Tennessee Online Permit Test at Home: Rules for Teens 15 to 17

Who can take the Tennessee knowledge test online?

Only applicants who are at least 15 years old and no older than 17. The online test is the knowledge test for the learner permit, the first step of Tennessee's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. Teens 15 to 17 can take it online at home or at a Driver Services Center, where walk-ins are welcome for all visits. If you are 18 or older, the online test is not open to you: you take the knowledge test at a Driver Services Center.

Who can proctor, and what device do you need?

• The proctor must be your parent or legal guardian.
• The proctor installs the Tennessee Proctor ID app on the proctor's own compatible phone or tablet and registers as a proctor. Do not download the app on the applicant's device.
• An iPhone proctor needs an iPhone 6 (iOS 13.1) or newer.
• You take the test on a computer, laptop or tablet, in the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.

1. 1
   Set up the proctor app

   Your parent or legal guardian downloads the Tennessee Proctor ID app on their own phone or tablet and registers as a proctor.

2. 2
   Open the testing site and check the email address

   Use the test link on the TDOSHS online test page to go to the IDEMIA Testing Site. Make sure the registered email address is correct, because the result goes to that address when you finish.

3. 3
   Take the test on a computer, laptop or tablet

   You have 60 minutes for the 30 questions. Keep the test window open from start to finish.

4. 4
   Scan the QR code at the 30-minute mark

   Your parent or legal guardian must complete mid-test authentication by scanning the QR code with the app. If you finish, pass or fail, within 30 minutes, no scan is needed.

5. 5
   Print your test receipt

   Click "Show Test Receipt" and print the receipt. If you cannot print it, the passing confirmation is emailed to the registered account.

What is not allowed, and what fails you automatically

• Leaving the test window is an automatic fail. Stay on the test screen at all times.
• A missed QR scan at the 30-minute mark is an automatic fail.
• You may not ask anyone for help with the test questions.
• You may not have notes or written reference material.
• You may not have an electronic or recording device in your possession.

How many times can you take the online test?

A maximum of two times. After a fail, you must wait at least one day (24 hours) before you try again. The same 1-day wait applies at a Driver Services Center, where no test may be repeated on the same day. A 2022 TDOSHS news release says that if you fail twice online, you must go to a Driver Services Center for future testing. You can check the wait rule with this free question on the wait after a failed knowledge test.

1. 1
   Pre-approve your documents online if you want

   Allow up to five business days for TDOSHS to pre-approve them. The Tennessee driver license documents guide lists what to gather.

2. 2
   Visit a Driver Services Center

   At the in-person visit, you take the knowledge test only if you did not pass it online. TDOSHS may still ask you to retake it at the center, even after an online pass.

3. 3
   Bring original documents

   Bring original documents or certified copies, even if they were pre-approved online. Photocopies are not accepted.

4. 4
   Bring a parent or legal guardian

   Under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the minor/teenage affidavit and financial responsibility form (insurance card). If your last names are different, the adult must bring a document that shows the relationship, for example adoption papers.

5. 5
   Show proof of school attendance

   Bring proof from a current Tennessee school, or a letter from your previous state's school that confirms your attendance.

6. 6
   Pass the vision screening and pay the fee

   The learner permit for applicants under 18 costs $10.50 (U.S. dollars) in total, as of 2026: $8.50 for the permit plus a $2.00 application fee.

Learner permit rules to follow once you have the permit

• Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older who rides in the front seat. You can check this rule with the question about who can ride with a learner permit driver.
• Do not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The driver and all passengers must wear a safety belt.
• Do not use a cell phone while driving. Tennessee law bans it for learner permit and intermediate license holders.
• Hold the permit for 180 days before you move to the Intermediate Restricted License step. The Tennessee learner permit guide explains each permit rule in full.
• For that next step, you also need 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, including 10 hours at night, and a Road Skills Test at a Driver Services Center.

Tennessee online permit test: common questions