Yes, if you are 15 to 17: the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security lets teens take the Tennessee permit test online at home, with a parent or legal guardian acting as proctor. Adults 18 and older take the knowledge test at a Driver Services Center. Passing online does not give you the permit by itself. You still visit a Driver Services Center for the vision screening and your documents.
Can you take the Tennessee permit test online?
- Age: the TN permit test online is open to applicants at least 15 and no older than 17, according to tn.gov/safety.
- Proctor: a parent or legal guardian must register you and proctor the test. One parent can proctor up to five applicants.
- Adults 18 and older: the official test is in person. Online practice tests are available to everyone.
- Language: English or Spanish.
The online test is the same standard: 30 questions, 60 minutes, and you need at least 80% to pass, which means 24 correct.
How the online test works
- The parent or guardian registers you for the online knowledge test through the state's IDEMIA testing site, linked from tn.gov/safety.
- The parent downloads the Tennessee Proctor ID app on their own phone or tablet. Do not put it on your device. iPhones need an iPhone 6 (iOS 13.1) or newer.
- The parent scans the QR code on the test screen with the app to start the test.
- You take the test on a computer, laptop or tablet using the latest Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox. Cell phones are not allowed for testing.
- At the 30-minute mark, the parent completes a mid-test check in the app. Missing it is an automatic failure.
- When you finish, click "Show Test Receipt" and print it. Results are also emailed, so make sure the registered email address is right.
This is where the "tn permit test online qr code" searches come from: the QR code is scanned by the parent's Proctor ID app, both to start the test and to resume one that was interrupted. Install and sign in to the app before test day.
The Department of Safety does not list a separate fee for the online test on its pages.
Rules that get people failed
The tn.gov online knowledge test page lists these rules:
- Stay on the test screen at all times. Navigating away from the test window is an automatic failure.
- No electronic or recording devices in your possession. Put your phone in another room.
- No notes or written reference material, including the driver manual.
- Do not ask anyone for help with questions, including the parent proctor.
- The parent must complete the 30-minute mid-test authentication.
- If a network problem or power outage lasts more than 60 minutes, the test is an automatic failure.
Read the Testing Rules on the test portal too. In our experience, teens rarely fail because they do not know the material. They fail because they glanced at a phone or clicked away from the window.
Retakes
If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before retesting, and you can take the online knowledge test no more than two times. After that, take it in person. The department may also ask any applicant to retake the test at a Driver Services Center.
Online vs in person
| Online at home | At a Driver Services Center | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Ages 15 to 17 with a parent or guardian proctor | Anyone applying |
| Device | Computer, laptop or tablet, no cell phones | Center equipment |
| Test | 30 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass | Knowledge test from the same manual |
| Tries | Two online, 24 hours apart | Walk-ins welcome, or book an appointment |
| Permit | Visit a center afterward | Same visit |
What to do after you pass
- Keep the printed receipt or the emailed confirmation.
- Apply online and get your documents pre-approved if you want a faster visit. Allow up to five business days.
- Visit a Driver Services Center with original or certified documents. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Bring a parent or guardian, the signed minor/teenage affidavit and proof of school attendance.
- Pass the vision screening and pay the fee. The learner permit is $10.50 for applicants under 18, and county clerk partners may add a $4 fee.
- Hold the permit at least 180 days. Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older, and not between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
FAQ
Can you take the permit test online at home in Tennessee?
Yes, if you are 15 to 17 and a parent or legal guardian registers you and proctors the test. Adults test in person.
What is the QR code for the TN permit test online?
The parent scans a QR code on the test screen with the Tennessee Proctor ID app to start the test and to resume it after an interruption.
Who can be the proctor for the TN permit test?
Only the applicant's parent or legal guardian. One parent can proctor up to five applicants.
How many times can you take the Tennessee permit test online?
Two times. You must wait 24 hours after a failed attempt, and after two tries you test at a Driver Services Center.
