Teen/Graduated Driver License

Drivers under 18 years old are required to go through graduated steps of driving experience to gain full, unrestricted Driver License status. Parents and teen drivers are encouraged to read Chapter C4 titled “Helping Teens and New Drivers Learn to Drive” in Section C of the Comprehensive Drive License Manual.

The graduated Driver License steps are designed to incrementally teach young drivers how to drive by requiring minimum levels of driving experience and a safe driving history record before allowing teenage drivers to receive a “full-fledged” Class D driver license. Motor vehicle crashes are the major cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 20. By requiring more supervised practice, the State of Tennessee hopes to save lives and prevent tragic injuries.

There are four steps to becoming a full, unrestricted Driver License holder:

Steps to getting your Learner Permit:

1. Meet the requirements to apply. 
2. Complete Application Online 
3. Present Required Documents 
4. Testing Requirements 
  • You must be 15 years old and pass the standard written exams and vision screening.
  • You must hold a learner permit for 180 days in order to move to the Intermediate Restricted License step.
  • You may drive a car only when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older who is riding in the front seat of the vehicle.
  • You may not drive between the hours of 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.
  • Driver and passengers must wear a safety belt.

Complete Application Online and Get Your Documents Pre-Approved

You can complete the Regular Driver License application and have their required documents pre-approved online. By having your documents pre-approved, you will know that you are bringing the correct documents when you visit a Driver Services Center. Please allow up to five (5) business days for your documents to be pre-approved.

An acceptable proof of guardianship is:

  • Minor’s Certified Birth Certificate listing the parents
  • Certified Court Order granting temporary or permanent custody to the adult
  • Certified Final Adoption Decree

In the event there is no parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, foster parent, etc. A responsible party may sign for the minor upon providing financial responsibility, (SR22) proof of insurance on behalf of the minor until the minor reaches eighteen (18) years of age.

When you visit the Driver Services Center you will have to present the following required documents. Even if your documents have been pre-approved online, you will need to bring the original documents or certified copies.

Photocopies will not be accepted. All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your license.

Tennessee is REAL ID Compliant:

Have you had a name change?

Please provide all name change documentation that connects to the original name listed on your proof of
identity, citizenship, or legal presence.

DSD_Name_Change_Process
* During the application process Jane would need to provide certificates for: Birth, 1st Marriage, Divorce, and 2nd Marriage. 
 
List of acceptable legal name change documents: 
  • Marriage Certificate 
  • Divorce decree
  • Court Order

Acceptable Documents for U.S. Citizenship

  • Official Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Swain's Island, Guam) 
  • U.S. Government-issued Certified Birth Certificate
  • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
  • Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. (FS-240)
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578)
  • U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197, I-179)
     

Acceptable Documents for Lawful Permanent Resident Status

  • Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551)
  • Foreign passport stamped by the U.S. Government indicating that the holder has been "Processed for I-551"
  • Permanent resident Re-entry Permit (I-327)
  • Arrival Departure Form I-94 with “Temporary I-551” stamp and holder’s photograph affixed
  • Travel Document issued to Permanent Residents (I-327)
  • Travel Document issued to Refugees (I-571)
  • Form I-94 stamped  with one of the following statuses:  Asylee, Parolee or Parole, Refugee, Asylum, HP-humanitarian parolee or PIP-public interest parolee

Applicant must furnish their Social Security Number. If it is not known, one (1) of the following
approved documents showing applicant's name and full Social Security Number is acceptable:

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2 - (within last 12 months)
  • 1099 - (within last 12 months)
  • Payroll check stub 

Two (2) Documents from List A   
        -OR-
One (1) Document from List A and One (1) Document from List B

