Tennessee learner’s permit requirements
Everything here comes from Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Tennessee doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.
Last checked September 22, 2026.
At a glance
- Minimum age
- 15 years
- To pass the knowledge test
- 24 of 30 correct (80%)
- Fees
- $10.50 total
- Supervised driving
- 50 hours (10 at night)
- Where you take the test
- Online or in person
The knowledge test and your permit
- Permit and test fees
- $10.50 totalUnder 18 the Class PD learner permit is $10.50 (adults over 18 pay $5.50); there is no fee for the first test, but a $2 application fee is charged each time you take a test and fail.Sources 123
- Minimum age for a permit
- 15 yearsClass PD learner permit at 15 after passing the written knowledge test and vision screening.Sources 25
From permit to full license
- Learner Permit (PD) at 15: drive only with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat, no driving 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; hold 180 days.
- Intermediate Restricted License at 16 after road test, 180-day permit, 50 hours (10 at night) certified driving experience and clean record; restrictions: one passenger, no driving 11 p.m.-6 a.m. Intermediate Unrestricted at 17 after one year with no violations.
- Regular Class D at 18 (or on high-school graduation/GED).
Before you go
Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division website: tn.gov.