Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?

Residents of Tennessee are not required to take a motorcycle training course to receive a motorcycle license. However, residents who do complete the MREP course are exempt from both the motorcycle knowledge test and road skills test when applying for a motorcycle license. Residents will still have to complete a vision screening.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?

Yes, residents of Tennessee that ride motorcycles are required to wear a helmet, regardless of age. Helmets should be Department of Transportation- (DOT) compliant, with the faceplate allowing riders to see as far on either side as they need to. Residents should also wear jackets and pants that cover both their arms and legs to completely aid in their safety in the event of an accident.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?

No, Tennessee residents may not renew their CDL license online. Drivers who need to renew CDL licenses must visit a local TN Driver Service center and provide several pieces of documentation proving their identities, legal presence, Tennessee residency and Social Security Number. Tennessee DOT mails out renewal notices within six weeks of the license expiration date, with detailed explanations on how to renew the CDL license.

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

Can I take the DMV written test online?

The DMV written test can only be taken in person at a local TN Driver Service center. At this location, you will make appointments at different points in time to take the knowledge exam and (if applying for an intermediate license) and the road skills test. Drivers must also present a number of documents in person, including proof of identity, residency, and a signed Minor/Teenage Affidavit.

For more information: Tennessee DMV Practice Test

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?

Yes, residents in Tennessee must be at least 18 to receive a CDL license. Residents must also meet the requirements for a class D license before being able to receive a CDL license. Additionally, all Tennessee residents who wish to obtain a CDL license must first hold a commercial drivers license instruction permit.

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?

Yes, residents of Tennessee do need a license to ride a scooter. The motor-driven cycle license (Class M-limited) is necessary to ride scooters no more than 125 cubic centimeters. Limited class-M motorcycle licenses can be issued to individuals 15 and older. For residents who are 15, the license is only valid between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. within a seven-mile radius of the rider s home. Minors over 16 are restricted at the local DMV s discretion.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?

Tennessee residents applying for a learners permit are not required to take a driver s education course to receive their full license. However, residents with a learners permit are required to have 50 hours of driving experience. Residents must have the Certificate of 50 hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience form signed by a parent, guardian or driving instructor. Additionally, minors who accrue six or more points on their record within a year must take a driver s education course.

For more information: Driving School

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?

Tennessee residents who are also military veterans may now get a veteran designation on their ID cards. To receive a veteran designation, residents must visit a local TN Driver Service center and present officials with an original or certified copy of their Department of Defense form 214 (DD-214) discharge papers. Veterans can get a duplicate ID card with the veteran designation for a fee of $8 (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?

Residents of Tennessee must apply for commercial drivers licenses in person at a local TN Driver Service center. At the driver service center, residents are required to provide a number of documents as well as their fingerprints if applying for a Hazardous Materials endorsement. In addition, drivers will be required to take the CDL license general knowledge test as well as a CDL license skills test.

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?

Tennessee residents who need to obtain a learners permit must be at least 15 years old. Learners permit applications can be submitted at a local TN Driver Service center. Additionally, residents must pass a vision screening and the Class D knowledge exam. Tennessee residents under 18 must also have a parent or legal guardian appear with them at the DMV office to sign the Minor/Teenage Affidavit. Additionally, minors must have their school sign a Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance affirming that they are enrolled in high school. School attendance forms are valid for 30 days from the date of signature.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Tennessee

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?

Tennessee residents who would like to apply for a motorcycle license may do so at a local TN Driver Service center. At the driver service center, residents may take the required knowledge test and road skills test. Residents who already possess a Tennessee driver s license and have completed the Tennessee Certified Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) are exempt from the knowledge and road skills tests. MREP courses must have been completed within three years of applying for a motorcycle license. Residents must also submit to a vision screening as part of the motorcycle drivers license application process.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

How do I get a duplicate ID card?

Residents of Tennessee who need to replace ID cards that have been lost, stolen or damaged must visit a local TN Driver Service center. Residents with digitized photo ID cards may also apply online. Residents will need to provide proof of identity, Social Security Number as well as an original or certified copy of their birth certificates. Additionally, residents must provide proof of Tennessee residency and the ID card replacement fee (fees vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?

Learners permits issued to Tennessee residents are typically good for one year, at which point a driver can renew or graduate to an intermediate license if they have met the minimum requirements. Drivers will receive a renewal notice within 10 weeks of the expiration date with instructions on how to renew licenses and permits. Learners permits and intermediate license renewals must be conducted in person at a local TN Driver Service center.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Tennessee

How do I renew my ID card?

Residents in Tennessee who would like to renew ID cards can do so by visiting a local TN Driver Service center. Residents over 65 do not have to renew their ID cards. Residents who are applying for ID card renewal must bring two forms of identification with them, with one of them being a primary identification. Residents must also provide proof of Social Security Number or sworn Social Security Number Affidavit (if no Social Security Number). In addition, residents must provide proof of Tennessee residency and the ID card renewal fee (fees vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?

