Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Bill Gibbons, Commissioner

Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills. By requiring more supervised practice, the State of Tennessee hopes to save lives and prevent tragic injuries. Tennessee’s GDL Program started on July 1, 2001.  It places certain restrictions on teens under the age of 18 who have learner permits and driver licenses. The program requires parent/legal guardian involvement, and emphasizes the importance of a good driving record.

The Graduated Driver License law provides for three phases of licensing for teens under 18 years of age:

• Learner Permit
• Intermediate Restricted License
• Intermediate Unrestricted License

The procedures for obtaining a driver license for those under the age of 18 are covered in Section A-3 of the Comprehensive Driver Manual.  Review Section A-3 of the Comprehensive Driver Manual for additional information on the Graduated Driver License Program..

For the issuance of a Tennessee Learner Permit:

• Must be at least 15 years of age
• Pass a standard vision screening. 
• Pass the Class D knowledge exam. Practice exams are available online.
• If you are under the age of 18, you will also need to have:
  • A parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) present to sign a minor/teenage affidavit and financial responsibility form.
  • Show proof of school attendance/progress from a current Tennessee school or a letter from the school in your previous state that confirms your attendance and satisfactory progress during enrollment in that school.  This letter must be signed and dated by the principal or guidance counselor no more than 30 days prior to your Tennessee application.
• Provide all required documentation.

For the issuance of a Tennessee Intermediate Driver License:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must have held a valid learner permit for a minimum of 180 days.  
• Must have 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience (including 10 hours of night driving).
  A 50-Hour Certification form must be signed by your parent, guardian or driving instructor confirming this experience. 
• Pass a road skills test.
• Provide all required documentation.
• A vision screening will be required only if you are exchanging a learner permit or license from another state.

PLEASE NOTE: All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your permit, driver license or identification only license.

No photocopies will be accepted!

For a Learner Permit or Intermediate Driver License you will need to bring:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Proof of authorized stay in the United States
• Primary Proof of Identity
• Secondary Proof of Identity
• Proof of any Name Changes if Different than name on Primary ID
• Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current. Must be dated within last 4 months.) These documents can list the parent or guardian (parent's name instead of teen's name) as long as the parent or guardian holds a valid Tennessee Driver License.
• A Social Security Number or sworn affidavit if no Social Security number has been issued.
• Proof of school attendance/progress (SF1010 Form, provided by the school; necessary for Learner Permit only unless student is applying for TN Intermediate Driver License with an out-of-state Learner Permit or Driver License)
• Teenage Affidavit/Financial Responsibility (also available at the Driver Services Center)
• Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience (SF-1256) (also available at the Driver Services Center)
• If you are applying for an Intermediate License with an out-of-state permit, you must also provide a Motor Vehicle Record from the issuing state. See Driver License FAQ #6, Graduated Driver License FAQ #3, and Section A-3, GDL Section, Comprehensive Driver Manual for more information. Visit our Out of State Driver Services page for links to other states' online driver services.

More Information

• How to apply for a Learner's Permit or Graduated Driver License
• Frequently Asked Questions

Forms

• Certificate of 50 hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience
• Teenage Affidavit/Financial Responsibility Form

Publications

• Section A-2, Applying for your License, Comprehensive Driver Manual, pages 7-13
• Section A-3, Graduated Driver License, Comprehensive Driver Manual, pages 14-20
  
• Graduated Driver License Guide Brochure
• Examples of New Graduated Driver License Documents

Online Services

• Practice learner permit test
• Schedule a road test appointment

Search for a Driver Services Center by City
Search for a Driver Services Center by County
Search for a Driver Services Center by Service Offered

The Comprehensive Driver License Manual is designed for all current and potential drivers in Tennessee and will help new and old drivers alike get ready for initial, renewal, and other license applications by explaining:

• the different types of licenses available
• the documentation and other requirements for license applications
• details on Intermediate Driver Licenses and how this graduated driver license works for driver license applicants under age 18
• basic descriptions of the tests required for a Driver License

It also includes information needed to pass the knowledge tests for a Class D Tennessee driver license. You will need to study this manual to prepare for a knowledge or road skills test.