Tennessee Driver's License

Class D License

Individuals seeking to legally operate passenger vehicles, such as sedans, pickup trucks, and vans, must obtain this license. Also referred to as a Regular Driver License, it is the most common type issued to Tennessee residents.

For more information on the requirements of the Class D license and how to get it, read the "How to Obtain a Driver's License in Tennessee" section of this guide.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Drivers handling larger and more complex vehicles must obtain a CDL. Tennessee classifies CDLs according to the type of cargo transported and the vehicle's corresponding Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

Exemptions apply to recreational vehicle operators, emergency and firefighting equipment operators, and farm vehicle operators. Active military personnel driving military vehicles are also exempt from additional licensing.

Class A

Drivers who operate vehicles with 26,001 pounds or above in GVWR need a Class A license. This license also applies to operators towing trailers weighing more than 10,001 pounds.

Class B

This classification is for commercial drivers who operate heavy straight vehicles 26,001 and heavier in GVWR. The term also applies to vehicles towing trailers weighing above 10,000 pounds.

Class C

The state issues Class C to drivers transporting dangerous items identified in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Operators driving single or combination vehicles with over 15 passengers also qualify for a Class C CDL.

A valid Class A, B, or C CDL allows drivers to operate a Class D vehicle without needing an additional Regular Driver's License.

Commercial drivers can find more information about CDLs in Tennessee from the official TDOSHS manual.

Motorcycle License

A Class M license allows individuals aged 16 and older in Tennessee to ride motorcycles or motor-driven cycles with engine capacities above 50cc legally. This license can be obtained independently or in addition to a regular license.

In addition to Class M, there are two other motorcycle-related licenses:

Class M-Limited (Motor-Driven Cycle)

This license is for individuals who want to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles with engines under 125 cubic centimeters, including many scooters.

Class P-M License (Motorcycle Learner Permit)

This license is a special permit designed for minors aged 15 who wish to operate a motorcycle. It allows them to practice riding under supervision and with certain restrictions before obtaining a full Class M motorcycle license.

Class P-M is only valid for one year from the date of issuance. Upon turning 16, permit holders can visit a Driver Service Center to exchange it for a Class M license.

Hardship Driver License

Minors aged 14-15 can receive a Class H or XH license, but the state restricts this to cases of family hardship. With this license, teens can drive Class D and Class M vehicles.

Tennessee extends Class H or XH license holders the same privileges granted to teens under the GDL program. However, the license is only valid until the day before a driver's 16th birthday.

Temporary Driver License

The state grants the Temporary Driver License to individuals authorized by the federal government to be in the U.S. for a specified period and purpose. This license allows them to obtain a photo document for driving and identification during their authorized stay.

Requirements

Drivers applying for a license in Tennessee are required to submit the following documents:

• Proof of citizenship: accepted documents include official birth certificate, valid passport, and certificate of naturalization
• Two proofs of residency in the state: accepted documents include bank certificates, utility bills, and mortgage/rental contracts
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN): accepted documents include Social Security Card, form 1099, payroll check stub, W-2
• Lawful Permanent Residency (if applicable): accepted documents include a Permanent Resident Alien Card, travel documents
• Learner's permit (new adult drivers)
• Intermediate unrestricted license (minor drivers)

Only original documents or certified copies will be accepted. Also, note that additional verification can delay the processing of a driver's license.

Application

Applicants can submit all their requirements online to pre-apply. They can use the appropriate online service under the Non-Commercial Driver License category under the e-Services and receive pre-approval for their required documents.

The online pre-application helps applicants confirm they have all the correct documents when visiting a Driver Services Center. Pre-approval of documents can take up to five business days.

Applicants are encouraged to schedule their appointment online and search for the nearest local Driver Services Center. On the scheduled day, the applicants can process their application at their chosen location. They may need to fill out an application form provided by the staff.

Fees

Driver license fees will depend on the license class and renewal period. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and major credit cards.

For non-commercial licenses, the costs are as follows:

• D-Operator License: $26 for eight years ($3.25 per year)
• Learner's Permit (under age 18): $8.50 for one year ($5 per year plus $3.50)
• H-Hardship License: $7 for two years ($3.50 per year)
• M-Motorcycle License: $26 for eight years ($3.25 per year)
• Learner's Permit for Motorcycle (under age 18): $3.50 for one year
• Combination Operator and Motorcycle License: $52 for eight years ($3.25 per year for each component)

The fees for graduated driver's license exchanges are:

• Intermediate Restricted License (under age 18): $22.50 for five years ($3.50 per year plus $5)
• Intermediate Unrestricted License (under age 18): $2 for one year
• Graduating to Class D License (at age 18): $8 until age 21

In addition to the state-mandated fees, county clerk partners levy a $4 administrative fee to cover operational costs for these services. There is also a $2 application fee for non-commercial licenses.

