Tennessee Online Driver Education and Tennessee Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Tennessee Learner’s Permit or first Tennessee driver’s license. Tennessee has a Graduated Driver License Program for Tennessee teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Tennessee driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Tennessee Learner Permit or Tennessee Learner’s Permit
When you turn 15, you can finally apply for a Tennessee Learner Permit, otherwise known as a Tennessee Instruction Permit. In order to apply, you need:
Once you’re ready, head on down to your local Tennessee Driver Services Center with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a written exam. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Tennessee Learner Permit, which is valid for 1 year. Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21. Also, you may not drive between the hours of 10PM and 6AM. And of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Tennessee Learner Permit with you at all times.
Once you’ve held your Tennessee Learner Permit for 180 days and have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Tennessee Graduated License Program, the Tennessee Intermediate License.
The Tennessee Provisional License or Tennessee Intermediate License
You can apply for your Tennessee Restricted Intermediate License once you’ve held your Tennessee Learner Permit for 180 days. You’ll need to make sure you follow these requirements:
- Be at least 16
- Hold a Tennessee Learner Permit for 180 days
- No Tennessee traffic violations that add up to more than 6 points on your Tennessee driving record
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice
- At least 10 hours must be at night
- Your parents/guardian, or driving instructor must sign a verification form
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Tennessee Driver Services Center. Be sure to bring your identification documents, including your Tennessee Learner Permit. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Tennessee road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Tennessee Intermediate License.
Tennessee Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are a few restrictions concerning your Tennessee Intermediate License:
- All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
- No more than 1 passenger (unless a licensed driver 21 or older is with you)
- No driving between 11PM and 6AM unless you’re going to/from your job, a school sanctioned activity (which require written permission), or hunting/fishing 4AM-6AM (requires license)
- No using a cell phone (or hand-held device) while driving
After you turn 17 and have had your Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License for 1 year, you graduate to a Tennessee Intermediate Unrestricted License, provided you have no more than 6 points on your Tennessee driving record (or less than 2 safety belt violations) and have not been involved in an at-fault traffic accident.
Once you turn 18, you may finally apply for your Tennessee Regular Driver License. Freedom!
Tennessee Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Tennessee Limited Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Tennessee drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Tennessee mandatory liability insurance, your Tennessee license could be suspended.
Tennessee Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Tennessee teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Tennessee drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Tennessee has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Tennessee DUI or Tennessee DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a Tennessee DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of .08, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail 48 hours to 11 months
- Fine of $350 to $1,500
- Tennessee License Suspension 1 year
- Possible Ignition Interlock Device installation
- Possible Alcohol Safety DUI program
- Possible Community Service
And of course, further Tennessee DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Tennessee license suspension or even Tennessee license revocation.
Currently, Tennessee teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, even with hands-free devices. The fine is $100, as well as possible delay in the Tennessee graduated license process. And all Tennessee drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving. The fine is $50 in addition to court costs.
Tennessee Online Driver Education
Tennessee teen drivers can find more information about approved Tennessee online driver education on the Tennessee Teen Driver Safety website.
