The Volunteer State on Wheels: Your 2025 Guide to a Tennessee Driver's License

Getting your first driver's license in Tennessee is an exciting rite of passage, opening up a world of independence from the Great Smoky Mountains to the streets of Nashville and Memphis. To ensure new drivers are safe and well-prepared, the state has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teenagers. This program is designed to help young drivers build skills and experience in lower-risk environments before earning full driving privileges. For adults, the process is more direct but still requires careful adherence to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security's requirements.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, whether you're a teen embarking on the GDL journey or an adult getting licensed for the first time in the Volunteer State.

For Teen Drivers: The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

Tennessee's GDL program is a proven way to reduce crashes among the state's youngest drivers. It's a multi-stage process that systematically increases driving privileges as a teen demonstrates responsibility and skill.

Stage 1: The Learner Permit (Class PD)

This is your official entry into the driver's seat, allowing you to legally practice driving with a licensed adult.

Eligibility and First Steps:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old to apply.
• Sponsor: A parent, legal guardian, or licensed stepparent must sign your application to assume financial responsibility.

How to Apply:

1. Gather Your Documents: Before visiting a Driver Services Center, you must collect several critical documents:
   • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: This is typically an original or certified U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport.
   • Proof of Social Security Number: Your original Social Security card or a W-2 form.
   • Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency: These could be recent utility bills, bank statements, or a lease agreement showing your name and address.
   • Proof of School Attendance: You must have a Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance (Form SF-1010), signed by your school principal or guidance counselor. This form is only valid for 30 days.
2. Pass the Tests: At the Driver Services Center, you must pass two tests:
   • Vision Screening: A basic eye exam to ensure you meet the minimum vision standards for driving.
   • Knowledge Test: A 30-question, multiple-choice computer test based on the Tennessee Driver Manual. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

Once you pass and pay the fee, you will be issued your Learner Permit.

Learner Permit Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and is seated in the front passenger seat.
• Validity: The permit is valid for one year.

Stage 2: The Intermediate Restricted License (Class D)

After gaining sufficient experience, you can take the road test to earn an intermediate license, which allows for unsupervised driving with some very important restrictions.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have held your Learner Permit for at least 180 days.
• 50-Hour Driving Log: A parent or guardian must certify that you have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice. This must include 10 hours of driving at night.

How to Apply:

1. Schedule the Road Test: You must schedule your driving test appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety's e-Services portal.
2. Pass the Road Test: This practical test evaluates your ability to safely operate a vehicle, follow traffic laws, and perform basic maneuvers.
3. Get Your License: Upon passing the road test, you'll have your photo taken and be issued your Intermediate Restricted License.

Intermediate Restricted License Restrictions:

• Nighttime Curfew: You may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Passenger Limitation: You may only have one passenger in the vehicle with you. Exceptions are made if the passengers are your parents, or if you are accompanied by a licensed adult over 21 in the front seat.
• Cell Phone Use: Handheld cell phone use is prohibited.

Stage 3: The Intermediate Unrestricted License (Class D)

This stage lifts some of the most significant restrictions.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must have held your Intermediate Restricted License for at least one year.
• You must not have accumulated six or more points on your driving record and not have had an at-fault accident.

Once you meet these criteria, you can apply to have the time-of-day and passenger restrictions removed from your license.

Final Stage: The Full, Unrestricted License

At age 18, your intermediate license automatically converts to a full, unrestricted adult license (Class D).

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are a new driver over 18, you are not required to participate in the GDL program's time restrictions.

1. Get a Learner's Permit: You will follow the same application process as a teen (documents, vision and knowledge tests), but you are not required to provide a school attendance form.
2. Practice Driving: While there is no 50-hour log requirement, it's essential to practice with a licensed driver over 21 until you are completely confident in your skills.
3. Take the Road Test: You must hold your permit for at least 30 days before you are eligible to take the road test.
4. Get Your License: Pass the road test, pay the fees, and receive your full, unrestricted Class D driver's license.