Tennessee · Permit Requirements

Tennessee Driver's Permit Requirements (2026)

Before you visit the DMV, make sure you meet every Tennessee learner's permit requirement — missing a single document sends you home without a permit. This page lists everything you need: age, documents, tests, and fees, sourced from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026).

Already have your documents? Practice the free knowledge test below so you walk in ready to pass on the first try.

Based on official handbookUpdated for 2026No card to start

The test at a glance

Questions
30
To pass
80% (24/30 correct)
Minimum age
15 for a learner permit
Fee
$28.50 for the learner permit
Re-takes
Retakes allowed; a waiting period applies between attempts
Official handbook
Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026)

Sample questions for Tennessee

Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.

  1. Question 1 · Road signs

    In Tennessee, a red octagon-shaped sign always means what?

    • No entry
    • Merge
    • Yield
    • Stop
    See the explanation

    Correct answer: Stop

    Red octagon = stop. Always come to a full stop.

  2. Question 2 · Speed limits

    In Tennessee, what is the maximum speed limit set by law for interstate highways?

    • 70 mph
    • 55 mph
    • 75 mph
    • 65 mph
    See the explanation

    Correct answer: 70 mph

    70 mph is the top interstate speed limit in Tennessee.

  3. Question 3 · Alcohol and drugs

    In Tennessee, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for intoxication?

    • 0.08% or higher
    • 0.15% or higher
    • 0.10% or higher
    • 0.05% or higher
    See the explanation

    Correct answer: 0.08% or higher

    0.08% BAC or higher means legally intoxicated.

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Age requirements for a Tennessee learner's permit

Minimum age: 15 for a learner permit. Younger applicants must complete driver education before applying. Adults 18+ can skip driver ed and apply directly, but still need to pass the knowledge test and vision screening.

Required documents for a Tennessee learner's permit

You'll need three categories: **Identity (one of):** U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or Employment Authorization Document. **Social Security:** Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or pay stub with full SSN. **Residency (two of):** Utility bill, bank statement, mortgage statement, rental agreement, or school/medical records — all dated within 12 months showing your Tennessee address.

Knowledge test requirements

Test: 30 multiple-choice questions from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026). Passing score: 80% (24/30 correct). Re-takes: Retakes allowed; a waiting period applies between attempts. Languages: English, Spanish, and other languages at most DMV offices. Format: Computer-based, one question at a time, 15–25 minutes.

Fees and permit holding period

Application fee: $28.50 for the learner permit. Once you have your permit, you must fulfill the supervised driving requirement before applying for a full license. See the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026) for the specific holding period and hours required for your age group.

Vision requirements

Tennessee requires at least 20/40 visual acuity in one eye (with or without correction) for a standard license. Bring glasses or contacts if you wear them — the test takes under one minute at the counter. If you fail, you'll need a signed vision report from a licensed eye doctor before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need for a Tennessee learner's permit?

Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number (Social Security card), and proof of Tennessee residency (two documents such as utility bills or bank statements). Bring originals — photocopies are typically not accepted.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Tennessee?

15 for a learner permit. Different requirements apply depending on your age — younger applicants must complete driver education before applying.

How much does a Tennessee learner's permit cost?

$28.50 for the learner permit. Check the DMV website for the current fee schedule as these can change.

Can I take the Tennessee permit test without driver education?

It depends on your age. Adults (18+) can generally apply directly. Applicants under 18 in Tennessee must typically complete an approved driver education program first.

Is the Tennessee permit test available in Spanish?

Yes — Tennessee offers the knowledge test in Spanish at most DMV offices. You can also request a Spanish version of the driver's handbook at the counter.

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More Tennessee resources

Driver Handbook

Tennessee Driver Handbook

Key points from the latest official Tennessee driver handbook, organized by chapter — safe driving, traffic controls, speed limits, DUI laws, and sharing the road.

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 (2026): The Complete Guide

The complete Tennessee permit test guide: 30 questions, 80% (24/30 correct) to pass, who qualifies, the mistakes that fail most people, free practice questions, and an AI tutor in 5 languages.

Practice Test

Free Tennessee DMV Practice Test (2026)

Free Tennessee DMV practice test. 30 real handbook-style questions per round, instant scoring, and AI explanations for every wrong answer.

Permit Test Answers

Tennessee Permit Test Answers & Explanations

Tennessee permit test answers explained. Every practice question comes with an AI explanation that breaks down the rule, not just the answer.

Cheat Sheet

Tennessee DMV Cheat Sheet (2026)

Tennessee DMV cheat sheet for 2026. Quick-reference key facts, signs, and rules from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026), plus free practice questions.

How to Get a Permit

How to Get a Tennessee Driver's Permit (2026)

How to get your Tennessee learner's permit in 2026. Step-by-step: age requirements, documents, knowledge test, fees, and what to bring to the DMV.

Road Signs Test

Tennessee Permit Signs Test (2026)

Free Tennessee road signs practice test for 2026. Learn every sign shape, color, and meaning from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026), then drill sign questions with AI explanations.

Right-of-Way Practice

Tennessee Right-of-Way Practice Test (2026)

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 (2026)

Free Tennessee DMV written test questions for 2026, written from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026). Practice real exam-style questions with AI explanations in 5 languages.

DMV Test in Spanish

Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Spanish (2026)

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 (2026)

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 (2026)

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 (2026)

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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