Applicants can check the complete payment matrix for other state-issued licenses.

Testing Requirements

Before being issued a license, drivers must undergo a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a road test. The state conducts these examinations at all Tennessee Driver Service Centers, excluding express service centers. They administer knowledge tests on a first-come, first-served basis and do not allow retakes on the same day.

Vision Screening

A vision screening is mandatory in Tennessee to ensure drivers can see well enough to drive safely before receiving a license or permit.

Applicants must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye individually and in both eyes together, whether they use glasses or contact lenses. If an applicant fails the vision screening, they must have an eye specialist fill out an eye statement for evaluation.

Knowledge Test

Applicants must also take a knowledge test to demonstrate their understanding of safe driving principles. The test covers four key areas, each making up 25% of the exam:

• Rules of the road
• Safe driving principles
• Traffic signs and signals
• Drugs and alcohol

Centers administer the test using computerized machines; sometimes, a written format is available. Applicants with a learning disability or inability to read can schedule oral tests by appointment at selected centers.

Cheating on the exam leads to an automatic failure, and applicants are barred from retaking the test for 30 days. Moreover, applicants must wait at least one day before attempting the knowledge test again at any Driver License Service Center.

Road Test

The road test assesses an applicant's ability to drive safely under various conditions. An examiner will accompany the applicant to evaluate their driving skills, such as following traffic laws, using signals correctly, and responding to road signs and signals.

Some of the key skills tested include:

• Smoothly starting and stopping the vehicle
• Making proper turns
• Following speed limits
• Maintaining a safe following distance
• Performing parking maneuvers, including parallel parking

The road test usually takes place on public roads to simulate real driving situations. Applicants must provide a vehicle in good working condition and proof of insurance.

Due to their time-intensive nature, tests are by appointment only. They do not take place during extreme weather conditions or after dark during the winter months.

Class M Tests

Note that if the individual wishes to get a license to drive motorcycles, they will need a Class M license. Getting the Class M license will require the applicant to take separate motorcycle tests. However, if they complete a Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) course, they will be exempted from the tests. There will still be a pre-trip inspection and a regular vision screening.

Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course in another state or country exempts individuals only from the motorcycle road skills test.

Applicants can study the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is available online and in print. Check the Comprehensive Driver License Manual for more licensing-related information.

Exemptions From Regular Driver License Requirement

The following individuals do not need to possess a Class D license in Tennessee to operate a vehicle legally:

• Students of approved driver training courses or licensed commercial driver training schools, accompanied by instructors
• Operators of road machinery, farm tractors, or implements of husbandry when temporarily driving on a highway
• Non-residents who possess a valid driver's license issued in their state or country of origin
• Foreigners employed in the U.S. who have been driving in the state for less than six months

Individuals Ineligible for a Regular Driver License

In Tennessee, the following individuals are not eligible for a Regular Driver License:

• Individuals with a suspended or revoked license anywhere in the U.S.
• Residents who were requested to provide proof of financial responsibility but have not complied
• Minors who have dropped out of school or are not meeting "satisfactory progress"
• Anyone with a proven history of habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction
• Individuals who are deemed by the Commissioner incapable of safely operating a vehicle due to mental or physical disabilities
• Individuals who are neither U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents

License Renewal

Drivers aged 21 and older must renew their driver's license every eight years from the issuance date. Once the license has expired, driving privileges cease, and penalties may apply akin to those for unlicensed drivers.

TDOSHS sends a renewal notice to drivers licensed in the state approximately eight to ten weeks before their license expires. This notice provides detailed instructions tailored to the driver's license type.

First-time renewals require applicants to visit a Driver Service Center and present proof of citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency.

The notice itself is not required for the renewal process. Individuals can still undergo the process at any center by presenting their current license.

Individuals with a current valid photo license who are not renewing their license for the first time may qualify to renew online using e-Services. Opting for online renewal enables them to receive an updated license while retaining their current photo.

License Replacement

Holders seeking a license replacement can visit a Driver Service Center or access e-Services. A replacement does not affect the expiration date.

Name changes will also require obtaining a replacement license. This process entails presenting their current license and an original or certified copy of a supporting document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order at a Driver Service Center.

The fees for replacing a driver's license in Tennessee depend on whether it's the initial or subsequent duplicates. The fee for the first duplicate of a regular license is $8, while each subsequent duplicate costs $12.