Tennessee

Tennessee teen driver references

A family-facing reference for Tennessee learner permit, graduated licensing, online knowledge-test preparation, and supervised-practice tracking.

Verify before relying on this information.

The information here is pulled from Tennessee state driver licensing material, but requirements can change without notice. Families should personally confirm current rules, forms, fees, appointment requirements, and log acceptance with Tennessee Driver Services before using this reference for a permit, license, road test, or submitted driving record.

Graduated licensing path

Tennessee drivers under 18 move through a learner permit, Intermediate Restricted License, Intermediate Unrestricted License, and then a regular Class D license.

  • Learner permit applicants must be at least 15 and pass the required written knowledge exam and vision screening.
  • The learner permit must generally be held for 180 days before moving to Intermediate Restricted status.
  • Intermediate Restricted applicants must be at least 16 and certify 50 behind-the-wheel hours, including 10 nighttime hours.
  • Intermediate Unrestricted applicants must generally be at least 17 and hold Intermediate Restricted status for one year.

FirstMiles tracking focus

For Tennessee profiles, FirstMiles should keep the permit issue date, overnight restriction reminders, 50-hour supervised-driving target, 10-hour night target, and parent or guardian certifications visible.

  • Track 50 total behind-the-wheel hours for Intermediate Restricted readiness.
  • Track 10 nighttime hours separately.
  • Show learner permit restrictions: licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat, no 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. driving, and seat belts for driver and passengers.
  • Keep reminders for the Minor/Teenage Affidavit, proof of school attendance/progress, and SF-1256 driving-experience certification.

Test preparation

Tennessee states that permit applicants must pass a written knowledge test on driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs, with a minimum score of 80 percent.

  • Use the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual as the primary study source.
  • Review practice topics such as liability insurance, lane changes, stop lines, night driving, chevrons, stop-sign shape, failed traffic signals, and fog/headlight use.
  • For the online knowledge test, the proctor must be a parent or legal guardian using Tennessee's Proctor ID process.