New drivers in Tennessee are not required to complete a State-approved driver's education program in order to obtain a Tennessee driver's license. However, a lot of applicants choose to complete a driver's education course as part of their actual driver's license application.

WHO MUST TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Driver Education is not mandatory in Tennessee.

WHERE TO TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Although driver's education is not mandatory in Tennessee, there are many courses are offered through both public and private school programs, and in driving schools, licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education.

WHAT'S COVERED IN A DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE

While driver's education courses vary from one course to another, all licensed programs usually include the following components:

• Thirty hours of classroom periods focusing on issues including alcohol safety and drug abuse awareness, defensive driving, motorcycle awareness and organ and tissue donation.
• In-car instruction sessions with a qualified instructor, divided into six hours of actual driving and periods of observation time.

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the core requirements of a driver's education course, many driving schools in Tennessee offer optional programs that focus on particular aspects of driver education. Specialized courses include Auto Insurance Discount Courses or Defensive Driving courses, either of which may qualify students for a discount on auto insurance. These and other courses may also enable students to reduce points on their license, and/or get their license back sooner after a suspension. See our section on Tennessee driving schools for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Learner's Permits and Driver's Handbook.
• See also Commercial Driver's Education.