Tennessee DMV practice test (2026)

Tennessee permit test: key facts

Minimum age for a learner permit

At least 15 years old

“Level 1 LEARNER PERMIT CLASS PD Requirements: Must be 15 years old” — Tennessee driver handbook, page 34

How long to hold the permit (drivers under 18)

180 days

“You must hold a learner permit for 180 days in order to move to the Intermediate Restricted License step.” — Tennessee driver handbook, page 28

Supervised practice hours (drivers under 18)

Fifty hours, including ten hours at night

“You must have verification from a parent, legal guardian or licensed driving instructor stating you have completed fifty hours (ten hours at night) of driving experience.” — Tennessee driver handbook, page 28

Who must ride with a permit holder

A licensed driver age 21 or older in the vehicle with them in the front seat

“When driving, permit holders must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the vehicle with them in the front seat.” — Tennessee driver handbook, page 33

If you fail the knowledge test

Wait a minimum of one day before returning to attempt the knowledge examination again

“All applicants will be required to wait a minimum of one day before returning to any Driver License Service Center to attempt the knowledge examination again.” — Tennessee driver handbook, page 36

Copied from the handbook with the page; rules change, so check the current edition or your DMV before the test.