Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Tennessee. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Tennessee who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Tennessee Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local full-service Driver Services Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must sign the Minor/Teen-age Affidavit and Cancellation form.
3. Visit your local full-service Driver Services Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Two proofs of identity and proofs of Tennessee residency. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. Proof of school attendance (form SF1010) if under 18 years of age.
7. The fee depending on age. $10.50 if you are under 18 and $5.50 if over 18 years of age.
8. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for one year.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. You are not permitted to drive between 10 pm and 6 am.

THE INTERMEDIATE RESTRICTED LICENSE

You are eligible for an intermediate license if you are 16 years of age and meet the following requirements:

1. You have held a learner's permit for at least six months.
2. You have not acquired 6 or more traffic points in the last six months.
3. You submit a Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience signed by a parent, guardian or driving instructor certifying that you have complete 50 hours of driving experience of which ten was at night.
4. You pass the driver's license road test.

The intermediate restricted license in Tennessee includes the following restrictions:

1. You are not permitted to drive between 11 pm and 6 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older.
2. You cannot carry more than one unrelated passenger unless accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older.
3. All occupants must wear seat belts.

THE INTERMEDIATE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

You are eligible for an intermediate unrestricted license if you are at least 17 years of age and have held an intermediate restricted license for one year. Also you should not have 6 or more traffic points.

There are no driving restrictions on this license.

THE REGULAR DRIVER LICENSE

A regular Class D license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. First time applicants over 18 years of age can bypass the Graduated Licensing Program and straight away move from a learners permit to a regular license provided you meet all the requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Foreign nationals residing in Tennessee can apply for a Temporary Drivers License following the same rules as that for the regular permit.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Tennessee, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.