Drivers Ed in Tennessee

Getting Your License in Tennessee with Driver's Ed

When it comes time to get your license, whether you are a teen or new adult driver, it can be a very exciting and scary time. There is so much to learn about being a safe driver and how to navigate all the steps required by Tennessee to get your learner's permit and driver's license. Let us help you navigate the system and learn everything you need to know to be a safe driver in Tennessee with driver's education so you feel confident and ready to hit the road.

Most states require new drivers to take the following steps to get their license. To learn about specific requirements in Tennessee, see recommended Driver Ed course providers below.

Step One:

Tennessee Driver's Education

In most states, the first step for a teen driver or new driver to get their license is to take a driver education course. Depending on the state and its requirements, the driver education course may be taken online, at a public or private school, Tennessee approved driving school, or sometimes may be taught by parents. All courses in all states must be approved by the DMV or overseeing body in Tennessee to count. In most courses there will be basic requirements for the number of hours the course must last, what it must teach, and in most states you will be required to pass an exam at the end of the driver education course. This introductory course ensures you understand the rules of the road, traffic laws and signs, and know the techniques for safe driving so that you are ready to begin learning to drive with your learner's permit.

Step Two:

Tennessee Learner's Permit

Once you have passed a driver's education course, the next step in most states is to obtain a learner's permit. Your learner's permit will allow you to operate a vehicle with a licensed driver, who in most states must be at least 25 years old. To get your learner's permit in most states, you will need to make an appointment with the DMV or vehicle agency in Tennessee to complete and turn in your application for a learner's permit. Normally you will need a parent or guardian to sign your application if you are under 18 years old. On the day of the appointment, you will need to provide personal information to the DMV, usually including a birth certificate and your Tennessee driver's education certificate of completion and pay a fee to get your learner's permit. Some states may require you to pass an additional written exam at this point on traffic laws and signals before you will be issued your learner's permit.

Step Three:

Tennessee Driver's Training

In most states, once you have your learner's permit you will be required to take a driving training course with a Tennessee certified instructor and complete a certain number of practice hours. In some states, your parent or guardian may serve as your driving instructor and you will not need to sign up with a certified driving training course.

Step Four:

Getting Your License in Tennessee

After you have completed the Tennessee required driving hours and/or course, you are now ready to go to the DMV for your driver's license test. In most states this will consist of road test where you go out with a DMV official to show them that you are able to drive safely. During these tests you will be required to perform normal operating duties including parking, turning, and driving on the road. In some states an additional written exam may be required. If you pass, you will be able to obtain your driver's license. In some states this will be a probationary or provisional license that has additional regulations until you reach a certain age or have your license for a certain amount of time.

Provisional License or Probationary License

In many states, your first driver's license will be a provisional or probationary driver's license which will have added regulations. In some states this is for all new drivers and in some only for drivers under the age of 18. Normally probationary and provisional driver's licenses will limit the hours you are allowed to drive and the number of passengers allowed in your vehicle.

See the recommended Driver's Ed online course providers below to learn more about your state requirements and to complete the course itself in a speedy manner.

Tennessee Driver's Education Online Course

Frequently Asked Questions