
Getting your Tennessee driver’s license can be an exciting time for both teenagers and adults of all ages. However, there are a few steps you must complete to obtain one. Like many states, Tennessee requires new teen drivers to complete a version of the Graduated Driver’s License program utilized by DMV offices across the country. These programs are put in place to ensure new drivers are completely ready to hit the road by the time they receive their full license.
In this guide, we’ll discuss exactly how to get a driver’s license in Tennessee.
Your first step towards getting a driver’s license is to get a permit.
The state of Tennessee imposes stringent restrictions on all permit holders:
If you want to know more about this part of the licensing process, we recommend that you read our complete Tennessee learner’s permit guide.
At age 16, you’ll be able to move onto your Tennessee intermediate restricted license. You will need to have held your permit for at least 180 days (6 months) before you receive your intermediate license.
To apply for your restricted license, you will need to complete the following steps.
Visiting your local Tennessee driver’s license office is a common occurrence during the licensing process. This is also the first thing you must do when applying for your restricted license.
Make sure to bring proof of the following information:
The Tennessee road skills test will examine your ability to perform core driving skills, such as turning, maintaining lane position, parallel parking and more. You will be required to provide your own vehicle that is up to legal standards.
At the time of writing, the Tennessee intermediate restricted license fee varies depending on your age. If you are 16, the cost is $24.50. If you are 17, the cost is $21.
You will still have restrictions on your license during this phase, although less stringent than on a learner’s permit.
You are eligible for an unrestricted intermediate license when you turn 17. It must be at least a full year of holding the restricted license before you can move to an intermediate unrestricted license.
To apply, you cannot have:
All you’ll need to do is visit your local driver service center and pay a $2 fee.
Once you turn 18, you can apply for your full under 21 driver’s license. At the DMV, you’ll just need to bring your required documents. Remember that you also have to provide proof of at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.
You’ll receive a temporary license until your permanent Tennessee driver’s license has been mailed to you. This usually takes a couple of weeks.
That’s all you need to know about obtaining a driver’s license in the state of Tennessee. We hope this guide has helped you out and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming knowledge or driving exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized handbook, Tennessee practice tests, and a gamified experience.
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