Restricted driver licenses — Tennessee Permit Test

A restricted license lets a suspended or revoked driver operate a vehicle only for very specific purposes spelled out when the license is issued.

A restricted license is not a free pass. Driving anywhere outside the listed purposes is driving without a license.

The restricted license permits the driver to operate a motor vehicle for very specific purposes that are spelled out when the license is issued.

A restricted license after a DUI is not an option for a driver with a prior DUI or adult driving while impaired conviction within 10 years.

A driver with a recent DUI already had a chance. The law does not hand a restricted license to someone caught again.

DUI or adult driving while impaired within 10 years;

After the first year of a two-year revocation, a driver may apply for a restricted license by installing an ignition interlock device for the rest of the revocation.

The interlock lets a driver get to work again while making sure the car cannot be started after a drink.

After the first year of a two-year revocation, drivers may apply for a restricted driver license if they install an ignition interlock device on the motor vehicle for the remaining period of revocation.

A minor who loses a license over drug- or alcohol-related charges may ask the trial judge for a restricted license to drive to and from school or work.

The restricted license keeps a teen in school and at a job while the rest of their driving stays off-limits.

A minor who loses his/her license because of drug- or alcohol-related charges may apply to the trial judge for a restricted license to operate a motor vehicle to and from the educational institution or to and from work.

A person suspended for failing to satisfy a citation can get a court order that allows driving to and from work only.

Losing a license over an unpaid ticket can cost the job you need to pay it. The order keeps that job within reach.

The order allows the person to drive to and from work only.

What does a restricted driver license allow?

Driving for specific listed purposes. A restricted license is not a free pass. Driving anywhere outside the listed purposes is driving without a license. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.86: “The restricted license permits the driver to operate a motor vehicle for very specific purposes that are spelled out when the license is issued.”