Teaching new drivers — Tennessee Permit Test

Drivers under 18 must hold a learner permit for 180 days and qualify under the GDL program before they can be road tested.

The permit period is when a new driver gets supervised practice. Skipping ahead puts someone on the road alone without it.

People under the age of eighteen (18) must have a learner permit for 180 days and qualify under the GDL program before they can be road tested.

Tennessee's GDL program requires minors to drive 50 hours before moving up to the Intermediate license.

New drivers crash most in their first year alone. The practice hours build skill while an adult is still in the seat beside them.

Tennessee’s GDL program requires a specific number of hours (50) be driven by minors prior to being eligible to move up to the Intermediate license level.

A new driver's first practice sessions should be in a large, deserted parking lot, away from traffic.

A beginner may still mix up the pedals. An empty lot gives room to learn the controls without other cars to hit.

A large deserted parking lot is ideal for these initial sessions because it allows the beginner to concentrate fully on the feel of the controls and the response of the car.

All applicants must understand and speak enough English to communicate safely with the examiner before a road test can be given.

The examiner gives spoken directions such as turn left or slow down. A driver who cannot follow them cannot be tested safely.

All applicants must understand and speak enough English to safely communicate with the examiner before a road test can be administered.

How long must a driver under 18 hold a learner permit before taking the road test?

180 days. The permit period is when a new driver gets supervised practice. Skipping ahead puts someone on the road alone without it. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.116: “People under the age of eighteen (18) must have a learner permit for 180 days and qualify under the GDL program before they can be road tested.”