conviction also adds the extra time.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “The driver has contributed to a traffic crash, or 3. The driver has been convicted of a second seatbelt violation,”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

4. A second moving violation on the Intermediate Restricted License means you must complete driver education before moving up.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “If the teen driver gets a second moving violation while holding the Intermediate Restricted Driver License, an approved Driver Education class MUST BE COMPLETED before receiving an Intermediate Unrestricted Driver License.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

5. Any driver with a learner permit or intermediate license may not use a cell phone while driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Tennessee law prohibits any driver possessing a learner permit or intermediate driver license from using a cell phone while driving on any Tennessee roadway.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 18

6. A teen cell phone conviction brings a Class C misdemeanor, a $50.00 fine, 6 points and a 90 day delay for the Intermediate Restricted License.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Class C misdemeanor • $50.00 fine • 6 points on to a minor’s driving record • 90 day delay in eligibility for intermediate Restricted Driver License”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 18

7. Texting while driving is banned for teen drivers as well as adult drivers.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “texting while driving is also prohibited for teenage drivers as well as adult drivers.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 18

8. The first time a student drops out, driving privileges can be regained by returning to school.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “The first time a student drops out, he or she may regain the privilege to drive by returning to school. However, there is no second chance.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 17

9. A student who drops out a second time must wait until 18 to apply for a license again.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “The second time a student drops out, he or she must wait to turn eighteen (18) years old before being eligible to apply for a license again.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 17

10. A student who returns to school pays a $20 reinstatement fee plus application and license fees.

    Source: Handbook p. 17

    “The student will be required to pay a $20 reinstatement fee, in addition to the appropriate application and license fees.”
    Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 17

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Tennessee practice test

1. 1. Which of these adds 90 days to the wait for a Tennessee Intermediate Unrestricted License?

   1. A single parking ticket
   2. Driving with a sibling as a passenger
   3. A second seat belt violation
   4. Renewing the license by mail
   Show answer

   A second seat belt violation. A teen becomes ineligible for 90 more days beyond the one year minimum if the driver has 6 or more points, contributes to a traffic crash, or is convicted of a second seat belt violation. A parking ticket is not a moving violation. A sibling passenger is allowed under the passenger rules, and renewing by mail has nothing to do with GDL progress. Six points equals about two minor traffic citations.

2. 2. A Tennessee Intermediate Restricted driver gets a second moving violation. What must happen before the Intermediate Unrestricted License?

   1. The teen must retake the vision test only
   2. Nothing extra is required
   3. The teen must wait until age 21
   4. The teen must complete an approved driver education class
   Show answer

   The teen must complete an approved driver education class. If a teen gets a second moving violation while holding the Intermediate Restricted License, an approved driver education class must be completed before the Intermediate Unrestricted License is issued. The violations can also add a 90-day delay if they reach 6 points. A vision test alone is not the remedy, something extra is required, and waiting until 21 is not part of the rule.

3. 3. What are the consequences for a Tennessee teen with a learner permit convicted of using a cell phone while driving?

   1. A warning only
   2. A $500 fine and jail
   3. Only a letter to the parents
   4. A Class C misdemeanor, a $50 fine, 6 points and a 90-day delay in eligibility
   Show answer

   A Class C misdemeanor, a $50 fine, 6 points and a 90-day delay in eligibility. Tennessee bans any learner permit or intermediate license holder from using a cell phone while driving. A conviction is a Class C misdemeanor with a $50 fine, 6 points on the minor's record, and a 90-day delay in eligibility for the Intermediate Restricted License. Six points is also the level that triggers a proposed suspension for juvenile drivers. A warning or letter understates the penalty, and $500 with jail overstates it.

Source: the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section A-3: Intermediate Licenses for Drivers Under 18. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.