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Tennessee permit test: what to bring

What to bring to the Tennessee permit test

Who this checklist covers: 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.

Bring originals unless the official list says copies are accepted. Items marked Under 18 apply only to minors.

Application

Complete the application; optional online document pre-approval can save timePre-approval does not replace bringing original or certified documents to the office.Source: official Tennessee page for Complete the application; optional online document pre-approval can save time

Identity

Original or certified documents proving identity and citizenship or permanent residenceBring the actual accepted document or issuing-agency certified copy, even after online preapproval. Photocopies are not accepted.Source: official Tennessee page for Original or certified documents proving identity and citizenship or permanent residence

Lawful presence

One accepted U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence documentExamples 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.Source: official Tennessee page for One accepted U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence document

Social Security number

Your Social Security number, or a sworn no-SSN affidavit if never issuedFor 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.Source: official Tennessee page for Your Social Security number, or a sworn no-SSN affidavit if never issued

Residency

Two accepted proofs of Tennessee residencyExamples 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.Source: official Tennessee page for Two accepted proofs of Tennessee residency

Parent or guardian

Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form signed by an eligible adultUnder 18A 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.Source: official Tennessee page for Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form signed by an eligible adult
Relationship evidence if the parent or guardian has a different last nameUnder 18Source: official Tennessee page for Relationship evidence if the parent or guardian has a different last name
Financial-responsibility form and insurance evidenceUnder 18The 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.Source: official Tennessee page for Financial-responsibility form and insurance evidence

Driver education

School attendance certificate issued within 30 days, or high school diploma/GEDUnder 18Ask 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.Source: official Tennessee page for School attendance certificate issued within 30 days, or high school diploma/GED

Fees

Payment for the $10.50 regular PD learner-permit fee (under 18)Under 18Temporary/XPD applicants should use the separate temporary-permit row in the official fee schedule. County clerk transactions may carry an additional fee.Source: official Tennessee page for Payment for the $10.50 regular PD learner-permit fee (under 18)
Payment for the $5.50 regular PD learner-permit fee (18 and over)18 and olderTemporary/XPD applicants should use the separate temporary-permit row in the official fee schedule. County clerk transactions may carry an additional fee.Source: official Tennessee page for Payment for the $5.50 regular PD learner-permit fee (18 and over)

Vision test

Be ready for written testing and vision screeningSource: official Tennessee page for Be ready for written testing and vision screening

Also on test day

Name-change documents, if your current name differsSource: official Tennessee page for Name-change documents, if your current name differs

Your ticks are saved on this device only. No account.

Official list: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/teengdl.html

Where to go and how to book

The teen knowledge test is offered at Driver Services Centers; an appointment saves time, and walk-ins are welcome. Applicants 15 to 17 may also use the state’s online test option. Adults should follow the linked adult instructions.

Find an officehttps://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations.html Book an appointmenthttps://tndscappt.cxmflow.com/

Source: tn.gov

Test languages and ID

Test languages

Confirm available test languages with your office or the official TN Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security - Driver Services site before you book.

REAL ID

REAL ID is optional. A regular non-REAL ID applicant may state the SSN verbally; REAL ID requires approved documentation showing the full SSN.

Source: tn.gov

Good to know

Applicants age 18 and older should use the Adult First-Time Drivers instructions for their testing and office visit.

Source: tn.gov

Also good to know

If using the homeless or shelter resident process, the state residency affidavit is accepted as the second residency document.

Source: tn.gov

Ready for the test itself?

The documents get you in the door; the questions are what you pass. Take the free Tennessee practice test, or see the Tennessee DMV facts page for fees, age rules, and the question count.

Sources

Each checklist item quotes its official page. We fetched and checked these pages on 2026-10-05:

Rules change. If your office asks for something not listed here, the office is right. Spot a mistake? Tell us through the contact page.

Reviewed against the official Tennessee handbook and DMV pages by Kevin Vu · Method: each answer is matched to the handbook text, and fees and rules to the official DMV page · How we check: our method · Last updated 2026-10-05

Tennessee permit test day: what to bring and where to go

Tennessee permit test: what to bring

What to bring to the Tennessee permit test

Where to go and how to book

Test languages and ID

Test languages

REAL ID

Good to know

Also good to know

Ready for the test itself?

Sources