Reduce TN Crashes
Visit ReduceTNcrashes.org to see all Tennessee traffic safety activities and how your school and community can get involved. Contact info@reducetncrashes.org for more information.
Getting Points is Easy!
1. Activate Your School
Every school year there is another chance for your school to reach the Gold level. Activate your school for the new school year by simply uploading your school logo or even a photo of your students.
2. Complete Activities
Explore the many traffic safety activities on our site and complete them to earn points for your school.
3. Submit Your Activities for Points
Submit pictures and press from your activities to receive points and get your school to the top of the online leaderboard.
About the GDL Program
Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills. By requiring more supervised practice, the State of Tennessee hopes to save lives and prevent tragic injuries. Tennessee’s GDL Program started on July 1, 2001. It places certain restrictions on teens under the age of 18 who have learner permits and driver licenses. The program requires parent/legal guardian involvement, and emphasizes the importance of a good driving record.
The Graduated Driver License law provides for three phases of licensing for teens under 18 years of age:
- Learner Permit
- Intermediate Restricted License
- Intermediate Unrestricted License
The procedures for obtaining a driver license for those under the age of 18 are covered in Section A-3 of the Comprehensive Driver Manual on the State Department of Safety website. Review Section A-3 of the Comprehensive Driver Manual for additional information on the Graduated Driver License Program.
Required Documents
PLEASE NOTE: All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your permit, driver license or identification only license. No photocopies will be accepted!
For a Learner Permit or Intermediate Driver License you will need to bring:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Proof of authorized stay in the United States
- Primary Proof of Identity
- Secondary Proof of Identity
- Proof of any Name Changes if Different than name on Primary ID
- Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current. Must be dated within last 4 months.) These documents can list the parent or guardian (parent's name instead of teen's name) as long as the parent or guardian holds a valid Tennessee Driver License.
- A Social Security Number or sworn affidavit if no Social Security number has been issued.
- Proof of school attendance/progress (SF1010 Form, provided by the school; necessary for Learner Permit only unless student is applying for TN Intermediate Driver License with an out-of-state Learner Permit or Driver License)
- Teenage Affidavit/Financial Responsibility (also available at the Driver Services Center)
- Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience (SF-1256) (also available at the Driver Services Center)
- If you are applying for an Intermediate License with an out-of-state permit, you must also provide a Motor Vehicle Record from the issuing state. See Driver License FAQ #6, Graduated Driver License FAQ #3, and Section A-3, GDL Section, Comprehensive Driver Manual for more information. Visit our Out of State Driver Services page for links to other states' online driver services.
Graduated Driver License Guidelines & Requirements
LEVEL 1
LEARNER PERMIT (PD)
Requirements:- 15 years old
- Vision Exam
- Knowledge Test
- SF-1010 School Form
- Parent Signature
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship/Lawful Permanent Residency
Issued For: 12 months*
Restrictions:
- Accompanied by licensed driver 21+ in front seat
- No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants, and passengers under 18 (child restraint devices for 9 & under)
- All cell phone use prohibited
LEVEL 2
INTERMEDIATE RESTRICTED (IR)*
Requirements:- 16 years old
- Valid PD held for 180 days
- SF-1256 Form certifying 50 hours driving experience (must include 10 hours at night)
- Pass Driving Test
- Cannot have 6 or more points in the last 180 days
Issued For: Until age 21
Restrictions:
- One passenger in car
- No driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants, and passengers under 18 (child restraint devices for 9 & under)
- All cell phone use prohibited
LEVEL 3
INTERMEDIATE UNRESTRICTED (IU)*
Requirements:- 17 years old
- Valid IR for 1 year • Must not have accumulated 6 or more points on driving record, an at-fault accident or a 2nd seat belt conviction. (Note: Conviction of 2nd seat belt violation adds 90 days waiting to the IR. )
Issued For: Until age 21
Restrictions:
- Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants, and passengers under 18 (child restraint devices for 9 & under)
- All cell phone use prohibited
LEVEL 4
REGULAR CLASS D DRIVER LICENSE*
Requirements: 18 years oldIssued For: Until age 21 (“Under 21” indicator will remain)
Restrictions:
- Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants, and passengers under 18 (child restraint devices for 9 & under)
- All cell phone use prohibited
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Additional Resources
Contact: Beth Vernon
- THSO State Coordinator
- Beth.Vernon@tn.gov
- 615.532.9953 (Direct)
- 615.741.2589 (THSO Mainline)
