What to bring to the Tennessee TDOSHS permit test
Bring the right documents and you can take the knowledge and vision tests on the same visit. The official requirements change from time to time, so check the TDOSHS's own page before you go.
For the learner's permit and knowledge test
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency (or temporary legal presence for a TDL)
- Primary and secondary proof of identity
- Proof of any name changes
- Two proofs of Tennessee residency (no P.O. boxes, dated within 4 months)
- Social Security number
- Under 18: parent/guardian to sign the Minor/Teenage Affidavit and financial responsibility form; proof of school attendance (form SF1010 or school letter, signed within 30 days)
Fees
- PD learner permit (under 18): $10.50
- PD learner permit (18 and over): $5.50
- D operator license (8 years): $28.00
- Intermediate Restricted (under 18): $24.50
- H Hardship license (age 14-15, 2 years): $9.00
- Intermediate Unrestricted: $2.00
- Graduating to Class D at 18: $10.00
- County clerk administrative fee (if applying through a clerk): $4.00
The vision test
At least 20/40 in each eye individually and both eyes together, with or without glasses or contacts; otherwise an eye specialist statement is evaluated
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.
For the road test
- Valid learner permit
- Certification of 50 hours (SF-1256) for teens
- Proof of citizenship/lawful presence if you do not already hold a valid TN permit
- Vehicle with valid registration and working safety belts, brakes, headlights, tail/brake lights, wipers, defroster, mirrors and horn
After you pass: your permit
- Hold it for at least 180 days (under 18) before the Intermediate Restricted License; permits expire 1 year from issue before the road test.
- Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
- Licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat
- No driving 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (under 18)
- Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts
- No cell phone use while driving (learner permit and intermediate holders): $50 fine, 6 points, 90-day delay for the Intermediate Restricted License
- Must have fewer than 6 points in the 180 days before applying for the Intermediate Restricted License
Before you go
Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the TDOSHS says copies are accepted.
Questions
How old do I need to be to take the Tennessee permit test?
15.
How much does the Tennessee permit test cost?
$2 application fee charged each time you take a test and fail (PD, D and H tests). Learner permit: $10.50 under 18, $5.50 18 and over (includes $2 application fee).
Can I take the Tennessee permit test online?
Multiple choice on Sections B and C of the manual, computerized at Driver Services Centers (written in limited cases), or online for ages 15-17 under parent/guardian proctoring. Content is about 25% each: traffic signs and signals, safe driving principles, rules of the road, drugs and alcohol (by law at least 25% alcohol/drugs).
Do I need an appointment?
Check the TDOSHS's website: requirements for appointments differ by office and change often. Bring every document on the list above so you don't have to come back.
Source: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, checked 2026-10-27.