Tennessee teen permit
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.
- 15minimum Level I age
- 180 dayspermit hold
- 50 / 10total / night driving hours
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.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- Tennessee Driver Services — Teen/Graduated Driver License
- Tennessee Driver Services — Adult First-Time Drivers
- Tennessee Driver Services — Knowledge Test Online
- Tennessee Driver Services — Comprehensive Driver License Manual
- Tennessee Driver Services — Locations and Appointments
- Tennessee Driver Services — Driver License Fees
- Tennessee Driver Services — Proof of Tennessee Residency
Independent study resource. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV, DPS, FLHSMV or other government agency. Official state sources control if information changes.