Skip to main content

Tennessee · Permit Requirements

Tennessee Driver's Permit Requirements

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.

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.

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

Based on official handbookNo card to start

Direct answer

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.

Tennessee permit-test fact sheet and evidence status
FactAnswerEvidence status
Questions30 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 pass80% minimum (online test)Verified against cited official source
Minimum age15 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17Verified against cited official source
FeePD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+Verified against cited official source
Re-takesOnline applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failureVerified against cited official source
Official handbookTennessee Comprehensive Driver License ManualVerified against cited official source

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.

Practice the full exam free

Your first full mock exam is free.

Age requirements for a Tennessee learner's permit

Minimum age: 15 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17. 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

Official test format: 30 questions for the online test (ages 15-17; the source does not state whether an in-center format differs). Passing score: 80% minimum (online test). Re-takes: Online applicants may take the test a maximum of 2 times and must wait 24 hours after a failure. 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: PD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+. 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 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 years old; online test eligibility is ages 15-17. Different requirements apply depending on your age — younger applicants must complete driver education before applying.

How much does a Tennessee learner's permit cost?

PD learner permit total: $10.50 under 18; $5.50 age 18+. 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.

Ready to pass your Tennessee DMV test?

Start with a free practice exam. No card, no commitment.

More Tennessee resources

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

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

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

How to Get a Permit

How to Get a Tennessee Driver's Permit

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

Road Signs Test

Tennessee Permit Signs Test

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

Tennessee Right-of-Way Practice Test

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.

Related guides from our blog

Permit Requirements in other states

California Driver's Permit RequirementsTexas Driver's Permit RequirementsFlorida Driver's Permit RequirementsNew York Driver's Permit RequirementsIllinois Driver's Permit RequirementsArizona Driver's Permit RequirementsNew Jersey Driver's Permit RequirementsGeorgia Driver's Permit RequirementsNevada Driver's Permit RequirementsAlaska Driver's Permit RequirementsMassachusetts Driver's Permit RequirementsMichigan Driver's Permit RequirementsNorth Carolina Driver's Permit RequirementsOhio Driver's Permit RequirementsPennsylvania Driver's Permit RequirementsVirginia Driver's Permit RequirementsIndiana Driver's Permit RequirementsMaryland Driver's Permit RequirementsMissouri Driver's Permit RequirementsWisconsin Driver's Permit RequirementsColorado Driver's Permit RequirementsMinnesota Driver's Permit RequirementsSouth Carolina Driver's Permit RequirementsAlabama Driver's Permit RequirementsLouisiana Driver's Permit RequirementsKentucky Driver's Permit RequirementsWashington Driver's Permit RequirementsArkansas Driver's Permit RequirementsConnecticut Driver's Permit RequirementsDelaware Driver's Permit RequirementsHawaii Driver's Permit RequirementsIowa Driver's Permit RequirementsIdaho Driver's Permit RequirementsKansas Driver's Permit RequirementsMaine Driver's Permit RequirementsMississippi Driver's Permit RequirementsMontana Driver's Permit RequirementsNorth Dakota Driver's Permit RequirementsNebraska Driver's Permit RequirementsNew Hampshire Driver's Permit RequirementsNew Mexico Driver's Permit RequirementsOklahoma Driver's Permit RequirementsOregon Driver's Permit RequirementsRhode Island Driver's Permit RequirementsSouth Dakota Driver's Permit RequirementsUtah Driver's Permit RequirementsVermont Driver's Permit RequirementsWest Virginia Driver's Permit RequirementsWyoming Driver's Permit RequirementsWashington D.C. Driver's Permit Requirements

My Permit Pass is an independent study tool and is NOT affiliated with any state DMV. All practice questions are handbook-based study material, not official exam questions.

© 2026 My Permit Pass. All rights reserved.

Website designed, developed, and managed by Nabee Studio

We use optional cookies to help improve your experience. They stay off unless you accept. Privacy Policy