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Tennessee permit test: what to bring

What to bring to the Tennessee permit test

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

This checklist covers the requirements we could confirm on official pages. It may not be the whole list, so check the official Tennessee document list before you go.

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 identity, citizenship or legal-presence documentsChoose an accepted document from the official citizenship or legal-presence list; photocopies are not accepted.Source: official Tennessee page for Original or certified identity, citizenship or legal-presence documents

Lawful presence

One proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presenceSource: official Tennessee page for One proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence

Social Security number

Social Security number and the evidence required for your card typeFor REAL ID, bring approved documentation showing the full number. If no number has ever been issued, follow the official affidavit instructions.Source: official Tennessee page for Social Security number and the evidence required for your card type

Residency

Two accepted proofs of Tennessee residencyCheck current document-age and lease requirements on the official list.Source: official Tennessee page for Two accepted proofs of Tennessee residency

Parent or guardian

Eligible adult signature and required financial-responsibility evidenceUnder 18Follow the minor affidavit instructions for a parent or other qualifying adult. If no parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian or foster parent is available, the official page describes a responsible-party route with SR22 insurance evidence until age 18.Source: official Tennessee page for Eligible adult signature and required financial-responsibility evidence
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

Driver education

Current school-attendance evidence for applicants under 18Under 18The cited page requires the school letter to be signed and dated by the principal or guidance counselor no more than 30 days before the application. Check exceptions with Driver Services.Source: official Tennessee page for Current school-attendance evidence for applicants under 18

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

We could not find an official list of test languages for Tennessee. Ask your office or check the TN Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security - Driver Services site before you book.

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

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 2026-09-29:

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 by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-09-29

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