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Apply for a Tennessee Driver License (Younger than 18)

The youngest age that Tennessee’s Department of Safety (DOS) allows teen drivers to receive a drivers license is 16 years. You can get your learners permit or drivers permit on your 15th birthday. To apply for your Tennessee (TN) driver license, visit the nearest driver licensing station.

Teen Driver Licenses and DOS Licensing Station Requirements

Most stations are open Monday through Friday. Dial (866) 849-3548 to inquire about office locations and hours of operation. Bring your parents or legal guardians with you to the licensing station.

Before the DOS will issue you a driver license you must:

1. Provide adequate documentation that proves your identity, residency, and citizenship.
2. Submit documents that show that your academic progress is satisfactory (required for all teens younger than 18).
3. Show proof of adequate liability auto insurance.
4. Pass a written examination. (Study the TN driver’s manual and take permit practice test to increase your chances of passing the written license test. You can download the manual at the DOS website under “Graduated Driver License Program.”)
5. Take and pass a vision screening.
6. Successfully complete a road or driving test.

Once you arrive at the DOS licensing station your parents or legal guardians will sign an affidavit to certify that they accept financial responsibility for you driving in TN. A licensed notary public must notarize the affidavit.

Documents that prove your citizenship and identity include your:

• Birth certificate
• Valid United States passport
• Official naturalization or citizenship certificates (i.e. N550, N560)
• School photo identification card
• Social Security card

Acceptable documents that you can use to prove you are a resident of TN are a:

• Recent utility bill
• Bank statement
• Pay stub
• Most recent state income tax return form
• TN voter registration card

Your name and street mailing address are required on all identification documents. Photocopies are not accepted. DOS runs a check on all documents to confirm their authenticity and accuracy.

A letter from your school that states that your attendance and academic progress are satisfactory is enough to meet the academic documentation requirements. Ensure that the letter is dated within 30 days of your applying to receive your TN driver license. Your school principal or guidance counselor has to sign the letter.

Driver Training for Tennessee Teens

Practice driving for a minimum of 50 hours (10 of these driver training hours must include night driving). Your parents or legal guardians will sign a form to certify that you completed the 50 hours of drivers education.

If you take drivers ed through a licensed school, make sure that the person who teaches your driver training course signs the certification form.

Taking Driver License Tests

Focus on studying and passing the written and driving tests after you submit all required documents to a clerk at the driver licensing station. Areas covered on both tests are included in the TN driver’s manual.

Pay the licensing fee then take your photograph at the licensing station to receive your drivers license. TN drivers licenses are good for five years.