So you're ready to start driving. Having your license opens many doors and allows a freedom you haven't known yet.

You'll hear this time and time again, but it's important to remember: Driving is a privilege, not a right. Remember how many people are trusting you to drive responsibly.

Having said that, let's go over the steps to take in order to get your Tennessee driver license.

Top Before Your Graduated Driver License

Note that the Graduated Driver License Program only applies to teens younger than 18. If you are 18 or older, have already graduated high school, or have your GED, you'll need to refer to our Applying for a New License section.

Under the Graduated Driver License Program, you must obtain your learner permit, your intermediate restricted license, and your intermediate unrestricted license before you can apply for your graduated driver license (GDL), i.e., your regular Class D driver license.

Regardless of the license or permit, when you head to your local driver license station to apply, make sure you have the appropriate fees as well as the required documents:

• Proof of citizenship/residency

• Two proofs of identification

• Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation

• Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Experience

• Proof of any name change (marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)

• State Form SF 1010 completed by your Principal or Counselor to prove school attendance

Along with the Tennessee Driver Handbook, the Department of Safety (DOS) provides the following information and publications regarding all licenses:

• The License Poster

• Graduated Driver License Brochure

• Graduated Driver License FAQs

Below, we have provided a condensed outline of requirements for quick reference.

Top Learner Permit

• You must be at least age 15

• You must pass a knowledge test before you can get your permit

• You may drive only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

• You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least age 21

• Seatbelts are mandatory, and children age three or younger must be in child restraining devices

Note that you must have your learner permit for 180 days before you can apply for your intermediate restricted license. Your learner permit will be extended if you accumulate six or more points during the 180 days before you plan to apply for your intermediate restricted license. You must keep your permit until it your record has been clear for 180 days before you can apply for your license.

Top Intermediate Restricted License

• You must be at least age 16

• You must have had your learner permit for 180 days

• A parent or legal guardian must submit a completed Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Experience

• You must pass a driving skills (on-road) test before you can receive your license

• You may drive only between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver at least age 21

• You must not have more than one person in your vehicle with you, unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least age 21

• Seatbelts are mandatory, and children age three or younger must be child restraining devices

Note that you must have your intermediate restricted license for one year before you can apply for your intermediate unrestricted license. Your intermediate restricted license will be extended for 90 days if you accumulate six or more points or are found to be at fault for a motor vehicle accident.

Top Intermediate Unrestricted License

• You must be at least age 17

• You must have had your intermediate restricted license for one year

• Seatbelts are mandatory, and children three and younger must be in a child restraining devices

Note that you must keep your intermediate unrestricted license until you are 18.

Top Graduated Driver License

Once you have had your learner permit, intermediate restricted license, and intermediate unrestricted license and have turned 18, you'll finally be ready for your GDL, i.e., your regular Class D driver license.

For information about applying for the Class D license, you'll need to refer to our Applying for a New License section.

Top Hardship License

A Class H license, also called a hardship license, is granted to teens between the ages of 14 and 16 in special family hardship circumstances only. The license is only valid for passenger vehicles (Class D) and motorcycles (Class M).

If you think you may be eligible for a hardship license, check out Tennessee's Hardship Driver License/Certificate Policy. The same form can be used to apply for a hardship license.

Top Safety Tips

Ready to start driving? Consider these tips:

Always

• Wear your seat belt. Make your passengers buckle up, too. You're the one driving, right?

• Check your gas, seat adjustment, headrest adjustment, and mirror adjustments, and make sure your windshield is clean.

• Get complete directions when driving to an unfamiliar place.

• Obey the speed limits. Speeding along above the limit doesn't make you look cool. It makes you look as if you have a death wish. And if your neighbors see you? That's right―Mom and Dad could take your license.

• Follow the color rules: Green means go (after you've made sure the intersection is clear), yellow means slow to a stop (it's not your signal to speed up and beat the red light) and red means stop. Period.

• Use turn signals to indicate your intention to turn or to change lanes. Also, check your rearview mirror to make sure the next lane is clear before you move into it.

• Carry a cell phone, calling card, or some extra change for a payphone with you. You never know when you're going to have car trouble or possibly an accident. It's also a good idea to keep some extra gas money stowed away, too.

• Be on the lookout for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.

• Maintain your car. Tires, brakes, oil―everything. (Unless you're an auto whiz, this can probably be left up to Dad or Jiffy Lube.)

• Drive according to weather conditions, use your headlights when necessary, and check your exhaust pipe for snow or mud clogs.

Never

• Try to cram too many people into your vehicle. Sure, your best friend and her two cousins may need a ride to the game, but once you run out of available seatbelts, that's it.

• Blast the radio. You might be dying to jam that new CD, but in the meantime you could also miss hearing a siren or a horn that could warn you of possible danger.

• Talk on the phone, text message, put on makeup, fix your hair, or eat while driving. If it's that important, pull off the road.

• Never, ever, under any circumstances, get into a vehicle with a person who has been drinking or using drugs, or attempt to drive yourself under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Get another sober driver or call your parents.

Lastly, don't drive like you own the road, because you don't. Drive like you own the car. And your life.

Be sure to visit our special Driver Education and Drivers Training sections for more information.

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