Tennessee Driver's Permit Requirements

• To obtain a Tennessee driver's permit, applicants must be at least 15 years old.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence is required.
• Applicants must provide two proofs of Tennessee residency.
• A Social Security number is mandatory.
• All applicants must pass a vision test.
• A knowledge test on Tennessee traffic laws and signs must be passed.
• The knowledge test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.
• A score of 80% or higher is required to pass the knowledge test.
• If the knowledge test is failed, it can be retaken after 24 hours.
• Upon passing the vision and knowledge tests, a learner's permit is issued.
• With a learner's permit, driving is allowed only with a qualified supervising driver.
• The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old.
• The supervising driver must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license.
• Permit holders are prohibited from driving between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• Permit holders and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
• Using a cell phone while driving with a learner’s permit is prohibited.
• After holding a learner's permit for a minimum of 180 days, permit holders aged 16 or 17 can apply for an intermediate restricted license.
• To obtain an intermediate restricted license, applicants must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
• A parent or guardian must certify the completion of the 50 hours of supervised driving.
• Applicants for an intermediate restricted license must pass a driving skills test.
• The driving skills test assesses the applicant's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• With an intermediate restricted license, driving is prohibited between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older.
• Intermediate restricted license holders are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
• An intermediate restricted license can be upgraded to an unrestricted license after one year if the driver has a clean driving record.
• Drivers age 18 and older can apply for a regular driver's license after holding a learner's permit for at least 180 days
• Those 18 and older must pass the driving skills test to obtain a regular driver's license.
• Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is Tennessee's system for phasing in driving privileges for young drivers.
• The GDL program aims to reduce crashes involving teenage drivers.
• The steps in Tennessee's GDL program are the learner's permit, the intermediate restricted license, and the unrestricted license.
• For those under 18, all steps of the GDL must be completed for an unrestricted license.
• Documents required for a Tennessee driver's permit include proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
• Acceptable documents for proof of identity include a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
• Acceptable documents for proof of Social Security number include a Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub.
• Acceptable documents for proof of Tennessee residency include utility bills, bank statements, or official school records.
• The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver's permits and licenses.
• The vision test requires a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
• The knowledge test covers topics such as traffic laws, traffic signs, and safe driving practices.
• The driving skills test evaluates the applicant's ability to perform basic driving maneuvers safely and correctly.
• Common reasons for failing the driving skills test include failure to obey traffic signs and signals, improper lane usage, and unsafe speed.
• If the driving skills test is failed, it can be retaken after 7 days.
• The fee for a Tennessee learner's permit is $26.50 as of 2024.
• The fee for an intermediate restricted license is $26.50 as of 2024.
• The fee for a regular driver's license is $28.00 as of 2024.
• A driver's permit is valid for one year.
• An intermediate restricted license is valid until the holder turns 18.
• A regular driver's license is valid for 8 years.
• It is illegal to alter or falsify a driver's permit or license.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
• Violating the restrictions of a learner's permit or intermediate restricted license can result in suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
• Tennessee has a "zero tolerance" law for underage drivers who consume alcohol.
• Texting while driving is illegal in Tennessee.
• All drivers in Tennessee are required to carry proof of insurance.
• Tennessee law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.
• Tennessee drivers are required to stop for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.
• The "Move Over" law requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
• Failure to comply with Tennessee traffic laws can result in fines, points on your driving record, and suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

Outlines the requirements for obtaining a Tennessee driver's permit, including age, residency, and testing. Covers restrictions for permit holders, such as curfew and supervision rules. Focuses on rules and regulations for new drivers in Tennessee.