Free Tennessee permit practice tests with 75 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official Tennessee driver handbook. The official Tennessee written knowledge test has 30 questions and requires 80% to pass (60-minute limit).
About the Tennessee written test
Knowledge (written) test: 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, covering four areas — traffic signs, rules of the road, drugs/alcohol, and safe driving. Passing score is 24 correct (80%), with a 60-minute time limit. A learner-permit knowledge test can be taken online for eligible applicants.
Vision screening: Required at application.
Road (skills) test: Required to advance from the Level 1 learner permit to the Level 2 Intermediate Restricted License at age 16 (after the 180-day hold). During the test the applicant must be accompanied to the Driver Services Center by a licensed driver age 21+. The test evaluates vehicle control, turns, intersections, backing, lane use, and observation.
Getting licensed in Tennessee
GDL Level 1 — Learner Permit: Available at age 15. The applicant must pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test. The permit holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older (seated in the front passenger seat) and may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The permit must be held at least 180 days before advancing, and the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.
GDL Level 2 — Intermediate Restricted License: Available at age 16, after (1) holding the learner permit for at least 180 days, (2) certifying 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice including 10 hours at night (form signed by a parent, legal guardian, or driving instructor), (3) accumulating no more than 6 points on the driving record in the 180 days immediately preceding the application, and (4) passing the road skills test. Restrictions: no more than one passenger in the vehicle, and no driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
GDL Level 3 — Intermediate Unrestricted License: Available at age 17, after holding the Level 2 license for one year with a clean-enough record — specifically the driver must have no more than 6 points (or must hold the restricted license an additional 90 days), no at-fault traffic accidents, and no more than 2 seat-belt violations. No additional test is required; the passenger and night restrictions are lifted, but the "Under 21" indicator remains on the license.
Regular Class D License: Available at age 18, or upon high school graduation/GED (whichever comes first). The word "Intermediate" is removed; the "Under 21" indicator remains until the driver turns 21.
Tennessee written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age to apply for a Tennessee learner permit (GDL Level 1)?
15.
How long must you hold the learner permit before advancing to the Intermediate Restricted License?
At least 180 days.
How many hours of behind-the-wheel practice must be certified before Level 2, and how many at night?
50 hours, including 10 at night.
With a Level 1 learner permit, who must accompany you and where?
A licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
During what hours may a Level 1 learner-permit holder NOT drive?
10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
How many passengers may a Level 2 Intermediate Restricted License holder carry?
No more than one.
What is the night-driving curfew for a Level 2 Intermediate Restricted License?
11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Besides holding Level 2 for a year, what record conditions are needed to reach Level 3?
No more than 6 points, no at-fault accidents, and no more than 2 seat-belt violations.