Tennessee Driver's License FAQs

You must be at least 15 and pass the required written and vision examinations. Applicants under 18 also need the required school-attendance and parent or guardian documentation.

Yes. Tennessee applicants ages 15 through 17 can take the knowledge test online under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian through the Tennessee Proctor ID system.

You must hold the learner permit for at least 180 days.

You need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, with the experience certified on the state's required form.

No. It is a supplemental study resource and does not satisfy Tennessee's approved driver education requirement.

A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat while you drive with a learner permit.

A learner permit does not allow driving between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and requires a qualified supervising driver whenever you drive.

You can apply at 16 after holding the learner permit for at least 180 days, completing 50 hours of driving including 10 hours at night, meeting the record requirements, and passing the road skills test.

Generally, you may have only one passenger, although Tennessee provides specific exceptions for certain supervised and school-related situations.

Generally, you cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless a listed Tennessee exception applies.

You must be 17 and have held your Intermediate Restricted License for at least one year while meeting Tennessee's applicable driving-record requirements.

You must complete an approved driver education class before receiving an Intermediate Unrestricted License.

Tennessee prohibits handheld cellular-phone use by learner-permit and intermediate-license holders. A violation can also add 90 days to the wait for the next license level.

You can obtain a regular Class D license at 18, or when you graduate from high school or receive a GED, whichever comes first.

It provides supplemental online study and defensive-driving preparation. It can help you prepare for the knowledge test and supervised practice, but it does not replace Tennessee's licensing requirements or approved remedial driver education.