List A - Acceptable Proofs of Residency

  • Current Utility Bill – This includes landline telephone, electric, water, gas, and cable bills. 
  • Current Bank Statement - Internet bank statements are acceptable only if taken to the local bank, stamped and dated by teller as an active account. Checks and checkbook information are NOT acceptable.
  • Current Rental/Mortgage Contract or Receipt including the Deed of Sale for property.
  • Current employer verification of residence address or letter from employer as long as it is on company letterhead with an original signature. If employer does not have letterhead, then the signature of the employer must be notarized.
  • Current Paycheck/Check Stub, Work ID or Badge – residential address must be included on the badge or document.
  • Current Automobile, Life or Health Insurance Policy - Wallet Cards will NOT be accepted.
  • Current Driver License/ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to a parent, legal guardian or spouse of applicant.
  • Current Tennessee Motor Vehicle Registration or Title (may use one, not both)
  • Current Tennessee Voter Registration Card
  • Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form within last 12 months.
  • Receipt for Personal Property or Real Estate Taxes paid within last 12 months.
  • In case of a student enrolled in a public or private school in Tennessee, the student may provide a photo student ID and acceptable documentation from the Dean or Bursar’s Office that the student lives on campus.
     

List B - Acceptable Proofs of Residency

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service
  • Form I-94 issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
  • Employment Authorization card (I-766) issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
  • I-551 issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
     

Acceptable Proof of Residency for Homeless or Shelter Residents

This affidavit will be accepted as the secondary proof of residency document evidencing your principal residence address in Tennessee.

  • If you are under the age of 18, you will also need:
    • 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 from a current Tennessee school or a letter from the school in your previous state that confirms your attendance 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.

Steps to getting your Intermediate Restricted License :

1. Meet the requirements to apply 
2. Making appointments and Testing Requirements 
3. Present Required Documents at your visit
  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • 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 administered at your local Driver Services Center
  • A vision screening will be required only if you are exchanging a learner permit or license from another state

Are you taking a road skills test?

Any applicant, holding a learner permit, visiting a Driver Services Center to take a skills/road test, must be accompanied by an individual, 21-years-or-older, with a valid driver license.

A learner permit only authorizes a person to operate a motor vehicle whenever the permit holder is accompanied by a person who is at least 21-years-of-age and has a valid driver license. T.C.A. § 55-50-311.

If a permit holder visits the center and is not accompanied by a licensed driver, the permit holder will not be allowed to proceed with the test.

Teen drivers are encouraged to schedule a Road Skills Test Appointment. If you do not make an appointment, you may not be able to take your Road Skills Test at the Driver Services Center.

*Please note if you are under the age of 16 or from out of state you cannot schdule a road test online. 

When you visit the Driver Services Center you will have to present the following required documents. Even if your documents have been pre-approved online, you will need to bring the original documents or certified copies.

Photocopies will not be accepted. All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your license.

Tennessee is REAL ID Compliant:

Have you had a name change?

Please provide all name change documentation that connects to the original name listed on your proof of
identity, citizenship, or legal presence.

DSD_Name_Change_Process
* During the application process Jane would need to provide certificates for: Birth, 1st Marriage, Divorce, and 2nd Marriage. 
 
List of acceptable legal name change documents: 
  • Marriage Certificate 
  • Divorce decree
  • Court Order

Acceptable Documents for U.S. Citizenship

  • Official Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Swain's Island, Guam) 
  • U.S. Government-issued Certified Birth Certificate
  • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
  • Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. (FS-240)
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578)
  • U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197, I-179)
     

Acceptable Documents for Lawful Permanent Resident Status

  • Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551)
  • Foreign passport stamped by the U.S. Government indicating that the holder has been "Processed for I-551"
  • Permanent resident Re-entry Permit (I-327)
  • Arrival Departure Form I-94 with “Temporary I-551” stamp and holder’s photograph affixed
  • Travel Document issued to Permanent Residents (I-327)
  • Travel Document issued to Refugees (I-571)
  • Form I-94 stamped  with one of the following statuses:  Asylee, Parolee or Parole, Refugee, Asylum, HP-humanitarian parolee or PIP-public interest parolee

Applicant must furnish their Social Security Number. If it is not known, one (1) of the following
approved documents showing applicant's name and full Social Security Number is acceptable:

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2 - (within last 12 months)
  • 1099 - (within last 12 months)
  • Payroll check stub 

Two (2) Documents from List A   
        -OR-
One (1) Document from List A and One (1) Document from List B

