Types of Driver Licenses

A Class D License is a regular driver license and is required to operate a passenger vehicle.

Click for more information.

NOTE: For teens having completed the requirements for the Intermediate Unrestricted License, congratulations! You're 18 and you may now obtain a Regular Class D Driver License. You can even have the word "Intermediate" removed from your license, although the "Under 21" indicators will remain. Seatbelts are mandatory!

Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills.

Level I

• You must be 15 years old and pass the standard written and visual exams
• You must hold a Learner Permit for 180 days
  
  Restrictions:
  • You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat.
  • You may not drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Passengers 4-17 years of age must wear a seatbelt.

Click for more information.

Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills.

Level II

• You must be 16 years old and pass the driving test.
• You must have held a Learner Permit for 180 days
• You cannot have more than six points on your record during the immediate 180 days preceding your application.
• You must have verification from a parent, legal guardian or driving instructor stating that you have 50 hours (10 hours at night) of driving experience.
  
  Restrictions:
  • you may only have one passenger in the car with you.
  • You may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Passengers 4-17 years of age must wear a seatbelt.

Click for more information.

Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills.

Level III

• You must be 17 years old. No additional tests are required.
• You must have held an Intermediate Restricted License for one year.
• You cannot have accumulated more than six points on your driving record.
• You cannot have two seatbelt violations.
  
  Restrictions:
  • Passengers 4-17 years of age must wear a seatbelt.

Click for more information.

A hardship license (Class H) may be issued to a minor who is 14 years old to operate either a Class D passenger vehicle or Class M motorcycle or both. This license is only issued in cases of family hardship and are limited to specific needs.

Click for more information.

The Temporary Driver License is issued to persons whose presence in the United States has been authorized by the federal government for a specific purpose and for a specific period of time. Qualifying applicants will be issued a photo license document valid for both driving and identification purposes.

Click for more information.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance to federal regulations and standards. A CDL is required for operators of larger or more complex vehicles. These licenses include class A, B or C depending upon the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), and/or what is being transported.  ​

Click for more information.

A Class M motorcycle license allows the holder 16 years of age or older the privilege of operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle over 50cc.

Click for more information.