Tennessee learner permit and Class D knowledge test

Tennessee Class D knowledge-test format

For applicants age 15–17, Tennessee's proctored online knowledge test has 30 questions, a 60-minute limit and an 80% passing score; eligible teens may also test at a Driver Services Center. Adult first-time applicants pass the regular Class D knowledge test and vision screening at the center. Study the current Comprehensive Driver License Manual.

Online test for ages 15–17

The applicant uses a computer, laptop or tablet while a parent or legal guardian serves as the approved proctor. Tennessee's current rules state 30 questions, 60 minutes and 80% to pass.

Online retest limits

A failed online test requires a 24-hour wait, and the state limits the online option to two attempts before the applicant must follow the current state testing instructions.

The steps to a Tennessee driver license

Tennessee separates teen Graduated Driver License applicants from adult first-time drivers. Both routes use vision and Class D knowledge testing, but teen permit holding and supervised-practice rules are stricter.

1. Step 1. Study Tennessee's current Comprehensive Driver License Manual and official practice material.
2. Step 2. Complete the application, bring the required citizenship/legal-presence, Social Security and Tennessee-residency documents, then pass the vision and knowledge requirements.
3. Step 3. Practice legally on the learner permit; when eligible, schedule and pass the road skills test at a Driver Services Center.

Before you go: requirements and documents

Citizenship or legal-presence evidence

Use the current Tennessee Driver Services list for the credential you are applying for. Name-change records may be required when your current legal name differs from the source document.

Bring two current Tennessee residency proofs

Tennessee requires two proofs from acceptable sources. Many documents must be current within the state's stated time window, and two items from the same source may not count as two proofs.

Fees

Tennessee publishes a detailed fee table by license class. County Clerk Partners may add a separate administrative charge, so check the location as well as the state fee.

See the full Tennessee fee guide →

Tennessee teen learner permit rules

Tennessee's GDL Level I permit begins at age 15. The permit is the supervised-practice stage before the Intermediate Restricted License.

Level I learner permit restrictions

A licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front seat. The permit holder may not drive from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and seat belts are required.

Requirements before Intermediate Restricted

The teen must be at least 16, hold the permit at least 180 days and document 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, including 10 hours at night.

Minor forms and school-status rules also matter

Teen applicants use the Minor/Teenage Affidavit process and must meet Tennessee's current school-attendance rules in addition to the testing and driving requirements.

Tennessee first driver license for adults

First-time Tennessee applicants age 18 or older use the adult Class D process rather than the teen Graduated Driver License program. They must meet the document, vision, knowledge and road-skills requirements that apply to the transaction.

Prepare documents and study

Complete the application, gather the required identity/legal-status, Social Security and Tennessee-residency evidence, and study the Comprehensive Driver License Manual.

Pass vision and Class D knowledge

Adult first-time drivers complete a standard vision screening and the regular Class D knowledge test. Knowledge-test appointments are available to save time.

Use the permit legally before the road test

Learner-permit practice must be supervised by a driver who holds a valid license and is at least 21. Schedule the road skills test when you are prepared and eligible.

Appointments and office visits

Tennessee offers appointments for many Driver Services transactions, including knowledge tests and license/permit issuance, while walk-ins remain welcome. Road skills tests use a separate non-commercial scheduling flow.

Open the appointment guide →

Tennessee Driver Services Center locations

Tennessee's location finder lets you search by county, ZIP or city and filter for the service you need. Confirm testing availability because full-service, express, partner and kiosk locations offer different transactions.

After the permit: prepare for the road test

Tennessee's non-commercial road skills test is administered at participating Driver Services Centers. Use the official scheduler and location finder because not every service is offered at every site.

Arrive legally if you hold a learner permit

A learner-permit holder must arrive with a licensed driver age 21 or older. Without the required accompanying driver, Tennessee says the test cannot proceed.

Teen road-test eligibility

For the Intermediate Restricted License, the teen must be at least 16, have held the permit 180 days and have the required 50-hour certification before the road test.

Confirm the center offers road testing

Use the state location search and select the service you need. Full-service centers offer testing; express and partner sites may not.

Open the full road-test guide →

Practice for the Tennessee knowledge test

Tennessee missions are not live in Road to Permit yet. For now, use the current Tennessee manual, official practice tests and the free Tennessee guides on this site.

Open Tennessee study guide →

What to study

Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.

1. 1Study from the official Tennessee manual
2. 2Build a complete study plan
3. 3Use official practice tests after reading
4. 4Study signs in the context of the rule
5. 5Include signals and pavement markings
6. 6Check recall with Tennessee's practice tools
7. 7Online test for ages 15–17
8. 8Online retest limits
9. 9Adult first-time testing

Tennessee permit test: questions and answers

Complete Tennessee driver guide

Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.