Residents of Tennessee who hold commercial drivers licenses must keep the DOT updated on their medical certification status. When a driver s medical examiner certificate is set to expire, drivers must have a new medical exam and receive a new medical certificate from the examiner. Drivers must then provide the Department of Transportation with a copy of the new certificate.

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?

Residents of Tennessee who hold a class M motorcycle license will be sent a renewal notice from the Tennessee DMV within six weeks of the expiration date. Renewal notices give full instructions on how to renew motorcycle licenses, as well as the information necessary to renew. Residents may renew motorcycle licenses online, by mail or in person at a local TN Driver Service center. Drivers may not renew motorcycle licenses online if they renewed online during their last expiration period, if they have a commercial driver s license or their license expired over five years ago. To renew by mail, send the renewal notice and fees to:

Tennessee Department of Safety

Cashier’s Office

P.O. Box 560

Nashville, TN 37249-1000.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?

Residents of Tennessee who are active military members and would like to receive a motorcycle license can apply for one at a local TN Driver Service center. Military members stationed out of state may be eligible for a Code 30 designation on their license as well, which indicates the license does not expire. To receive a Code 30 designation, military members should visit a service center and provide them with the following documentation:

Notarized copy of military ID (front and back)
Copy of military orders showing stationed base outside of Tennessee

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?

Tennessee residents who have obtained a learners permit and are under 18 must carry the driving permit for at least 180 days before applying to receive an intermediate license. Intermediate licenses can be obtained by residents 16 and over. Residents who have accumulated six or more demerit points on their license before the required 180 days are up must wait until their record has been violation-free for 180 days before applying for an intermediate license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Tennessee

How long will it take to get my new ID card?

Residents applying in person at a local TN Driver Service center will receive their ID cards at the drivers license office center. Residents applying for ID card renewal or ID card replacement online will receive their ID cards within three weeks.

For more information: Apply ID Cards

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?

Residents of Tennessee with commercial drivers licenses will receive a renewal notice from the DOT approximately six weeks prior to the CDL license expiration date. CDL licenses must be renewed in person at a local TN Driver Service center. Drivers must bring their current CDL license, identification documentation and the renewal notice. Additionally, drivers should bring the CDL license renewal fee (fees vary).

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?

Currently, Tennessee residents who have been issued non-digitized ID cards can only replace them by visiting a local TN Driver Service center. For more information on replacing non-digitized ID cards, call the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-5166.

Tennessee residents who have lost a digitized photo ID card while out of state may apply for ID card replacements online. Residents will be asked to provide proof of identity, Social Security and Tennessee residence. Residents will also have to pay the ID card replacement fee (fees vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?

To receive a motorcycle license, residents must be 15 years old or older. Minors who are 15 are eligible for a motorcycle learner permit provided the following holds true:

Cylinder size of motorcycle must not be larger than 650cc
No passengers
Operate during daylight only
Maximum twenty mile radius of home

At 16, drivers with a motorcycle learner permit may return to a local TN Driver Service center to receive a full motorcycle driving license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

What are the available commercial license endorsements?

Residents of Tennessee who hold a CDL license may apply for a number of endorsements to accompany their CDL license. Possible endorsements include:

Double and triple trailers
Passengers
Tank vehicles
Hazardous materials
School buses

Each of the endorsements requires a test to have the endorsement placed on the CDL license.

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?

Depending on the age of the ID card applicant, Tennessee residents will pay different fees. ID card applicants under 18 must pay $5, while ID card applicants over 18 must pay $9.50. ID card renewal fees are $1.50.

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?

Drivers in Tennessee with a learners permit have a number of restrictions for day-to-day driving. Minors holding a learners permit cannot operate a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, drivers with learners permits must be accompanied by a licensed driver over 21, and all individuals under 18 must be wearing a seatbelt.

For more information: Learners Permit for Beginner Drivers

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?

Residents of Tennessee applying for a commercial drivers license must meet a few medical certification requirements before receiving a CDL license. The requirements are based on whether or not the resident will be driving interstate or intrastate, as well as whether or not the driver is exempt from medical certification requirements due to the type of driving they will do. Drivers who are interstate non-excepted or intrastate non-excepted must meet the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card requirements.

To self-certify for CDL license medical certifications, fill out the Supplemental Application for Commercial Drivers License according to the self-certification instructions. Then mail the form along with a copy of the resident s medical examiner certificate to the following address:

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Commercial Driver License Division

1148 Foster Avenue

Nashville, TN 37243

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?

Drivers younger than 18 who carry learners permit will receive greater penalties than drivers 18 and older. Learner s permit drivers are not allowed to operate a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and must have a licensed driver over 21 in the car with them at all times.

