How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Tennessee?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Tennessee. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Tennessee?

Tennessee intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Tennessee Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Tennessee uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger; family members exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension; 6-point limit on driving record

Tennessee-Specific Information

Permit holders have a curfew of 10 PM to 6 AM (stricter than intermediate). Cell phone ban applies to learner permit and intermediate license holders. Maximum 6 points on driving record before full license. Exceptions to curfew for work and school.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Tennessee gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Tennessee at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Tennessee restricts driving between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Tennessee, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger; family members exempt.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Tennessee at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.