Tennessee Online Driver Education and Tennessee Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Tennessee? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Tennessee has implemented a graduated driver license program for Tennessee drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Tennessee.

Tennessee Learners Permit (aka--Instruction Permit)

When you turn 15, you may apply for a learners permit in Tennessee.

When you're ready to get your learners permit, go down to the local driver's license office with the following paperwork:

• A Minor/Teen-Age Affidavit & Cancellation Form (available from the Tennessee Dept. of Safety website)
• Proof of enrollment in school (again, the form is available on the TN DOS website)
• Valid Forms of ID (for a complete list of acceptable ID's, please visit the TN DOS website)
• Birth certificate (or valid proof of U.S citizenship

You will need to first take a vision screening test and then the written test. Once you pass, you will be issued a learners permit to drive.

Learners Permit--Restrictions:

• You may only drive if there is a licensed 21-year-old driver actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat.
• You may not drive at all between the hours of 10pm and 6am
• Everyone in the car must be wearing seat belts

Tennessee Intermediate License (aka--Provisional License)

You can apply for your intermediate license after you turn 16, provided you meet the following requirements:

• Have held a learners permit for at least 180 days and had no traffic violations which added more than a total of 6 points onto your driving record
• Completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be at night), and have your parents sign your practice verification form (a blank copy is available on the TN DOS website)

When you're ready, call your local driver's license office and make an appointment to take your road test. If you pass, you will be issued an intermediate license.

Intermediate License--Restrictions:

• No cell phone or any other hand-held device may be used while driving
• No more than 1 non-family passenger may ride with you unless there is a licensed 21-year-old driver in the car with you
• No driving between the hours of 11pm and 6am (exceptions are driving to-and-from your job, a school-sponsored activity (make sure you have written permission with you) or if you are going hunting/fishing between the hours of 4am to 6am (you must have your hunting/fishing license with you)

After you turn 17 and have had your intermediate license for 1 year with a clean driving record, you may move up to an intermediate unrestricted license. After you turn 18, you may then apply for your regular driver's license.

Tennessee Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Tennessee is as follows:

• $25,000 bodily injury for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $15,000 for property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Tennessee Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Tennessee, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Tennessee DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 48 hours to 11 months in Jail
• A fine ranging from $350 to $1,500
• 1-year license suspension
• Installment of an ignition interlock device
• Enrollment in an Alcohol Safety/DUI program
• Community Service

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Tennessee Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Tennessee law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones while driving (including "hands-free" ones).

And don't even think about text-messaging while drive! Tennessee law strictly prohibits ALL drivers from reading, composing, and sending text-messages while driving an automobile.

Tennessee Drivers Education

For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in Tennessee, please visit the state's DOS website.