Minors who get tickets face added restrictions based on the offense and the amount of points assessed to the driver s license because of it. Learner s permit drivers with six or more points in the space of 180 days must wait until their record has been cleared for 180 days before applying for an intermediate restricted license. Also, drivers less than 18 who have received six or more points on their license in the space of 12 months will have their licenses suspended pending an administrative hearing.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Tennessee

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?

Residents of Tennessee who own a three-wheel motorcycle must go through the same application process as with a two-wheel motorcycle. During the road skills test portion of the motorcycle license application process, the resident will have to pass while using a three-wheel motorcycle if that is the type of vehicle they will be operating.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?

Residents of Tennessee who would like to obtain a learners permit must provide the following documents when applying at a local TN Driver Service center:

Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or proof of authorization to stay in U.S.
Two proofs of identity (one primary, one secondary)
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Two proofs of Tennessee residency
Social Security Number (or sworn SSN Affidavit)
Proof of school attendance and progress (if applicable)
Minor/Teenage Affidavit signed by parent or guardian
Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience form

Residents can apply for a learners permit at any full-service local TN Driver Service center.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Tennessee

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?

Tennessee residents who would like to apply for a motorcycle license must provide copies of a few documents when visiting a local TN Driver Service center. Documents include:

Proof of U.S. citizenship (if not a U.S. resident, proof of lawful permanent resident status or other proof of legal authorization to stay in U.S.)
Two proofs of identity
Two proofs of Tennessee residency
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Social Security number or sworn Social Security affidavit (if no Social Security number)

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Residents under 18 without a class D driver s license must also provide proof of school attendance/progress, as well as the Minor/Teenage Affidavit.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?

Residents of Tennessee who are applying for a motorcycle license mist pass both a general knowledge test and road skills test. Residents of Tennessee who have taken an MREP course are exempt from taking these exams. Exempt residents must still pass a vision screening.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?

CDL license holders found to be operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with any amount of alcohol in their system below 0.4 percent BAC will be jailed for 24 hours. Drivers found with anything above 0.4 percent BAC will have their CDL license suspended for a year for a first offense. Drivers will lose CDL license driving privileges for three years if they are transporting hazardous materials with alcohol in their systems. Drivers will lose their CDL license for life for a second offense.

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

What is an ID card?

ID cards in Tennessee are to residents for identification purposes only. Residents are not required to take any tests, but they are required to provide documentation to prove their identities, Social Security Numbers and residency. There are two different types of identification cards available to Tennessee residents: expiring identification cards and permanent identification cards. Expiring identification cards are provided to all residents who do not currently have a valid drivers license. Permanent identification cards are issued to mentally or physically disabled individuals.

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?

Tennessee residents applying for a learners permit must take a Class D knowledge exam. To pass the exam, residents must achieve a score of 80% or higher. Drivers applying for an intermediate license must also pass a road skills test. To find out the passing score for the road skills test, ask an official upon visiting a local TN Driver Service center.

For more information: Tennessee DMV Practice Test

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?

One of the requirements when applying for a learners permit is to pass the Class D knowledge exam. Additionally, when moving from the learners permit to the intermediate license, residents must pass the road skills test as well.

For more information: Tennessee DMV Practice Test

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?

Residents of Tennessee holding CDL licenses have to take a number of tests depending on what type of endorsements they wish to receive on their CDL licenses. Commercial drivers license applicants must initially take the CDL license knowledge test as well as the CDL license skills test. Additionally, drivers must take the following tests corresponding to CDL license endorsements:

Double and triple trailers: knowledge test
Passenger: knowledge and skills tests
Tank vehicle: knowledge test
Hazardous materials: knowledge test
School bus: knowledge and skills tests

For more information: CDL Commercial Drivers License Application

When does my ID card expire?

Depending on Tennessee resident s age and disability status, they may have expiring identification cards or permanent identification cards. Residents aged 65 years or older do not have to renew ID cards. Likewise, mentally and/or physically disabled residents are issued permanent identification cards which do not expire. Otherwise, expiring identification cards are typically valid for five years from the issue date and expire on the resident s birthday.

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?

Residents of Tennessee looking to apply for ID cards can do so by visiting a local TN Driver Service center. At the service center, residents will be required to provide multiple documents to prove identity, citizenship (or legal resident status), name change (if applicable), Tennessee residency and Social Security Number. In addition, residents must pay the ID card fee (fees vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Tennessee Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?

Residents of Tennessee less than 18 must get permission before receiving a permit for driving. To satisfy this requirement, minors must have a parent or guardian accompany them to a local TN Driver Service center to sign the Minor/Teenage Affidavit. Guardians must provide proof of legal guardianship at the time of signature.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Tennessee