1. What is the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?
The minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee is 16 years old.
2. Are there any additional requirements for teens to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, in Tennessee, teens must meet the following additional requirements:
• Be at least 15 years old and have held a learner’s permit for at least 180 days.
• Pass an approved driver education course.
• Pass the written and driving tests administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety.
• Have a valid Certificate of Completion from an approved driver education course, if under age 18.
• Have a valid Social Security number.
• Obtain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License within 30 days of turning 16 years old.
3. What proof of residency is required to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?
In order to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee, applicants must present two documents that prove their legal presence and identity, as well as two documents that prove their Tennessee residency. Examples of acceptable proof of residency documents include utility bills, bank statements, or rental or mortgage agreements.
4. What proof of identity is necessary to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?
In order to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee, applicants must provide proof of identity (e.g., a valid U.S. passport, a valid U.S. birth certificate, or a valid Permanent Resident Card/I-551) as well as proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card). Applicants must also provide two proofs of Tennessee residency (e.g., current utility bill, bank statement, or voter registration card).
5. Is there a vision test requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, there is a vision test requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires applicants for a driver’s license to pass a vision test. The vision test must show that the applicant has at least 20/40 vision in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
6. Is there a written knowledge test required to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, in Tennessee, a written knowledge test is required to obtain a driver’s license.
7. Are there any restrictions placed on young drivers with a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, young drivers with a driver’s license in Tennessee are subject to the state’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. Under the GDL program, young drivers must comply with certain restrictions such as the number of passengers they can transport, nighttime driving hours, and cell phone usage while behind the wheel. Young drivers also face tougher penalties for traffic violations compared to adults. Additionally, all drivers under the age of 18 must complete a learner’s permit process in order to obtain a driver’s license.
8. What type of documentation is necessary to prove legal presence for obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the documentation necessary to prove legal presence for obtaining a driver’s license includes a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), a valid employment authorization document, a certified copy of a birth certificate and two documents that demonstrate Tennessee residency.
9. Is a social security number required to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?
No, a social security number is not required to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee.
10. Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicle that can be legally operated with a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, drivers in Tennessee must have the appropriate class of license for operating certain types of vehicles. To operate a motorcycle, an individual must have a Class M license. To operate a bus, a driver must have a Class B or Class C license, depending on the size of the bus. To operate a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, an individual must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
11. What is the fee associated with obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?
The fee associated with obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee is $28.50.
12. Is there an expiration date for driver’s licenses issued in Tennessee?
Yes. Driver’s licenses issued in Tennessee are valid for five years and must be renewed on or before the expiration date.
13. Is driving school or driver education mandatory to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?
No, driving school or driver education is not mandatory to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee. However, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security does strongly recommend that drivers take a driver education course in order to help them become successful and safe drivers.
14. Are there any medical conditions that would disqualify someone from obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, there are certain medical conditions that would disqualify someone from obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee. These include but are not limited to: physical or mental disabilities, vision impairments, epilepsy, dementia, and cardiac conditions. Additionally, those with certain behavioral disorders or who have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder may also be disqualified from obtaining a license.
15. Are there any hearing or speaking requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires all applicants to pass a vision test and a hearing test. Applicants must be able to hear a forced whisper at five feet or pass a standard hearing test. They must also have normal speaking ability in order to be able to communicate effectively with law enforcement officials and other drivers on the road.
16. Does Tennessee require applicants to pass a road test prior to issuing a driver’s license?
Yes, Tennessee does require applicants to pass a road test prior to issuing a driver’s license.
17. Does Tennessee issue special licenses for driving commercial vehicles or motorbikes?
Yes, Tennessee does issue special licenses for driving commercial vehicles and motorbikes. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is necessary to operate any commercial motor vehicle in the state of Tennessee. To obtain a CDL, an applicant must pass a written examination, a road skills test, and a physical exam. For motorcycles, Tennessee requires applicants to pass a written and a road skills test.
18. Is there an age restriction on when an individual can apply for a commercial driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes, the minimum age to obtain a commercial driver’s license in Tennessee is 21 years old.
19. Does Tennessee offer provisional or temporary licenses for individuals under the age of 18 who are eligible for unsupervised driving with parental permission?
Yes, Tennessee offers provisional licenses for drivers ages 15 to 18. The applicant must have held a learner’s permit for at least six months and must have completed 50 hours of driver education and supervised driving with at least 10 of those hours being nighttime hours, and must have parental permission.
20. Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) accepted as valid identification when applying for a driver’s license in Tennessee?
No, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not accepted as valid identification when applying for a driver’s license in Tennessee. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.