List A - Acceptable Proofs of Residency

  • Current Utility Bill – This includes landline telephone, electric, water, gas, and cable bills. 
  • Current Bank Statement - Internet bank statements are acceptable only if taken to the local bank, stamped and dated by teller as an active account. Checks and checkbook information are NOT acceptable.
  • Current Rental/Mortgage Contract or Receipt including the Deed of Sale for property.
  • Current employer verification of residence address or letter from employer as long as it is on company letterhead with an original signature. If employer does not have letterhead, then the signature of the employer must be notarized.
  • Current Paycheck/Check Stub, Work ID or Badge – residential address must be included on the badge or document.
  • Current Automobile, Life or Health Insurance Policy - Wallet Cards will NOT be accepted.
  • Current Driver License/ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to a parent, legal guardian or spouse of applicant.
  • Current Tennessee Motor Vehicle Registration or Title (may use one, not both)
  • Current Tennessee Voter Registration Card
  • Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form within last 12 months.
  • Receipt for Personal Property or Real Estate Taxes paid within last 12 months.
  • In case of a student enrolled in a public or private school in Tennessee, the student may provide a photo student ID and acceptable documentation from the Dean or Bursar’s Office that the student lives on campus.
     

List B - Acceptable Proofs of Residency

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service
  • Form I-94 issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
  • Employment Authorization card (I-766) issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
  • I-551 issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
     

Acceptable Proof of Residency for Homeless or Shelter Residents

This affidavit will be accepted as the secondary proof of residency document evidencing your principal residence address in Tennessee.

To apply for the Intermediate Unrestricted from the Intermediate Restricted License, you must be 17 years old and meet the following conditions:

  • You must have held an Intermediate Restricted License for 1 year.
  • You cannot have accumulated more than 6 points on your driving record or you must hold the Intermediate Restricted License for an additional 90 days.
  • You cannot have had a traffic accident that was your fault.
  • You cannot have 2 safety belt violations.
  • Driver and passengers must wear a safety belt.
  • No additional tests are required.

You may obtain a Class D regular driver license when you are 18 years of age, or when you graduate from high school or receive a GED, whichever is sooner. The word “Intermediate” will be removed from your license when you move to the Regular Driver License. However, the license will still include the “Under 21” indicators.

Are you taking a road skills test?

Any applicant, holding a learner permit, visiting a Driver Services Center to take a skills/road test, must be accompanied by an individual, 21-years-or-older, with a valid driver license.

A learner permit only authorizes a person to operate a motor vehicle whenever the permit holder is accompanied by a person who is at least 21-years-of-age and has a valid driver license. T.C.A. § 55-50-311.

If a permit holder visits the center and is not accompanied by a licensed driver, the permit holder will not be allowed to proceed with the test.

Teen drivers are encouraged to schedule a Road Skills Test Appointment. If you do not make an appointment, you may not be able to take your Road Skills Test at the Driver Services Center.

*Please note if you and under the age of 16 or from out of state you cannot schdule a road test online. 

How to Apply for a Hardship License

Forms and Documents

Online Services

FAQs

  • Operators of any road machinery, farm tractor, or implement of husbandry that is temporarily operated or moved on a highway.
  • Non-residents who have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued by their home state or country, equivalent to the appropriate class or type of Tennessee license.
  • Individuals who are not U.S. citizens and who, in connection with their employment in managerial or technical positions in Tennessee, may operate vehicles with a valid driver license issued by another state, country, or international body for a period of six (6) months.
  • Students pursuing an approved driver training course in a public or private secondary school, or in a licensed commercial driver training school for passenger vehicles, when accompanied by a certified instructor.

 

  • Anyone whose license is currently suspended or revoked in Tennessee or any other state.
  • Anyone the Commissioner has reason to believe would be unable to operate a motor vehicle safely because of mental or physical disabilities.
  • Anyone who has been proven to be a habitual drunkard or who is addicted to the use of narcotics.Anyone required to show proof of financial responsibility and has not yet done so.
  • Anyone under the age of 18 who has dropped out of school before graduating, or who does not make "satisfactory progress" in school.
  • Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident will not qualify for the issuance of a driver license or identification only license.

REAL ID

Tennessee Drivers may wish to get a REAL ID instead of a Regular Driver License. Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID or passport to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants or to board commercial flights within the United States.