How to Obtain a Driver License in Tennessee : Free Practice Test

To get a driver's license in Tennessee, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid learner's permit. To obtain a learner's permit, you must pass a written knowledge test that covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

Documents Needed for a Learner's Permit

To get a learner's permit, visit a Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) Driver Services Center with the following documents:

• Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of Tennessee residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
• Proof of legal presence (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number
• Payment for the permit fee (currently $5.50)

Once you have a learner's permit, you can start practicing driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 180 days before you can take the road skills test and apply for your driver's license.

Scheduling and Passing the Road Skills Test

To schedule the road skills test, visit a Driver Services Center with the following documents:

• Your learner's permit
• A certified copy of your driving record (available from the DOS for $4)
• Payment for the testing fee (currently $12.50)

If you pass the road skills test, you will be issued a driver's license. You must renew your license every four years and may be required to take a written knowledge test or road skills test during renewal.

Tennessee's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

Tennessee has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for drivers under the age of 18. This program has stricter rules and requirements for young drivers, such as restrictions on the number of passengers and the times of day they can drive.

Simple Questions and Answers

Common Questions on the Driver's License Test

• What should you do if you are being tailgated?
  • You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow the tailgating driver to pass.
• What is the speed limit in a school zone?
  • The speed limit in a school zone is typically 20 mph.
• What should you do if you are approaching a railroad crossing and see a train coming?
  • You should stop at the railroad crossing and not proceed until the train has passed.
• What should you do if you see a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog?
  • You should stop and yield the right of way to the pedestrian.
• What should you do if you see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended?
  • You should stop and wait until the bus resumes motion or the red lights are no longer flashing before proceeding.
• What should you do if you're involved in a minor collision with no injuries and both vehicles are drivable?
  • You should move your vehicle out of the roadway if possible and exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
• What should you do if a traffic signal is not working?
  • Treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
• What should you do if you see a yield sign?
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary to allow other vehicles or pedestrians to proceed.
• What should you do if you see a flashing red traffic signal?
  • Come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is safe.
• What should you do if you see a stop sign?
  • Come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is safe.