Tennessee Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Tennessee learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-18 · Source: Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security — Teen/Graduated Driver License ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Tennessee
- Apply for the Class PD learner permit at 15 and pass the required knowledge and vision tests
- Drive only with a licensed driver age 21+ seated beside you
- Hold the permit at least 6 months while completing 50 supervised hours, 10 at night
- At 16+, pass the road test and meet school attendance/progress rules for the Intermediate Restricted License
- Follow intermediate curfew and passenger restrictions
Tennessee GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: Learner permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat
- Intermediate curfew: Intermediate Restricted License holders may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless an exception applies
- Intermediate passenger rule: Only one passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 21+
Documents you'll need
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- Proof of Tennessee residency
- Social Security number
- Proof of school attendance/progress if under 18
- Parent/guardian signature for minors
The details
- Permit eligibility: Class PD learner permit under Tennessee's Graduated Driver License program
- Permit validity: 12 months
- Knowledge test: 30 questions; 80% to pass; 30-question knowledge test, 80% (24 correct) to pass.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Tennessee?
You can get a learner's permit in Tennessee at 15. Class PD learner permit under Tennessee's Graduated Driver License program.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Tennessee?
You must hold your Tennessee permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Tennessee require?
Tennessee requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Tennessee permit test?
Right here — take a free Tennessee practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
