Tennessee · How to Get a Permit
Tennessee permit-test facts: Questions: 30 questions for the online test (ages 15-17; the source does not state whether an in-center format differs); To pass: 80% minimum (online test); Minimum age: 15 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17; Fee: PD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+; Re-takes: Online applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failure; Official handbook: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.
Getting your Tennessee learner's permit is straightforward once you know exactly what to bring and what to expect. This step-by-step guide covers every requirement so you walk into the DMV ready.
Most first-time applicants complete the whole process in one DMV visit. The biggest reason people fail? They don't pass the written knowledge test. Practice free questions below before you go.
Tennessee permit-test facts: Questions: 30 questions for the online test (ages 15-17; the source does not state whether an in-center format differs); To pass: 80% minimum (online test); Minimum age: 15 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17; Fee: PD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+; Re-takes: Online applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failure; Official handbook: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.
Each field links to the primary official source used for its review. A field marked not stated means the reviewed source did not publish that requested fact; confirm current application details with the authority.
| Fact | Answer | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 30 questions for the online test (ages 15-17; the source does not state whether an in-center format differs) | Verified against cited official source |
| To pass | 80% minimum (online test) | Verified against cited official source |
| Minimum age | 15 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17 | Verified against cited official source |
| Fee | PD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+ | Verified against cited official source |
| Re-takes | Online applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failure | Verified against cited official source |
| Official handbook | Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual | Verified against cited official source |
Official source
Field evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14 (retrieved)
Minimum-age information: 15 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17. Confirm all age and eligibility conditions with the official authority.
Use the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual and the authority’s current application instructions to identify the documents required for your situation.
Study the official handbook before booking or taking a test. Passing information: 80% minimum (online test). Retake information: Online applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failure.
Fee information: PD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+. Confirm the current amount, appointment rules, and post-permit requirements directly with the official authority.
Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.
Question 1 · Road signs
In Tennessee, a red octagon-shaped sign always means what?
Correct answer: Stop
Red octagon = stop. Always come to a full stop.
Question 2 · Speed limits
In Tennessee, what is the maximum speed limit set by law for interstate highways?
Correct answer: 70 mph
70 mph is the top interstate speed limit in Tennessee.
Question 3 · Alcohol and drugs
In Tennessee, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for intoxication?
Correct answer: 0.08% or higher
0.08% BAC or higher means legally intoxicated.
Your first full mock exam is free.
If you pass the knowledge test and have your documents ready, you can receive your permit the same day. Plan for 1–3 hours at the DMV depending on wait times.
Appointments are optional at most Tennessee DMV offices but strongly recommended — walk-ins can wait 1–4 hours. Book online before you go.
Online applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failure. Practice with handbook-style questions and read the AI explanation for every wrong answer before retesting.
Yes — Tennessee offers the knowledge test in Spanish at most DMV offices. Ask the staff when you arrive or select your language at the testing kiosk.
Requirements vary by age. Check the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual or our requirements page for the specific holding period that applies to you.
Start with a free practice exam. No card, no commitment.
Driver Handbook
Tennessee Driver Handbook
Key points from the Tennessee driver handbook — safe driving, traffic controls, speed limits, DUI laws, and road sharing, organized by chapter.
Study Guide
Tennessee Permit Test Study Guide
Free Tennessee DMV study guide for the 2026 permit test — road signs, right of way, speed limits, and alcohol laws explained topic by topic.
Permit Test Guide
Tennessee Permit Test: The Complete Guide
Official test format: 30 questions for the online test (ages 15-17; the source does not state whether an in-center format differs).
Practice Test
Free Tennessee DMV Practice Test
Free Tennessee DMV practice test.Official test format: 30 questions for the online test (ages 15-17; the source does not state whether an in-center format differs).
Permit Test Answers
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Tennessee permit test answers explained. Every practice question comes with an AI explanation that breaks down the rule, not just the answer.
Cheat Sheet
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Tennessee DMV cheat sheet for. Quick-reference key facts, signs, and rules from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, plus free practice questions.
Permit Requirements
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Tennessee learner's permit requirements for. Minimum age, required documents, knowledge test details, fees, and holding period — all in one place.
Road Signs Test
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Free Tennessee road signs practice test for. Learn every sign shape, color, and meaning from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, then drill sign questions with AI explanations.
Right-of-Way Practice
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Master right-of-way for the Tennessee permit test. Intersections, 4-way stops, left turns, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles — with free practice questions.
Written Test Questions
Tennessee DMV Written Test Questions
Free Tennessee DMV written test questions for, written from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual. Practice real exam-style questions with AI explanations in 5 languages.
DMV Test in Spanish
Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Spanish
Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Spanish. Native-quality Spanish practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Chinese
Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Chinese
Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Chinese. Native-quality Chinese practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Korean
Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Korean
Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Korean. Native-quality Korean practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Russian
Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Russian
Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Russian. Native-quality Russian practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
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