Overview
This manual provides comprehensive guidance on obtaining, renewing, and maintaining a Tennessee driver license, including laws, testing, safe driving practices, and sharing the road. It covers requirements for various license classes, documentation, fees, rules of the road, defensive driving, and special considerations for drivers under 18.
Tennessee Driver License Types and Requirements
- License classes include Class D (standard), M (motorcycle), A/B/C (commercial), H (hardship), and PD (learner permit).
- Applicants must provide proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and citizenship or lawful presence.
- Temporary licenses (TDL) are issued to qualifying non-citizens with proof of legal presence.
- License fees vary by type and are listed for both standard and temporary licenses.
- Military personnel have options for maintaining license validity while on active duty.
Applying for a License
- Original or certified documents are required; no photocopies accepted.
- Minors need a parent or guardian to sign a financial responsibility affidavit.
- Proof of school attendance is required for applicants under 18.
- Residents must notify the Department of Safety within 10 days of address changes.
Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program for Under-18 Drivers
- GDL steps: Learner Permit (age 15), Intermediate Restricted (age 16), Intermediate Unrestricted (age 17), and Regular License (age 18).
- Restrictions include supervised driving, curfews, passenger limits, and mandatory seatbelt use.
- Violations may result in delayed progression or license suspension.
Testing and Examinations
- All applicants must pass vision, knowledge, and, where required, road tests.
- The road test evaluates safe driving, communication, lane usage, and emergency responses.
- Failing the knowledge or driving test requires a waiting period before retesting.
Key Traffic Laws and Safe Driving Principles
- Obey all traffic signals, signs, and road markings; follow rules for right-of-way, turns, and passing.
- Always drive on the right except for passing; know proper lane usage and restrictions.
- Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and during inclement weather.
- Littering, speeding (especially in school/work zones), and distracted driving (including hands-free law) are prohibited.
Defensive Driving and Sharing the Road
- Maintain safe following distances (minimum two seconds, more in poor conditions).
- Always signal lane changes and turns, and check mirrors and blind spots.
- Share the road safely with pedestrians, bikes, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and slow-moving vehicles.
- Yield to emergency vehicles and follow the "Move Over Law".
Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving
- DUI laws apply to alcohol and all impairing substances; penalties are severe.
- Special DUI provisions exist for drivers under 21 and repeat offenders.
- Implied consent law means refusal to test can result in license suspension.
Special Driving Conditions
- Reduce speed and increase caution in poor weather or at night.
- Be aware of risks with high water, flooding, ice, and wind.
- Know how to handle skids, hydroplaning, and emergency stops.
Action Items
- Review and bring all required original documents: Ensure all proofs are ready before visiting a Driver Service Center.
- Minors: Provide school attendance and financial responsibility forms: Required for learners under 18.
- Notify the Department of address changes within 10 days: Maintain current records for correspondence.
- Schedule road test appointments in advance: Some centers require appointments for skills tests.
- Maintain defensive driving habits and safe vehicle operation: Practice regularly, especially for new drivers.
- Comply with REAL ID requirements by May 7, 2025, if necessary: Required for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities.