Driver Improvement (Points Accumulation)

Driver Improvement was established to monitor and evaluate adult and juvenile driver records based on point values assigned to accidents and/or convictions for moving traffic violations. A driver may be required to attend an 8-hour Defensive Driving School and/or have their driving privileges suspended when they have exceeded the number of points allowed.

Adult and Juvenile Points Systems

Adult Points System

Drivers who accumulate twelve (12) or more points on their driving record within any 12-month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension and given an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing. If they fail to request a hearing, their driving privileges are suspended for a period of six to 12 months. In most cases, when a driver requests a hearing, they are given the opportunity to attend a defensive driving class in lieu of suspension or a reduction of suspension time. This must be completed within ninety (90) days of receiving the letter of suspension and can only be completed once every five (5) years to receive credit. 

Juvenile Points System

Drivers less than eighteen (18) years of age who accumulate six (6) or more points on their driving record within any twelve (12) month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and are placed in the Driver Improvement Program. The driver will be required to attend an administrative hearing, with their parent or guardian present, to discuss the points assigned to their driving record. Certain actions could be imposed based on the outcome of the hearing and the number of points accumulated on the driver's record.

The following actions could be imposed based on the outcome of the hearing and the number of points accumulated on a juvenile driver's record:

Fewer than 6 Points

Driver is sent a warning letter from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, with a copy sent to the driver's parent/guardian.  

6 - 9 Points

  • Driver is sent a notice of proposed suspension from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and is placed in the Driver Improvement Program, with a copy sent to the driver's parent/guardian.
  • Driver will be required to attend an administrative hearing, with their parent or guardian present, to discuss the points assigned
    to their driving record.
  • Driving privileges may be suspended for 3 to 6 months.
  • Driver must attend and complete a Defensive Driving Course within 90 days.
  • Failure to attend the hearing by the driver and parent/guardian present will result in a mandatory 6-month suspension of the juvenile's driving privileges.
  • If a driver's license is suspended, all legal and departmental requirements for reinstatement, including proof of liability insurance, completion of a Defensive Driving Course and payment of reinstatement fees, must be met before driving privileges can be reinstated.

10 or More Points

  • Driver is sent a notice of proposed suspension from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and is placed in the Driver Improvement Program, with a copy sent to the driver's parent/guardian.
  • Driver will be required to attend an administrative hearing, with their parent or guardian present, to discuss the points assigned to their driving record.
  • Driving privileges will be suspended for 6 months.
  • Failure to attend hearing by the driver and parent/guardian will result in a mandatory 6-month suspension of the juvenile's
    driving privileges and attendance at a Defensive Driving Course.
  • All legal and departmental requirements for reinstatement, including proof of liability insurance, completion of a Defensive Driving Course and payment of reinstatement fees, must be met before driving privileges can be reinstated. 

2nd or Subsequent Offense

  • If a juvenile driver accumulates 6 or more points on their driving record in a 12-month period following the first offense, the driver is sent a notice of proposed suspension from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and is placed in the Driver Improvement Program, with a copy sent to the driver's parent/guardian.
  • Driving privileges will be suspended for 6 or 12 months depending on the record.
  • All legal and departmental requirements for reinstatement, including proof of liability insurance, completion of a Defensive Driving Course and payment of reinstatement fees, must be met before driving privileges can be reinstated.

After Receiving a Notice of Proposed Suspension 

Drivers who accumulate too many points on their driving record within any 12-month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension and given an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing. 

Requesting a Hearing

To request a hearing please submit the following information to the the Driver Improvement section via the following means. 

Information Needed: 
    Name
    Drivers License Number 
    Date of Birth 

Email to: Driver.Improvement@tn.gov

Mail to:
Driver Improvement Section
P.O. Box 25290 
Nashville, TN 37202-5290

How to apply for a Restricted Driver License after Suspension 

Step 1:
Obtain a Driver Improvement Restricted Application Form from the Hearing Officer on the date of hearing or download an application request form (valid for Frequent Traffic [Points] Suspensions only). Complete all information on the form. Driver Improvement will return the application either approved or denied.

Mail the completed form to:
   Driver Improvement Section
   1150 Foster Avenue
   Nashville, TN 37243

Step 2:  Obtain SR-22 Insurance

Step 3:
Once an approved application is received visit a Driver Service Center to apply for a license. You must present the approved application form, SR-22 form, and produce the fee to the Driver License Examiner. 

* Please note you must have had a valid license within the last 5 years to apply, if not you will
be required to retest.

FAQs

Tennessee Driver Improvement Program Rules