Tennessee Driver Education & Licensing Resources
Find Your TENNESSEE Driving Course
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Why Choose DOT Driving School in Tennessee?
DOT Driving School is your trusted source for Tennessee driving courses, driver education, and free study tools designed to help Tennessee drivers become safer and more confident behind the wheel. Tap any topic to learn more.
We offer a complete selection of online Tennessee teen drivers education, Tennessee adult driver education, defensive driving / traffic school, and other driver improvement courses. Our online courses are recommended for additional practice, skill development, and driver knowledge.
Getting licensed doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. We combine high-quality online education with powerful free study tools. Practice as much as you'd like with our Free Tennessee Permit Practice Test, designed to closely match the Tennessee DOS Driver Services knowledge exam. Build real-world confidence with our Free Driver's License Simulator, where you can practice driving scenarios in a fun, interactive environment. Study Tennessee road signs, review Tennessee traffic laws, and strengthen your driving skills before ever getting behind the wheel.
From teens earning their first learner's permit and adults obtaining a Tennessee driver's license to drivers completing defensive driving or traffic school requirements — or anyone who simply wants to become a safer, more knowledgeable driver — DOT Driving School provides everything you need in one convenient place. Our courses are 100% online, self-paced, affordable, and supported by free study tools that help Tennessee drivers succeed.
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How to Get a Tennessee Driver's License
From your first learner's permit to a full Tennessee driver's license, here's the general path most Tennessee drivers follow. Always verify the latest requirements with Tennessee DSC. Tap any step to expand the details.
At 15, pass the Tennessee knowledge test — 30 questions, 80% to pass (24 correct) — and a vision screening to receive your learner's permit. You may not drive 10 p.m.–6 a.m. A parent or guardian must consent.
Hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months and log 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience — including 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult 21 or older.
After holding your permit for 6 months, pass the driving test to receive your Intermediate Restricted license at 16. You may not drive 11 p.m.–6 a.m. and may carry no more than one passenger (with limited exceptions).
After holding your Intermediate Restricted license for at least 12 months with a clean record (minimum 17) — or at 18 — receive your full, unrestricted Tennessee driver license.
Tennessee Driver's Education Requirements
Tennessee has specific driver education requirements for new drivers. Tap any topic to expand the details.
Tennessee does not require driver education to get a learner's permit, but completing a state-approved course is recommended to build the skills needed to pass the driving test. All permit holders must log 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving — including 10 hours at night — and hold the permit for at least 6 months before the Intermediate Restricted license at 16.
DOT Driving School connects you with recommended Tennessee driver education and behind-the-wheel training courses that help you become a safer driver.
Tennessee Permit Test Requirements
The Tennessee permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Tap any topic to expand the details.
The Tennessee knowledge test has 30 questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving from the Tennessee Driver Handbook. You must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass, plus a vision screening. The test can be taken online or in person.
The learner's permit must be held for at least 6 months before the driving test for an Intermediate Restricted license at 16.
Before your exam, practice with our free Tennessee permit practice test — questions modeled on the Tennessee knowledge exam covering road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules. Take it as many times as you'd like to build confidence before test day.
Start the free practice test →Tennessee Traffic School & Driver Improvement
Tennessee offers a defensive driving course for a point reduction and an insurance discount.
A course that can reduce points on your Tennessee driving record and may earn a safe-driver insurance discount while reinforcing collision-avoidance skills.
A course a Tennessee traffic court may order after a citation to dismiss an eligible ticket or satisfy a court requirement.
Tennessee Licensing Agency
Tennessee driver licensing is administered by Tennessee DSC. Tap any topic to expand the details.
Tennessee driver licensing is administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSC) through its Driver Services division, which issues learner's permits, Intermediate Restricted licenses, and full driver licenses statewide.
Learn about the Tennessee DSC →Tennessee Driver's License FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions about Tennessee learner's permits, driver education, and getting licensed.
You can get a Tennessee learner's permit at 15 by passing the knowledge test and vision screening. A parent or guardian must consent if you are under 18.
No. Driver education is not required, but it is recommended. All permit holders must log 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving (10 at night) and hold the permit for 6 months.
The knowledge test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass.
You must log 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving — including 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult 21 or older, and hold the permit for 6 months.
An Intermediate Restricted license (16) restricts driving 11 p.m.–6 a.m. and limits you to no more than one passenger (with limited exceptions).
A full, unrestricted Tennessee driver license is available at 17 after holding the Intermediate Restricted license for 12 months with a clean record, or at 18.
Disclaimer
Courses identified as “State Approved” are licensed, approved, or accepted by the applicable state agency, as specifically stated on the individual course listing. Not all courses offered through this website are state approved or state required.
DOT Driving School is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the DMV, DOT, FLHSMV, any state driver licensing agency, or any federal, state, county, or local governmental agency, except where a specific course approval or authorization is expressly stated.