How licensing works in Tennessee
Tennessee uses a graduated system for drivers under 18. You start with a Class PD learner permit, move to an intermediate restricted license, then an intermediate unrestricted license, and finally a regular Class D license.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Learner permit (Class PD) | 15 | Licensed driver 21+ beside you. No driving 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Hold 180 days. 50 hours of practice, 10 at night |
| Intermediate restricted license | 16 | No driving 11 p.m.–6 a.m. One passenger, unless an exception applies |
| Intermediate unrestricted license | 17, after one year | Night and passenger limits end |
| Class D license | 18 | Full privileges |
Teens certify their 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience on form SF-1256, after holding the learner permit for six months.
Hardship and interim licenses
Some minors can get a Class H hardship license at 14. It expires at 16. When you are issued a license, you may get an interim license first, which is valid for up to 20 days until your card arrives.
The Tennessee knowledge test
To get your Class PD permit, you pass a knowledge test and a vision screening. The knowledge test covers Tennessee traffic laws, safe driving and road signs from the Comprehensive Driver License Manual.
Tennessee offers free practice knowledge tests online through the Department of Safety. Check the department's website for current test details, office locations and documents before your visit.
Rules specific to Tennessee
The hands-free law
Tennessee's hands-free law took effect in 2019. It applies to all drivers. While driving, you may not:
- Hold a phone with any part of your body, including your shoulder or lap
- Read or write a text message
- Reach for a phone in a way that takes you out of your seated, belted position
- Watch or record video
Drivers with a learner permit or intermediate license may not use any cell phone, even hands-free. School bus drivers may not use phones at all while driving.
License classes
| Class | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Class PD | Learner permit |
| Class D | Regular vehicles up to 26,000 pounds (not placarded for hazardous materials, not built for 16+ passengers, not school buses) |
| Class M | Motorcycles over 125 cc |
| Class H | Hardship license for some minors from 14 to 16 |
Penalties
Driving without a license is a Class D misdemeanor. Driving while your license is revoked, canceled or suspended is a more serious Class B misdemeanor that can bring a large fine and up to six months in jail.
Off-road vehicles
ATVs and other off-road vehicles may not be driven on Tennessee or federal highways or interstates.
Making the most of your practice
Your supervised hours are where you really learn to drive. Plan them instead of leaving them to chance, and ask your supervisor to give you calm, clear feedback after each trip.
- Start in an empty parking lot to learn steering, braking, turning and backing.
- Move on to quiet streets, then busier roads, multi-lane roads and highways.
- Practice at night and in rain, so your first night drive alone is not your first night drive ever.
- Work on the skills a road test checks: full stops, lane changes, turns, parking and backing.
- Say out loud what you see: signs, hazards, and what other road users might do next.
In Tennessee, you need 50 hours, including 10 at night. Write down each drive right after it ends, with the date, the time and the conditions, so your log is complete when you apply.
On test day
- Check the official website the day before for documents, hours and any appointment rules.
- Bring every document on the official list, in the form the office asks for.
- Get a good night's sleep and arrive early, so you are not rushed.
- Read each question twice. Watch for words like always, never, only and except.
- If you are not sure, rule out the answers you know are wrong, then choose the safest one.
Test tips
- Learn the key numbers: 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 180 days, 50 hours, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., 20 days, 26,000 pounds.
- Know exactly what the hands-free law bans.
- Study road signs by shape and color.
- Use the state's free online practice tests as well as ours.
Next: the general rules of the road
This guide covers Tennessee's own rules. The knowledge test also covers right-of-way, turns, passing, parking, alcohol and road signs. Study those in our national US driving study guide, then take the full practice tests.