Free Tennessee Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a permit in Tennessee. This applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Tennessee you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of Tennessee residency (utility bill, bank statement, school records, etc.)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
• Social Security number verification (Social Security card or other acceptable document)
• If your name is different from your identity document, proof of name change
• Payment for the application fee
• If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent, legal guardian or licensed foster parent must:

• Accompany you to the Driver Services Center
• Sign your permit application
• Assume financial responsibility for any damages resulting from your driving
• Provide proof of relationship to you (such as your birth certificate showing their name)

The application process in Tennessee is as follows:

1. Gather all required documents (proof of identity, residency, etc.)
2. Complete the Tennessee driver license application form
3. Visit your local Driver Services Center with a parent or legal guardian if you’re under 18
4. Submit your documents and application
5. Pay the permit fee
6. Take the vision screening
7. Take the knowledge test

Tennessee allows you to start the application process online through the e-Services portal on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. However, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision screening, and take your knowledge test.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security charges a fee for a learner permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Tennessee you must pass:

• A vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A knowledge test with multiple choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Tennessee permit knowledge test consists of 30 multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The Tennessee permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Special driving conditions and hazards

The best ways to prepare for your Tennessee permit test:

• Study the Tennessee Driver License Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Tennessee Driver License Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to make sure you understand the key concepts
• Pay special attention to road signs, traffic laws, and safety rules

If you fail the Tennessee permit test:

• You may retake the test after waiting at least one day
• You’ll need to pay the test fee again for each attempt
• If you fail the test multiple times, it’s recommended to thoroughly review the driver manual before trying again

With a Tennessee learner permit you can:

• Practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road skills test

When driving with a permit in Tennessee you:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat
• Cannot drive between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot use a cell phone while driving (hands-free or handheld) if you’re under 18
• Are limited to no more than one passenger who is not a family member unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

In Tennessee the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your learner permit for at least 180 days (6 months) before taking the road skills test
• You must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night
• Your parent or legal guardian must certify that you’ve completed these hours

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your learner permit; practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road skills test

In Tennessee driver education requirements vary based on your age:

• If you are under 18: Driver education is not required to get your learner permit; however, it is strongly recommended and may provide insurance discounts. Some counties may even require driver education based on local legislation.
• If you are 18 or older: Driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In Tennessee before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must either complete a state-approved driver education course, OR
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) verified by your parent or guardian

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find Tennessee-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Contacting your local Driver Services Center for recommendations

The Tennessee road skills test checks:

• Your ability to drive safely
• Your knowledge of traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start the test, the examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it meets safety requirements including working headlights, turn signals, brake lights, a functional horn, windshield wipers, good tire condition, and valid registration and proof of insurance.

You can schedule your road skills test in Tennessee by:

• Using the online appointment system on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website
• Calling your local Driver Services Center
• Visiting a Driver Services Center in person

On the day of your road skills test in Tennessee, bring:

• Your valid learner permit
• A vehicle for the test
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be using
• A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with a valid license (they must be with you at the test)
• If you are under 18, a completed driving experience form signed by your parent or guardian

Common reasons for failing the Tennessee road skills test are:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to parallel park or perform required maneuvers

To get your license from your permit in Tennessee:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 180 days (6 months)
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Pass the road skills test
• Bring all required documents to the Driver Services Center
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road skills test
• Bring all required documents to the Driver Services Center
• Pay the license fee

Tennessee’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner Permit: Must be at least 15 years old, pass the knowledge test, and practice with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
• Intermediate Restricted License: Must be at least 16 years old, hold your learner permit for at least 6 months, complete the required practice hours, and pass the road skills test.
• Intermediate Unrestricted License: Must be at least 17 years old and have held an Intermediate Restricted License for 12 months without any traffic violations.
• Regular Driver License: Issued when you turn 18 or have successfully completed all stages of the graduated program.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from learner permit to regular license after passing the road skills test.

As a new driver under 18 in Tennessee with an Intermediate Restricted License:

• No driving between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (with exceptions for employment, school activities, or religious activities)
• No more than one passenger who is not a family member (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• No using cell phones (hands-free or handheld) while driving

These restrictions apply for 12 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. After 12 months without any traffic violations, you can apply for an Intermediate Unrestricted License (which removes the passenger and time restrictions, though phone restrictions remain until age 18).

Tennessee does not recognize out-of-state learner permits for driving within the state. If you are moving to Tennessee with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Tennessee learner permit
• You may need to retake the knowledge test
• If you’re under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least 180 days before applying for a license

Tennessee offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters (with advance notice)
• Extended testing time
• Special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Medical condition indicators on licenses for emergency personnel
• Contact your local Driver Services Center before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license in Tennessee by providing:

• Proof of authorized presence in the United States (such as a valid visa, I-94, or other USCIS documentation)
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Tennessee residency
• Other required documents
• Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the Tennessee Driver License Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any Driver Services Center.

Yes! We offer free Tennessee-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Tennessee permit process:

• Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety
• Call the Driver Services Division at 866-849-3548 during business hours
• Visit your local Driver Services Center
• Email Safety.Webmaster@tn.gov

If you lose your Tennessee learner permit:

• Request a replacement at your local Driver Services Center
• Provide proof of identity
• You may need to complete a new application
• Pay a replacement fee

A parent or legal guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written and notarized request to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, specifying the reason for cancellation and providing proof of relationship to the minor. The canceled permit or license must be surrendered to the Department.